Super cars and travel Bicycles are built for very different purposes, but no one bothers to tell KTM that. They just brought the SMT (Supermoto Touring) designation back to their lineup, in the form of the new KTM 890 SMT.
It’s been a decade since the KTM 990 SMT was dropped from KTM’s product line. A bike that is capable, if odd looking, that it’s actually a big version of the 990 SMR. The idea is to combine the performance and agility of a supercarwith the comfort and range of a touring bike.
The KTM 890 SMT follows exactly that formula, with a sharper look and less frills than its predecessor. By the standards of most modern KTMs, it’s still ugly but in an appealing alien mechanical fashion.
At a glance, the KTM 890 SMT sits between the Austrian brand’s 890 Adventure R and the 890 Duke R. Visually, it leans towards the older model, albeit in a more geared package. 15.8 liters [4.17 gal] The fuel tank is reduced, while the 860 mm high saddle has similar contours to that of the 890 Adventure R, tweaked to suit the intended use of the SMT.
The SMT has the same LED headlights as the 890 Adventure R, with a short windshield and ‘dual’ front fenders; the front half is a highly mounted thing, with the stout rear mounted near the wheel.
KTM also claims that the 890 SMT’s chassis is similar to that of the 890 Adventure R, but with a “tighter shape”. Tweaks include a longer swingarm and a revised rear suspension angle, all aimed at putting the rider in a more aggressive riding position.
The SMT is clearly more squat than its dual-sport sibling, with significantly less damping travel. WP APEX suspension components are located at both ends, providing 180 mm of travel, front and rear. The SMT uses the same 17-inch alloy wheels as the 890 Duke R, with Michelin PowerGP tires fitted as standard. Double disc brake 320 mm front, 300 mm rear disc.
Powering the SMT is KTM’s LC8c 889 cc parallel twin engine, which has a unique tone. The numbers come in at 105 hp at 8,000 rpm, with 100 Nm of torque on hand.
There’s a full range of electronic aids, including switchable rider modes, customizable ‘follow’ mode, cornering ABS and traction control, plus ‘ABS supermoto’ settings ‘ special. The cockpit has a TFT display and the steering wheel can be adjusted to six different positions.
Optional extras include heated grips, the ‘Engine slip adjustment’ software add-on, quick-shifter and cruise control. Plus, KTM is sure to have a ton of eye-catching accessories (and outfits) in their catalog.
To launch the SMT, KTM handed it over to former AMA Superbike and Supermoto racer and Pikes Peak Hillclimb winner Chris Fillmore, who dropped it during a hike in Sardinia. KTM says this is why they created 890 SMT; railing corners, but can also cover the distance between them.
We sure tickle. The KTM 890 Duke R offers a lot of fun to ride—but it’s also incredibly focused, which makes for larger riders or for long days in the saddle. The 890 Adventure R adds off-road capability, but not everyone needs or wants that.
The SMT sits neatly in the middle, as an alpine weapon that is sure to make a big splash in Europe, where most of the equestrian action takes place on well-maintained runways. North America doesn’t need to sign up yet, though — KTM says the 890 SMT won’t be available there this year.
Image courtesy of KTM
