KTM announces learner legal supermoto offering for 2025
Despite its well-publicised financial troubles, KTM continues to produce some compelling motorcycles. The latest to join the ranks is a long-awaited learner-friendly Supermoto from the Austrian brand. Meet the new KTM 390 SMC R!
Now, with the wider KTM group being one of the stalwarts of the supermoto class, it is somewhat of a wonder that it has taken until 2025 for them to introduce an attainable entry point to their road-legal supermoto offerings from KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas. The 390 SMC R finally brings Team Tangerine into the market to go head-to-head with Suzuki's new DRZ4SM.
Alongside the 390 SMC R, KTM is also launching a 125 version overseas, however, it is highly unlikely this version will ever make its way to New Zealand due to our licencing laws effectively making sub 300cc motorcycles largely irrelevant here.
Powering the new 390 SMC R is KTM's LC4c (c for compact) engine which debuted recently with the updated Duke range. Boasting 10,000km service intervals, the LC4c puts down a claimed 33kW of peak power with 39Nm of torque which is transferred to the rear wheel via a 6-speed gearbox.
Along with the obligatory long travel suspension and 17-inch wheels expected from a supermoto, KTM has given the 390 SMC R a new 2-piece steel trellis frame design based on the Gen 3 platform shared with the smaller-capacity DUKE models. The SMC R, however, features a different steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts, and rigidity profile, specifically engineered for use off-road, with improved handling, control and stability. The new frame is also designed for greater clearance for the radiator package, with the footpeg location being optimized to fit better the riding style and requirements for aggressive supermoto-style riding according to KTM.
Tech wise the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R features two selectable Ride Modes. The default setting is STREET, with a SPORT Mode where Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) can also be turned off completely. A cool new memory feature for 2025 is that the SMC R will remember your selected Ride Mode when the motorcycle is turned off and will retain this mode once started up.
All SMC R models are fitted with dual-channel ABS, this is thanks to the Bosch 10.3MB Modulator. If a rider selects SPORT Mode, he or she can choose between Road, Supermoto or Supermoto+ ABS modes.
Speaking of selections, this is all controlled through a new TFT dash with a unique UI specially designed for the compact screen size.
All new generation SMC R models will also be equipped with connectivity functions, such as a music player via the KTM Connect App, the ability to answer incoming calls, and turn-by-turn navigation.
The new dashboard is supported by completely redesigned switch cubes featuring a 4-way Joystick with optimised ergonomics and Illuminated switches. These allow riders to control various functions of the motorcycle, such as lights, indicators, and Ride Modes, and of course, interact with different connectivity features.
With a dry weight of just 154kg and KTM's nohow on how to have the most fun on two wheels, the 390 SMC R is sure to be brilliant fun when it arrives in Kiwi dealerships.
KTM New Zealand is yet to announce pricing or expected arrival dates for the 390 SMC R at the time of writing.
