Do not name it a comeback: The 2023 KTM 890 SMT breaks cowl

Supermotos and touring bikes are constructed for very totally different functions, however no-one bothered telling KTM that. They’ve simply introduced the SMT (Supermoto Touring) designation again to their line-up, within the type of the brand new KTM 890 SMT.

It’s been a decade because the KTM 990 SMT fell from KTM’s line-up. A succesful, if awkward-looking bike, it was successfully a bulked-up model of the 990 SMR. The thought was to meld the efficiency and agility of a supermoto, with the consolation and distance driving functionality of a touring bike.

The KTM 890 SMT follows that very same method, with a glance that’s sharper and fewer gawky than its predecessor. As is the norm for many fashionable KTMs, it’s nonetheless ugly—however in an intriguing mechanical alien type of approach.

At a look, the KTM 890 SMT sits between the Austrian marque’s 890 Journey R, and the 890 Duke R. Although it does lean extra in the direction of the previous, visually, albeit in a extra trimmed bundle. The 15.8 l [4.17 gal] tank is slimmed down, whereas the 860 mm-high seat traces an identical line to the 890 Journey R’s, tweaked to go well with the SMT’s supposed utilization.

The SMT will get the identical LED headlight cluster because the 890 Journey R, with a brief windscreen and a ‘double’ entrance fender; the entrance half is a high-mounted affair, with a stubby rear part mounted close to the wheel.

KTM additionally states that the 890 SMT’s chassis is much like the 890 Journey R’s, however with “tighter geometry.” Tweaks embrace an extended swingarm and a revised rear shock angle, all to pitch the rider right into a extra aggressive driving place.

The SMT is clearly extra squat than its dual-sport sibling, with significantly much less suspension journey. WP APEX suspension elements sit at each ends, providing 180 mm of journey, entrance and rear. The SMT rolls on the identical 17” alloy wheels because the 890 Duke R, with Michelin PowerGP tires specced as commonplace. Twin 320 mm brake discs sit up entrance, with a 300 mm disc on the again.

Powering the SMT is KTM’s 889 cc LC8c parallel twin engine, that includes a novel tune. Numbers are available at 105 hp at 8,000 rpm, with 100 Nm of torque available.

There’s a full suite of digital aids, together with switchable rider modes, a customizable ‘monitor’ mode, cornering ABS and traction management, and a particular ‘supermoto ABS’ setting. The cockpit sports activities a TFT show, and the handlebars are adjustable by means of six totally different positions.

Non-obligatory extras embrace heated grips, a ‘Motor Slip Regulation’ software program add-on, a quick-shifter and cruise management. Plus KTM will little question have a plethora of look-fast components (and attire) of their catalog too.

To launch the SMT, KTM handed it over to former AMA Superbike and Supermoto racer, and Pikes Peak Hillclimb winner, Chris Fillmore, who let it unfastened on a mountain climb in Sardinia. KTM say that is what they made the 890 SMT for; railing corners, but additionally having the ability to cowl the space between them.

We’re definitely tickled. The KTM 890 Duke R is tons of enjoyable to trip—but it surely’s additionally extraordinarily targeted, which makes it somewhat uncomfortable for larger riders, or for lengthy days within the saddle. The 890 Journey R provides off-road functionality, however not everybody wants or needs that.

The SMT sits neatly within the center, as an alpine weapon that’s certain to go down a deal with in Europe, the place a lot of the driving occurs on well-groomed tarmac. North Individuals needn’t apply simply but although—KTM say the 890 SMT received’t be obtainable there this yr.

Photos courtesy of KTM