KTM this week revealed its new 890 SMT, a model that builds upon its popular 890 Duke naked sportsbike platform to combine a supermoto-style setup with touring ergonomics and a high level of standard equipment.
The KTM 890 SMT will arrive in Australian showrooms from July in “extremely limited numbers”, however, a recent press release promises an increase in availability sometime in 2024. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.
Motivating the 890 SMT is the latest version of KTM’s 889cc parallel twin motor, in this case generating 78kW (105hp) and 100Nm, the same outputs achieved by the bike’s 890 Adventure sibling.
Distinguishing the 890 SMT is a new 15.8-litre fuel tank and ‘supermoto-shaped’ seat (860mm height), flat mid-mounted handlebars and a smoked windshield sitting above a sharp dirt-bike-style mudguard.
The chassis is also unique, with revised geometry for light and agile handling characteristics, a lower seat height, longer swingarm and a forwardly inclined rider position.
The bike rides on 17-inch wheels shod in Michelin PowerGP tyres, and is suspended on fully adjustable WP Apex suspension providing 180mm of travel at both ends.
KTM’s 5.0-inch TFT dash gives access to four rider modes, Rain, Street, Sport and Track which each controlling advanced traction control, cornering ABS and throttle sensitivity, among other settings.
Four-piston calipers squeeze 320mm discs at the front, while a two-piston caliper and 260mm disc is utilised at the rear.
KTM’s higher-spec quickshifter can be optioned for, as can cruise control, heated grips and Motor Slip Regulation (MSR).
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
