KTM 390 SMC R Testing: Everything We Know So Far
Since the KTM 390 SMC R was revealed at EICMA 2024, there has been a major buzz from the bike community. Supermoto enthusiasts will be excited to learn that this new bike will share the same engine with the KTM 390 Duke and KTM 390 Adventure. All three bikes will feature the same 399cc engine which will surely lend versatility to the bike within the sub-500cc classification. Even better, prototypes of the 390 SMC R have been spotted in India and Europe giving the impression that a launch is imminent. Let us take a closer look at the details we have about the bike and how it promises to reshape the motor bike space.
The KTM 390 SMC R garnered attention after being spied on for testing in Europe in October 2024, prior to it's display at EICMA. The prototype possessed a supermoto specific terriform with alloy wheels spanning 17 inches, a sharper chassis geometry, and an elevation tailored for asfalt dominance. Come December 2024, the bike was spotted for the first time in India, close to Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant in Pune. Since then, reports about the bike’s sightings have accelerated, the newest reports from early April 2025 indicate that the model is close to production ready and is being tested on Indian roads.
Some intriguing details have emerged regarding the test mules in India. The Indian version without alloy wheels in Europe prototype has 17 inch wire spoke wheels which contradict the changed edition, leading us to believe that it features tubless tires. With the new rugged yet practical design put forth in the 390 Adventure and Enduro R siblings, this adaption starts to make sense. While the bike's elevated body, wide handle bars and supermoto style all contribute to it’s aesthetic appeal, the saree guard and pillion grab rails imply that KTM is trying to comply with Indian laws and preferences.
Design and Features: Supermoto DNA
The KTM 390 SMC R shares its core platform with the 390 Adventure S and 390 Enduro R but stands apart with its road-biased supermoto character. It features a lightweight steel trellis frame and an aluminum swingarm, tipping the scales at just 154 kg (wet, without fuel)—11 kg lighter than the 390 Duke. This weight reduction, paired with a compact 9-liter fuel tank, enhances agility, though it may compromise range compared to its ADV siblings.
Suspension is a highlight, with fully adjustable WP Apex USD forks up front and a rear monoshock, both offering an impressive 230 mm of travel—more than the 200 mm on the 390 Adventure S. This setup promises a plush ride on varied surfaces while maintaining the flickability supermotos are known for. Braking duties are handled by Bybre radial calipers with a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, complemented by switchable dual-channel ABS with a Supermoto mode for controlled rear-wheel slides.
The bike’s tech package is equally compelling. A 4.2-inch TFT display with anti-glare coating and KTMconnect integration offers smartphone connectivity, ride mode selection (Street and Sport), and navigation. Michelin Power 6 tires (110/70-17 front, 150/60-17 rear) on the international model ensure grip, though the India-spec version’s tire choice remains unconfirmed.
Powertrain: Proven Performance
engine: KTM's 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder LC4c engine sourced from the 390 Duke. In India, it develops 46 PS at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm at 6,500 rpm (above the European tune of 44.9 hp), and is mated to a 6-speed transmission with a bi-directional quickshifter. Although the engine is shared across the entire 390 lineup, it is indoors on possible changes KTM may make to the final drive ratio or tuning from that of the Duke to fit the SMC R's almost supermoto nature, focusing on responsiveness and nimbleness rather than doing long distances comfortably.
India Launch Timeline and Pricing
The recent surge in test sightings across India, particularly in early 2025, hints that KTM is seriously contemplating a local launch. Sources suggest that the company is assessing customer interest through its dealership network, with a possible launch window around April or May 2025—just in time for today’s date, April 08, 2025, as testing ramps up. If it makes its debut, the 390 SMC R could be priced between Rs. 3.2 lakh and Rs. 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it above the 390 Duke (priced at Rs. 3.13 lakh) and below the 390 Adventure S. KTM might take a made-to-order route, shipping bikes directly from the factory instead of keeping them in stock at dealerships. This could mean fewer opportunities for test rides but would add a touch of exclusivity. The 390 Adventure S and Enduro R are expected to arrive in Indian showrooms soon, with the SMC R likely to follow in the latter half of 2025, provided the demand is there.
Why It Matters
The KTM 390 SMC R could be a trailblazer in India, where the supermoto segment remains niche. Unlike the pricier Ducati Hypermotard models, the 390 SMC R offers an accessible entry point into this fun-focused category. Its blend of street agility and light off-road capability could appeal to urban riders and enthusiasts looking for something beyond traditional streetfighters or ADVs. Plus, its local production at Bajaj’s facility keeps costs competitive, potentially sparking interest in supermoto racing—a sport yet to take root in India.
Final Thoughts
The KTM 390 SMC R is shaping up to be a riot on two wheels. Its testing phase has revealed a bike that’s not just a derivative of the 390 platform but a distinct offering with character and purpose. Whether it’s carving corners on twisty roads or hopping curbs in the city, this supermoto promises versatility wrapped in KTM’s signature “Ready to Race” ethos. As we await confirmation of its India launch, one thing is clear: the 390 SMC R has the potential to shake up the market and give riders a fresh way to misbehave—on the road or just off it.
This summary compiles the latest insights from testing reports and official reveals. For a full blog, you could expand on personal impressions (if you’ve seen it in action), add rider perspectives from X posts, or include comparisons with rivals like the Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono. Let me know if you’d like me to refine this further or focus on a specific aspect!
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