KTM release full details on 390 and 125 SMC R supermotos after debut teaser at 2024 EICMA trade show
KTM are taking a business as usual approach, revealing two smaller-capacity single-cylinder supermotos, designed to tap into the A1 and A2 licence-holding hooligan market.
The £5699 390 SMC R and £4899 125 SMC R are set to arrive in UK dealers from March 2025, borrowing the firm’s Euro5+ compliant 399cc and 124.9cc LC4c engines already found in the £5699 390 Duke and £4899 125 Duke.
These motors have been tickled for the new pairing, with a new airbox allowing the engine to sit higher, increase ground clearance, and make the riding position more involving. A further 2kg is said to have been saved with a new stainless steel exhaust system, and there’s a slipper clutch as standard – plus optional quickshifter.
Family ties
The new SMC Rs join the already well-established 690 SMC R to form a new three-pronged road-legal supermoto family for 2025. Like the rest of KTM and Husqvarna’s 125 and 390 offerings, they will be produced in India by Bajaj Auto, who have partnered with KTM since 2007.
Although only being officially released now, the duo first appeared as pre-production models at last November’s EICMA trade show in Milan alongside a similarly-specced Enduro range, and a new 390 Adventure R.
Much like the Dukes they share their engines with, both the 390 and 125 supermotos feature almost identical chassis and cycle parts – with the larger of the two gaining greater adjustability where necessary.
They both roll on 17in road-biased wheels (110/70×17 and 150/60×17), and both come dressed in traditional SM styling – including a single front headlight, raised front mudguard, and enduro-like minimalist bodywork incorporating a nine-litre metal fuel tank in front of the flat bench seat.
Chassis tweaks
“The supermotos and the enduros are very similar, and the main difference is of course the wheel sizes,” Product Marketing Manager, Diete Engelbrecht told MCN during last year’s Milan show. “The riding position and the handlebars have also slightly changed, as well as the seat – to focus more on that supermotard orientated rider.”
Alongside the engine, the two-piece steel trellis chassis is also taken and updated from the Duke family – with a new steering head angle, triple clamps, subframe mounts, and rigidity. There’s also better clearance for the radiator, plus a new footpeg location for supermoto lean angles.
This is paired with a bolt-on steel trellis subframe to support the one-piece seat, with the diecast swingarm also finding its origins in the latest generation of 390 Adventure models.
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The similarities don’t end their either, with both SMC Rs also treated to 43mm WP Apex upside-down open cartridge front forks with 230mm of travel. The same level of movement is found at the back end, courtesy of a WP monoshock.
However, where the 125’s front forks are non-adjustable, the 390 gets five clicks of compression and rebound alteration – which can be done without the use of tools. Both models get rear preload adjustment too, however the 390 goes a step further with 20 stages of rebound.
The bikes can also be told apart by their wheels – with the 390 getting a spoked set, wrapped in Michelin Power 6s, and the 125 getting cast options shod with rubber produced by Indian brand, MRF.
Sticking in this area of the bike, both models get a 320mm single front disc and four-piston radial caliper, plus a 240mm rotor and single piston caliper on the back.
Technology overload
Despite servicing the A1 and A2 markets, the new supermotos get a heavy dose of technology for 2025, including full LED lighting, a slimline 4.2in TFT dash with bonded glass to reduce the risk of glare, and the ability to display turn-by-turn navigation.
Both models get two-channel Bosch ABS too, with optional levels of intervention, and the larger 390 SMC R receives riding modes including ‘Sport’ and ‘Street’.
In Sport mode, traction control can be fully turned off (not that it really needs it with a claimed 44bhp) and the bike will remember your preferences for the next ride.
To unlock additional performance and style points, customers can also add to their bike with a long list of ‘PowerParts’ optional extras.
Financial uncertainty
Despite looking ahead, the company continue to seek new investment and are set to enter the second creditors hearing of their 90-day ‘self-administration’ plan on January 24, 2025.
KTM officially entered this restructuring process on November 29, 2024 – impacting a reported 3623 employees (at the time), with total liabilities estimated at around €2.9 billion and around 2500 creditors, across three separate insolvencies.