We’ve been missing KTM’s SMT line since the 990 SM T was retired a decade ago. Happily, the supermoto-touring concept returns with the 2024 KTM 890 SMT. As you’d expect, the new 890 is an entirely different bike from the 990, including an 889cc parallel-twin powerplant rather than the 990’s V-twin configuration. Rather than spend too much time comparing the 890 to the 990, we’ll start from scratch on this new model.
- Rather than being based on the 890 Duke, the 2024 KTM 890 SMT has roots in the 890 Adventure. The SMT features a retuned version of the LC8c used in the 890 Adventure in a chassis intended for street use.
- The specs of the 890 SMT fits right between the Duke and the Adventure for its sport-touring mission. The SMT’s 59.1-inch wheelbase is 0.3 inches shorter than the Adventure and 0.8 inches longer than the Duke. The SMT’s rake is tucked in 0.1 degree compared to the Adventure, and is 1.5 degrees more relaxed than the Duke. Suspension travel on the SMT is about an inch longer than the Duke and an inch shorter than the Adventure. The SMT’s seat height is the same as the Adventure’s—one inch higher than the Duke’s. The Adventure-style tank holds 1.1 gallons less than the Adventure model, and a half-gallon more than the Duke. Finally, the SMT is 45 pounds lighter than the Adventure, and weighs 29 pounds more than the Duke. The SMT’s numbers point to a motorcycle slotted between the Duke and Adventure.
- The 2024 KTM 890 SMT gets pure-street Michelin PowerGP tires. They’re mounted on de rigueur 17-inch wheels—the same size found on the Duke.
- The plastic reflects the dual supermoto and touring purposes of the SMT. There’s a fairing and a short windscreen for long-haul riding. In addition to a high-mounted front fender, there’s a tire-hugging half-length fender in the front.
- The DOHC motor has three standard ride modes—Sport, Street, and Rain. In addition to altering the throttle response, the ride mode adjusts the cornering-aware traction control.
- Hooligan riders and finicky tourers will appreciate the optional Track mode. This software allows the rider to fine-tune the throttle response and the traction control to taste.
7. The ABS is full-featured. In addition to being cornering-aware, there is also a Supermoto setting that allows silencing the rear-wheel nanny. There are a pair of 320mm discs in the front, along with radially mounted four-piston KTM-branded calipers.
- The WP Apex suspension is fully adjustable for damping and tuned to the SMT’s sport-touring intentions. The inverted fork is an open-cartridge design, and only the piggyback-reservoir shock has spring-preload adjustment.
9. Options are available for riders who demand more performance or touring functionality. A quickshifter, cruise control, and electronically controlled engine braking are just waiting to be activated.
10. A five-inch TFT dash greets 2024 KTM 890 SMT pilots. All the electronics are monitored on-screen. You can pair your smartphone to the dash with the KTMconnect app.
11. Note that the location photos are of a KTM PowerParts accessorized SMT. The studio photos show the stock bike; that includes side cases and a top box, of course.
12. KTM hasn’t released a price for the supermoto-touring motorcycle. However, we can tell you that the 2024 KTM 890 SMT should arrive on dealer showroom floors next month.
2024 KTM 890 SMT Specs
ENGINE
• Type: LC8c Parallel twin
• Displacement: 889cc
• Bore x stroke: 90.7 x 68.8mm
• Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 vpc
• Fueling: EFI w/Dell’Orto 46mm throttle bodies
• Lubrication: Pressure lubrication w/ 2 oil pumps
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Clutch: PASC slipper clutch
• Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
• Frame: Chromoly steel w/ aluminum subframe
• Front suspension; travel: Damping-adjustable WP Apex 43mm inverted fork; 7 inches
• Rear suspension; travel: Fully adjustable WP Apex piggyback-reservoir shock; 7 inches
• Front wheel: 3.5 x 17
• Rear wheel: 5.50 x 17
• Tires: Michelin PowerGP
• Front tire: 120/70 x 17
• Rear tire: 180/55 x 17
• Front brakes: 320mm discs
• Rear brake: 260mm disc
• ABS: Bosch 9.3 MP; defeatable w/ Cornering ABS and Supermoto mode
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
• Wheelbase: 59.1 inches
• Rake: 25.8 degrees
• Seat height: 33.8 inches
• Fuel capacity: 4.2 gallons
• Curb weight: 428 pounds
2024 KTM 890 SMT Price: $TBA MSRP
