KTM’s 390 family is getting a new member—the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R. The new supermoto bike is joining the RC 390 (supersport), 390 Duke (naked upright sportbike), and 390 Adventure. It’s also the third supermoto model in KTM’s lineup, joining the 690 SMC R and track-only 450 SMR.
While the new SMC R is part of KTM’s improvement and expansion of the 390 lineup, as a supermoto, the bike offers its own twists. So, let’s start from scratch, as it’s a new model.
- The single-cylinder short-stroke motor produces 44 horsepower at its peak. That’s enough power to be competitive on the freeway. Our experience with the 390 Duke on the freeway backs that up. Compared to the old 390 motor, the new LC4c (liquid-cooled 4-valve compact) engine features an updated top-end and injector system, along with a new SMC R-specific airbox and stainless-steel exhaust, so there has been work done from the beginning to the end of the combustion process. The service interval is every 6,200 miles or so.
- A modest electronics suite is geared toward providing a legitimate supermoto experience. In addition to the standard Street mode, the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R gets a Sport mode for the snappy throttle response needed for supermotoing. Traction control is standard, and defeatable. Bosch 10.3MB Modulator dual-channel ABS is standard, with the Road, Supermoto, and Supermoto+ modes available to the rider. This is all controlled via a 4.2-inch TFT dash.
- The power is sent through a six-speed gearbox and assist-and-slipper clutch. Updates improve the action between 5th and 6th gears; a quickshifter is optional. Final drive is via a 520 X-ring chain.
- You won’t be surprised to see the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R’s trellis frame. The frame is the third generation for the 390 sport bikes and is shared with the 390 Duke, though with geometry changes to suit supermoto riding. The subframe is bolted on for easy replacement—supermotoing can make that necessary. The gravity die-cast swingarm comes from the 390 Adventure.
- It wouldn’t be a supermoto bike without long travel suspension, and the SMC R delivers. The WP suspension units control 9.1 inches of wheel travel at both ends. The Apex fork is an open-cartridge design, and is fully damping-adjustable without tools. The Apex Split Piston shock enjoys cantilevered mounting and operates without linkage. Rear suspension adjustability includes rebound damping and spring preload.
- The 17-inch wheels are wire-spoke. That’s what we expect on a supermoto motorcycle. High-quality Michelin Power 6 rubber should work great on the street, and track riders have plenty of upgrade options for closed-course work.
- Braking for the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R is by ByBre. The 320mm front disc is grasped by a radially mounted four-piston caliper. A single-piston caliper works on the 240mm rear disc.
- Curb weight for the package is 354 pounds. With 44 horses on call, this bike isn’t just about getting around—it’s about having fun doing it.
- The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R has a budget-friendly $5499 MSRP. That’s $2400 less than last year’s now-discontinued Suzuki DR-Z400SM supermoto. Keep an eye on your KTM dealer’s showroom—the new supermoto should arrive soon.
2025 KTM 390 SMC R Specs
ENGINE
- Type: LC4c single-cylinder
- Displacement: 399cc
- Bore x stroke: 89 x 64mm
- Maximum power: 44 horsepower
- Compression ratio: 12.6:1
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves
- Fueling: Bosch EFI w/ 46mm throttle body
- Lubrication: Wet sump
- Cooling: Liquid
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
- Final drive: 520 X-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Frame and subframe: Powdercoated steel trellis
- Swingarm: Gravity die-cast aluminum
- Handlebars: Tapered aluminum
- Front suspension; travel: Damping-adjustable WP Apex inverted 43mm open-cartridge fork; 9.1 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Cantilevered rebound-damping and spring-preload adjustable WP Apex Split Piston shock; 9.1 inches
- Wheels: Wire-spoke w/ aluminum rims
- Front: 17 x 2.00
- Rear: 17 x 4.00
- Tires: Michelin Power 6
- Front: 110/70 x 17
- Rear: 150/60 x 17
- Front brake: 320mm disc w/ radially mounted Bybre 4-piston caliper
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Bosch 10.3 Modulator w/ Supermoto mode
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.2 inches
- Rake: 29.9 degrees
- Seat height: 33.8 inches
- Fuel capacity: 2.4 gallons
- Curb weight: 354 pounds
2024 KTM 390 SMC R Price: $5499 MSRP
