KTM 390 SMC R specifications, dimensions and price

KTM 390 SMC R

Motorcycle News says that if a spot of urban disturbance or a sunny Sunday on B-roads is what you want, the SMC R works exceptionally well, with above-class engine and chassis performance. It suggests using the well-damped forks and sharp 320 mm single-disc brake to pin the bike down, switching off rear ABS for a bit of drifting, and sitting back to ride the soft rear shock as it finds traction.

The reviewer also notes strong demand from all types of riders for small, price-conscious bikes such as Triumph's Scrambler 400 X, Royal Enfield's HNTR 350, Honda's GB350S and BSA's Bantam. RevZilla says the bike rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Power 6 tires, that Supermoto World Championship rider Lukas Hollbacher helped KTM land on the Sport suspension setup, and that the 17-inch wheels help lower the seat height to 33.9 in.

KTM lists WP Apex open-cartridge 43 mm forks and split-piston rear shock with 230 mm (9.06 in) of travel, a 320 mm floating front disc with ByBre radial two-piston calipers and a 240 mm rear disc. The wheelbase is 1,453 mm (57.2 in) with a 63.1 degree head angle and 111 mm of trail, and ground clearance is 270 mm (10.6 in).

The wheels are 17 inches at both ends, on a 2-inch front rim and a 4-inch rear rim.

SMC R, Enduro R or the Duke

The SMC R and Enduro R share a $6,049 price, an engine and 230 mm of travel. The SMC R is 5 kg lighter (154 kg against 159 kg dry), has a 30 mm lower seat at 860 mm and rides on 17-inch wheels. It is the road-tarmac fun bike, where the Enduro R is the dirt bike.

The 390 Duke is the sensible commuter of the family. The SMC R is the more playful, more upright one.

How it differs from the Duke and the Enduro

All three 390 models share the 398.7cc engine, the steel trellis frame and the 520 X-ring chain, so the differences are set-up. The SMC R has 230 mm of travel with WP Apex forks, like the Enduro R. But sits lower on 17-inch wheels with a 1,453 mm wheelbase (22 mm shorter than the Enduro's 1,475 mm) and a sharper 63.1 degree head angle.

The 390 SMC R has a radial-mount ByBre caliper and 320 mm front disc; the Enduro R’s disc is 285 mm. Listed ground clearance is 270 mm against the Enduro’s 272 mm.

Clearance alone does not establish whether a curb or obstacle can be crossed safely. Both list a 2.38 gal tank.

Price, weight and who buys it

At $6,049 plus $600 destination, the SMC R undercuts KTM's Adventure R by $1,650 and costs the same as the Enduro R. It weighs 154 kg without fuel, the lightest of the 390 family, and Suzuki's DR-Z4SM is $1,950 more at $7,999 and 340 lb.

It suits an experienced rider who wants a flickable bike for town and B-roads and does not need a passenger seat or luggage, and a new rider with a tall frame who wants a light bike.

Motorcycle News's list of small-bore rivals shows the segment is crowded, so test-ride a Honda GB350S or Triumph Scrambler 400 X before choosing.

390 SMC R against the DR-Z4SM

Suzuki's DR-Z4SM is the closest street-legal supermoto rival at $7,999 and 340 lb.