Supermotos and touring bikes couldn’t be much further apart from each other. One designed as a hooligan plaything, the other a sensible distance-shrinker. But that hasn’t stopped KTM creating its SMT, which neatly combines these two opposite worlds of motorcycling. And now there’s a new kid in town: gone is the old 990 SMT, replaced by the brand-new KTM 890 SMT

Powered by the KTM 890 LC8c parallel twin, and reworked for special sports touring emphasis, the 890 SMT delivers 100Nm of torque and 105bhp. The engine is the same platform running the KTM 890 Adventure model, and features the same knock control and 46 mm dual Dell’Orto throttle bodies.

The KTM 890 SMT has a CroMo steel frame akin to those on KTM’s adventure range of bikes, but with a tighter geometry. The WP APEX suspension is fully adjustable, and the shock absorber is angled further to reduce seat height (although it’s still not exactly low at 860mm) and accommodate the longer swingarm. Stopping power is provided by four piston calipers and a 320mm front disc, plus double piston calipers and a 260mm disc on the rear. The tank has been slimmed and designed specifically for the KTM 890 SMT. There’s a single-piece supermoto shaped seat, a smoked windshield, a double front mudguard, 5” TFT dashboard, and the 17” wheels wear Michelin PowerGP tyres.

The electronic package boasts three ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport) and an optional Track setting, lean sensitive traction control, cornering ABS and supermoto ABS. Quickshifter and cruise control are optional extras.

But what is the sum of all these Supermoto and touring parts? Here’s how KTM describes the SMT that sits between company’s Adventure and Street product ranges: “Imagine the ultimate supermoto ‘play weapon’ but also a bike that boasts a number of technical features and additions necessary for extended touring capabilities: you can attack the hill but also know that the bike will take you much further.”

The KTM 890 SMT will be available in the UK from mid-May 2023, costing £12,499 on the road.

KTM 890 SMT specification

Engine                             Two cylinders, four-stroke, DOHC parallel twin 889cc

Power                              77kW (105bhp) @ 8,000rpm

Torque                             100Nm @ 6,500rpm

Frame                              Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame

Seat height                      860mm

Tank capacity                  approx. 15.8 litres / 3 litres reserve

Weight (kerb)                  approx. 194kg