The KTM 390 SMC R is poised to redefine the supermoto segment in India, blending the agility of a dirt bike with the performance of a streetfighter. Unveiled globally at the EICMA 2024 Show in Milan, Italy, this motorcycle promises to bring KTM’s signature “Ready to Race” philosophy to a new category of riders. Built on the same 399cc platform as the renowned KTM 390 Duke, the 390 SMC R is designed for enthusiasts who crave a versatile ride—capable of tackling both urban streets and off-road patches with equal finesse. With its anticipated launch in India slated for mid-2025, this bike is generating buzz for its lightweight construction, aggressive styling, and advanced features.
Supermoto bikes, a hybrid of motocross and road racing machines, have been a niche category globally, but their presence in India has been virtually non-existent in the sub-500cc segment. The KTM 390 SMC R aims to change that, introducing Indian riders to a fresh riding experience. Sharing its core DNA with the KTM 390 Adventure and 390 Enduro R, this supermoto variant distinguishes itself with road-biased tires, a flatter seat, and a sharper riding geometry. As KTM expands its 390cc lineup in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, the 390 SMC R is expected to carve a unique space in a market dominated by streetfighters and adventure tourers.
Technical Specifications
The technical prowess of the KTM 390 SMC R lies in its carefully engineered components, balancing power, agility, and rider comfort. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications in tabular format, sourced from BikeDekho and BikeWale updates as of early 2025.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 399cc, Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC |
| Displacement | 398.63cc |
| Power | 45 PS (44.25 bhp) @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 39 Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual with Slipper Clutch |
| Mileage | 29.41 kmpl (as tested by experts) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 9 Litres |
| Frame | Steel Trellis Frame |
| Front Suspension | 43mm WP Apex USD Forks, 230mm Travel, Adjustable Compression and Rebound |
| Rear Suspension | WP Apex Monoshock, 230mm Travel, Adjustable Preload and Rebound |
| Front Brake | 320mm Disc with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Rear Brake | 240mm Disc with Switchable ABS (Supermoto Mode) |
| Wheels | 17-inch Spoked Wheels (Front and Rear) |
| Tyres | Michelin Power 6 (110/70-17 Front, 150/60-17 Rear) |
| Ground Clearance | 270 mm |
| Seat Height | 860 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1453 mm |
| Kerb Weight | 154 kg |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | Approx. 2100 mm x 850 mm x 1150 mm (estimated) |
Variants
As of the latest updates, the KTM 390 SMC R is expected to be offered in a single variant in India, keeping the lineup simple yet focused on delivering a premium supermoto experience.
| Variant | Description |
|---|---|
| KTM 390 SMC R STD | Single variant with full features including adjustable suspension, TFT display, and Supermoto ABS |
Price in Metro Cities
The pricing for the KTM 390 SMC R is speculative until its official launch, but based on industry insights from BikeWale and BikeDekho, it is expected to fall between ₹3.50 lakh and ₹3.60 lakh (ex-showroom). Below is an estimated on-road price range for key metro cities, factoring in insurance, RTO charges, and other costs.
| City | Ex-Showroom Price (Estimated) | On-Road Price (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹3,50,000 – ₹3,60,000 | ₹3,90,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Mumbai | ₹3,50,000 – ₹3,60,000 | ₹4,00,000 – ₹4,10,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹3,50,000 – ₹3,60,000 | ₹4,05,000 – ₹4,15,000 |
| Chennai | ₹3,50,000 – ₹3,60,000 | ₹3,95,000 – ₹4,05,000 |
| Kolkata | ₹3,50,000 – ₹3,60,000 | ₹3,95,000 – ₹4,05,000 |
Note: These are tentative figures and subject to change upon official announcement.
About the KTM 390 SMC R
Design and Exteriors
The KTM 390 SMC R embodies the quintessential supermoto aesthetic, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the KTM 690 SMC R. Its design is lean, purposeful, and aggressive, with minimalistic body panels that emphasize functionality over flair. The bike features a compact 9-litre fuel tank, seamlessly integrated with a flat, single-piece seat that sits at a height of 860mm. This seat height strikes a balance between accessibility for shorter riders and the tall stance typical of supermotos, making it versatile for varied terrains.
The front end sports a bikini fairing and a beak-style fender, enhancing its off-road-ready look, while the all-LED lighting setup—including a sleek headlamp and taillight—adds a modern touch. The 17-inch spoked wheels, wrapped in Michelin Power 6 tires, are designed for grip and durability, catering to both asphalt and light off-road conditions. With a ground clearance of 270mm, the 390 SMC R can handle speed bumps, potholes, and uneven surfaces with ease, a critical advantage on Indian roads. The overall proportions, with a wheelbase of 1453mm, ensure stability at high speeds while retaining the agility needed for corner-carving fun.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the KTM 390 SMC R lies a 399cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, the same powerplant that drives the KTM 390 Duke. Producing 45 PS (approximately 44.25 bhp) at 8500 rpm and 39 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm, this engine is renowned for its punchy performance and refined delivery. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, it offers smooth shifts and prevents rear-wheel hop during aggressive downshifts—a boon for spirited riding.
The engine’s tuning is expected to remain consistent with the Duke, delivering a linear powerband that builds progressively up to its redline. This makes the 390 SMC R equally adept at crawling through city traffic and blasting down open highways. With a claimed mileage of 29.41 kmpl (as tested), it’s reasonably efficient for a performance-oriented machine, though real-world figures may vary depending on riding style. The lightweight construction—just 154 kg—amplifies the power-to-weight ratio, making this bike feel nimbler and more responsive than its siblings like the 390 Adventure (182 kg).
Suspension and Handling
The KTM 390 SMC R excels in handling, thanks to its premium suspension setup. Up front, it features 43mm WP Apex upside-down forks with 230mm of travel, offering adjustable compression and rebound settings. At the rear, a WP Apex monoshock with 230mm travel provides preload and rebound adjustability. This long-travel suspension is a defining trait of supermotos, allowing the bike to soak up bumps while maintaining composure during high-speed cornering.
The 17-inch wheels on both ends, combined with a sharper steering geometry, give the 390 SMC R an edge in agility over the 390 Adventure, which uses a 21-17-inch setup for off-road bias. The Michelin Power 6 tires—110/70-17 at the front and 150/60-17 at the rear—are known for their exceptional grip and control, inspiring confidence whether you’re leaning into tight bends or navigating wet roads. The steel trellis frame further enhances rigidity, ensuring precise feedback and stability, making this bike a joy to flick through twisties.
Braking and Safety
Braking duties on the KTM 390 SMC R are handled by a 320mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, both equipped with dual-channel ABS. What sets this bike apart is its switchable ABS with a dedicated Supermoto Mode, allowing riders to disable rear-wheel ABS for controlled slides—a feature that appeals to thrill-seekers and aligns with the supermoto ethos. The ABS system is lean-sensitive, adapting to cornering dynamics for added safety, a testament to KTM’s focus on rider aids.
Advanced Features
The KTM 390 SMC R is packed with cutting-edge technology, elevating it beyond a mere mechanical marvel. It boasts a 4.2-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, offering turn-by-turn navigation, music controls, and call alerts. This full-color cluster is intuitive, with toggle switches on the handlebar to cycle through its functions. Riders can choose from three riding modes—Rain, Street, and Sport—each tailoring throttle response and ABS intervention to suit conditions.
Additional rider aids include traction control, a bi-directional quickshifter+, and cornering ABS, borrowed from the 390 Duke. These features ensure the bike is as safe as it is exhilarating, catering to both novice riders and seasoned enthusiasts. The adjustable suspension and switchable ABS further enhance customization, letting riders fine-tune the experience to their preferences.
Riding Experience
The KTM 390 SMC R promises a riding experience that’s both versatile and visceral. In urban settings, its light weight and upright ergonomics make it a breeze to maneuver through traffic, while the tall suspension smooths out potholes and speed breakers. On highways, the engine’s mid-range punch and stable chassis shine, offering effortless overtakes and triple-digit cruising capability. For weekend warriors, the supermoto DNA comes alive on winding roads, where its nimble handling and grippy tires encourage aggressive lean angles.
Unlike the KTM 390 Adventure, which leans toward off-road exploration, or the 390 Duke, which thrives as a streetfighter, the 390 SMC R bridges the gap. It’s a bike that invites you to hop curbs, tackle broken roads, and carve corners with equal enthusiasm. However, the 9-litre fuel tank may limit its touring range to around 250-270 km, a trade-off for its compact design. Vibration levels, a common critique of KTM’s single-cylinder engines, are expected to be manageable, thanks to improved heat management and refinement over previous models.
Market Positioning and Launch Timeline
KTM India, in partnership with Bajaj Auto, is adopting an aggressive strategy for 2025, rolling out multiple 390cc models to capture diverse segments. The KTM 390 SMC R is slated for launch between April and June 2025, following the debut of the 390 Adventure range and 390 Enduro R. This staggered approach allows KTM to gauge market response to its adventure lineup before introducing the supermoto, a relatively untested category in India.
Priced between ₹3.50 lakh and ₹3.60 lakh (ex-showroom), the 390 SMC R will sit above the 390 Duke (₹2.95 lakh) but below the top-spec 390 Adventure (₹3.68 lakh). Its competitive pricing, combined with a unique proposition, could attract riders seeking something beyond conventional street or adventure bikes. The bike will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan facility in Pune, ensuring cost efficiency and availability across KTM’s extensive dealership network.
Close Competitors
In the Indian market, the KTM 390 SMC R faces no direct rivals in the sub-500cc supermoto segment, giving it a first-mover advantage. However, it will compete tangentially with bikes in adjacent categories based on price and performance. Here’s an in-depth look at its close competitors:
KTM 390 Duke
- Price: ₹2.95 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 399cc, 45 PS, 39 Nm
- Weight: 165 kg
- Key Difference: The 390 Duke is a naked streetfighter with shorter suspension travel (150mm front, 130mm rear) and a more road-focused design. While it shares the same engine, the 390 SMC R’s lighter weight and taller suspension give it an edge in versatility and handling on mixed surfaces.
KTM 390 Adventure
- Price: ₹3.68 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 399cc, 45.3 PS, 39 Nm
- Weight: 182 kg
- Key Difference: The 390 Adventure is a full-fledged ADV with a 21-17-inch wheel setup and a touring-oriented stance. It’s heavier and less agile than the 390 SMC R, prioritizing off-road capability over supermoto agility.
BMW G 310 GS
- Price: ₹3.71 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Engine: 313cc, 34 PS, 28 Nm
- Weight: 175 kg
- Key Difference: The G 310 GS is an adventure tourer with a smaller engine and less power. It lacks the 390 SMC R’s performance edge and advanced features like adjustable suspension or riding modes, making it less competitive in the fun-to-ride stakes.
Hero XPulse 400 (Upcoming)
- Price: ₹3.00 lakh – ₹3.20 lakh (estimated)
- Engine: 421cc (speculative), ~40 PS (estimated)
- Weight: ~160 kg (estimated)
- Key Difference: Expected in late 2025, the XPulse 400 will target budget-conscious adventure riders with a 21-18-inch wheel setup. It’s unlikely to match the 390 SMC R’s refinement or tech suite, positioning it as a more affordable alternative.
Why the KTM 390 SMC R Stands Out
The KTM 390 SMC R isn’t just another motorcycle—it’s a statement. By introducing the supermoto genre to India, KTM is tapping into a latent demand for bikes that blend practicality with exhilaration. Its lightweight chassis, powerful engine, and advanced electronics make it a standout in a crowded 300-400cc segment dominated by streetfighters and ADVs. The adjustable suspension and switchable ABS cater to riders who value customization, while the Michelin Power 6 tires ensure confidence across conditions.
For Indian enthusiasts, the 390 SMC R offers a chance to experience a riding style that’s rare in the sub-500cc space. It’s a bike that can double as a daily commuter and a weekend toy, appealing to urban millennials and seasoned riders alike. While its fuel tank size and potential engine vibes might deter long-distance tourers, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise compelling package.
Final Thoughts!
The KTM 390 SMC R is more than a motorcycle—it’s a gateway to a new riding culture in India. With its launch on the horizon, it promises to inject excitement into a market ripe for innovation. Whether you’re a Duke fan looking for a fresh twist or a newcomer eager to explore the supermoto world, this bike delivers on all fronts: performance, technology, and style. As KTM continues to push boundaries, the 390 SMC R could well become the catalyst that sparks a supermoto revolution on Indian roads.