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The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R joins the list of performance motorcycles that have always been KTM’s forte. The motorcycle is engineered for urban streets and twisty mountain ranges as a supermoto, which packs a wild cocktail of agility, power, and precision. The latest offering is expected in March 2025, with an approximate price range of ₹3.30 – ₹3.60 lakh in India.
This article will cover everything about the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R, which includes its design, performance, features, specifications, and expected position in the market. If you are an admirer of lightweight, high-performance motorcycles, this is a few smiles away from being your perfect bike.
Design and Styling: Minimalist Yet Aggressive
With aggressive supermoto postulations, the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R takes cues from the brand’s 690 SMC R. Some design highlights of the new bike are:
- The flatter motocross-style seat allows better rider movement.
- The minimum possible bodywork is introduced to keep the weight of the bike down.
- The supermoto features a shark-nosed front beak and a slim tail section, evocative of off-road motorcycles.
- While it measures just 9 litres in volume, the metal fuel tank also looks good and serves its purpose.
- The graphics are in-molded and durable, even under extreme conditions.
Keeping an eye on both rider and bike, the LED headlamp will offer a good view through the dark, enhancing safety for night escapes. On the whole, the bike merges the supermoto agility with KTM’s aggressive design philosophy.
Engine and Performance: Pure Adrenaline
The high potential of the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R is being gifted with a heart: a 399cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that pumps out:
- 44.9 BHP @ 9000 RPM
- 39 Nm torque @ 7000 RPM
- 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch
It is the same engine as in the 2025 KTM 390 Duke but with tuning in a more supermoto-responsive way. The practically important power-to-weight ratio permits glittering acceleration and makes it a city and highway predator.
Chassis and Suspension: Race-Ready Handling
KTM has furnished the 2025 390 SMC R with a lightweight steel trellis frame, ensuring extremely agile, highly stable handling characteristics. Some representative points include:
- WP Apex 43mm inverted front forks (230mm travel)
- WP Apex monoshock, fully adjustable (230mm travel)
- Gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm for handling
At a mere 154 kg, the bike is light for quick handling around corners, even lighter than the Duke.
Braking and Safety Features
Among the strongest selling points of the bike is the braking. KTM has endowed it with:
- 320-mm front Bybre disc brake with radial caliper
- 240-mm rear Bybre disc brake
- Dual-channel ABS with Supermoto mode
In Supermoto mode, this allows deactivation of the rear wheel ABS, allowing the rider to slide into corners—a key technique in supermoto riding.
Wheels and Tires: Built for Precision
The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R rolls on 17-inch spoked wheels shod with:
- 110/70 R17 Michelin Power 6 (front)
- 150/60 R17 Michelin Power 6 (rear)
These are road-biased tires that will provide excellent grip for the streets with some light off-road action.
Technology and Features
This supermoto is fully loaded with a million features in pursuit of rider experience. Some highlights include:
- 4.2-inch TFT display (just like the 390 Duke)
- Bluetooth connectivity for calls, music, and navigation
- Multiple ride modes (Rain, Street, and Sport)
- USB charging port to keep your devices powered
With these advancements, the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R doesn’t just perform but also provides comfort and connectivity.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R has been made in an upright aggressive mode just like a dirt bike.
- Provides excellent control over the wide handlebars.
- The seat height of 860mm affords excellent view domination over the heavy urban traffic.
- Being lightweight, the bike makes easy work of chops and turns in the city!
This bike is well suited for supermoto-style motorcycles for white-knuckle junkies and newbies.
Expected Price and Launch Date
The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R is expected to reach India by March 2025, and the ex-showroom price is expected to be ₹3.30 – ₹3.60 lakh.
Why So?
- The engine and technology are the same as the 390 Duke, which is priced at ₹3.13 lakh.
- The rest of the components as well as the suspension and braking systems merit a slight price increment.
- The supermoto styling and performance provide it with a niche standing.
With no direct competitors in India, this bike makes for a great option for the aficionados.
Pros and Cons of the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R
Pros
✔ Very light and very fast; extremely entertaining ride!
✔ Fully adjustable suspension, a rare find in this segment
✔ Supermoto ABS for more cornering potential
✔ Modern TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity
✔ Great build quality and good components
Cons
✖ Small fuel tank (9 L) does limit long-distance touring ability
✖ Tall seat height (860mm), an issue for shorter riders
✖ Price compared to other 390 models is on the higher side
Comparison with the 390 Duke and 390 Adventure
| Feature | KTM 390 SMC R | KTM 390 Duke | KTM 390 Adventure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 399cc, 44.9 BHP | 399cc, 45.3 BHP | 399cc, 45.3 BHP |
| Suspension | Fully adjustable WP Apex | Non-adjustable WP Apex | Long-travel WP Apex |
| Brakes | 320mm front, 240mm rear (Supermoto ABS) | 320mm front, 240mm rear (dual ABS) | 320mm front, 240mm rear (cornering ABS) |
| Wheels | 17-inch spoked | 17-inch alloy | 19-inch front, 17-inch rear |
| Weight | 154 kg | 165 kg | 172 kg |
The 390 SMC R is better on agility and weight gain than its siblings, making it suitable for pure fun in the city and racetracks.
Who Should Consider the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R?
✔ A lightweight, high-performance motorcycle
✔ A supermoto-world riding experience
✔ A bike for both city and weekend speed rides
✔ Twisty roads should be fun to handle and easy with sharp precision
Who Should Not Consider It?
✖ Persons seeking a highway kind of touring bike
✖ Persons who prefer a relaxed kind of position
Final Call: Is It Worth Buying?
The KTM 390 SMC R 2025 is a one-in-a-kind motorcycle for India. Supermoto DNA, adjustable suspensions, and advanced technology—it’s truly for those riders who want thrilling performance in their lightweight package. If you want something different, powerful, and fun, this bike deserves to be on your list.
Mark your calendars for the official launch in March 2025!
Are you going for the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R? Tell us!
FAQs on 2025 KTM 390 SMC R
1. When will the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R be launched in India?
The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R is projected for a March 2025 launch, although the exact date still awaits confirmation. Since KTM generally adopts a phased introduction pattern for their new models, the bike could be first made available at select dealerships in major cities and later made available nationwide.
2. What could be the ex-showroom and on-road price of the KTM 390 SMC R in India?
The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R’s ex-showroom price is likely to be from ₹3.30 – ₹3.60 lakh. The on-road price will vary due to city taxes, registration fees, and insurance, which should push the total anywhere from ₹3.80 – ₹4.10 lakh for most states.
3. What is the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R’s top-speed?
Well, the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R is likely to have a top speed of 165 km/h, for being very lightweight and with a 399cc engine, making it one among the fastest supermotos of its class for the city very much and open highways.
4. With respect to weights and handling, how is the KTM 390 SMC R different from the KTM 390 Duke?
With a weight of about 154 kg, the Duke is heavier at 165 kg and also has an adjustable suspension and a taller stance, enabling it to change direction easily especially when attacking sharp corners and in confined spaces.
5. How different is the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R from other 390 models, such as the 390 Adventure?
While the 390 Adventure is designed for long-distance touring and off-road capability, the 390 SMC R is built for sharp handling, aggressive riding, and urban fun. It features:
- 17-inch spoked wheels instead of the larger 19-inch front wheel on the 390 Adventure.
- Lower fuel capacity (9L) for a lighter overall feel.
- Supermoto ABS, allowing rear-wheel slides, which the 390 Adventure lacks.
The 390 SMC R should feel the most agile and playful in the lineup.
6. Is a slipper clutch and quickshifter present in KTM 390 SMC R?
Yes, the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R comes with a slipper clutch that smoothens downshifts by avoiding rear-wheel lock-up during aggressive braking. However, a quickshifter is not really provided as standard but could be offered already by KTM via PowerParts as an optional upgrade.
7. With which kind of rider is the 390 SMC R best suited?
The KTM 390 SMC R is perfect for riders who:
- Enjoy aggressive and spirited riding with quick handling.
- Want a lightweight, high-performance supermoto.
- Prefer a minimalist, track-inspired design.
- Need a versatile bike for both city rides and weekend fun.
However, touring enthusiasts may find its small fuel tank and taller seat height a bit challenging.
8. What is the mileage of KTM 390 SMC R, and is it fuel efficient?
Expect fuel efficiency from the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R in the range of 29-31 km/l, depending on riding style and conditions. In comparison to commuter motorcycles, it is not that fuel-efficient but, for a high-performance supermoto, it does well in balancing performance and economy.
9. Will the KTM 390 SMC R be comfortable for long rides?
While the 390 SMC R is designed primarily for short, aggressive rides, its upright ergonomics and well-padded seat make it relatively comfortable for medium-distance rides. However, due to:
- A smaller 9-liter fuel tank, requiring frequent refueling.
- A high 860mm seat height, which might not be ideal for all riders.
- Minimal wind protection, making high-speed touring less comfortable.
As such, the 390 SMC R may not be your best bet for long highway touring; it is, however, ideal for having fun in the city and on twisty backroads.
10. Will KTM manufacture the 390 SMC R in India, and how will that impact pricing?
Yes, KTM will manufacture the 390 SMC R at its Chakan plant in India, just like the 390 Duke and 390 Adventure. The local production keeps the price competitive in contrast to the worldwide market; however, given that supermotos are a niche segment in India, the first lot will be available in select dealerships.
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