KTM 390 SMC R - First Ride Review

Let's start with the million-dollar question: Is the 390 SMC R truly a thoroughbred supermoto, or just a Duke in disguise with longer legs? Hardcore fans criticize its wide tank, comfy seat, and 161 kg fighting weight. What initially seems like a betrayal of the minimalist supermoto ethos reveals itself as a smart concept upon closer inspection.

Unlike previous SMCs, the new 390 isn’t just a Sunday morning airstrip exotic but a versatile street bike aimed at young, urban riders—A2 license included. With a starting price of €6,299 (DE) and €6,999 (AT), it remains comfortably within the budget.

Under the frame, you'll find the proven 373cc single-cylinder from the 390 Duke: 45 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 39 Nm at 7,000 rpm—enough to slide the tires or interpret the town exit with a sporty flair. But it's not just about the hardware; the software makes the difference: traction control, ride modes, and ABS are all finely tuned for supermoto action. The compact underfloor exhaust shaves off two kilograms and eliminates the need for a visible exhaust.

At Bad Fischau, on the tight kart track near the office, it became clear: Power? Plenty. The limiting factor wasn't the engine, but NoPain himself—with a polite request from the manufacturer to keep the bike in one piece. Then came the revelation on the open road: zippy, easy to modulate, and full of character. Plus, with a service interval of 10,000 km, it's almost a miracle for supermoto veterans.

Why does this thing weigh more than the 690 SMC R? Simple: A2 compliance. KTM has maxed out the legally possible power, which means the weight had to go up. Instead of electronically limiting it, the 390 tips the scales at 163 kg with a full tank. Yet, it doesn't feel heavy—thanks to its well-balanced center of gravity and compact ergonomics.

The foundation comes from the 390 Duke, but KTM has refined it: steeper steering head angle, new subframe, and swingarm adjustments. The foot pegs can be mounted in two positions—depending on leg length or knee angle preference. Both front and rear offer 230 mm of travel, managed by fully adjustable WP APEX components. I left everything at the factory settings and was pleasantly surprised: sporty but not harsh, precise but not twitchy.

With a seat height of 860 mm, the SMC R sits higher than the Duke but well below traditional supermotos. The seat is soft enough for 100 km rides yet firm enough for feedback. Not ideal for shorter riders, but far more practical for everyday use than many would expect.

Up front, a 320 mm disc with a ByBre dual-piston caliper provides stopping power that far exceeds expectations. After 18 minutes of full throttle on the track, there were no fading issues and the pressure point remained stable. At the rear, there's a 240 mm disc with switchable ABS. And yes, turning off the Supermoto ABS at the back is a blast.

For those who want to not only read about the ride impressions but also hear and see them, check out this link for the video of our intensive test.