EXCLUSIVE: KTM 390 SMC R Spotted, Most Affordable Supermoto Is One Step Closer To Launch

Quick Highlights: 

• The KTM 390 SMC R has been spotted testing yet again

• Shares the same underpinnings as the 390 Enduro R but gets road-biased tyres

• Could launch in a few months in India 

The KTM 390 SMC R has been spotted testing in India yet again. The spy shots clearly indicate that KTM plans to launch the supermoto in India sooner than you think. The India-spec bike comes with a rather gaudy looking saree guard (Kawasaki much?), standard crash guards, and chunky looking pillion grab rails.

We got to know that the manufacturer will be gauging customer demand via its dealership network in the upcoming months. If there is enough interest, the manufacturer will homologate the bike in India, making it possible for interested customers to order via KTM dealerships. Expect the supermoto to launch later this month or perhaps next month in India. The supermoto may not be showcased at dealerships, those who want to buy will get the bike directly from the factory with the dealership acting only as a conduit. If KTM indeed ends up following this approach, then test rides may be difficult. 

Two Sides Of The Same Coin

Though the KTM 390 SMC R shares the same design language and underpinnings as the 390 Enduro R, it is the road-biased sibling of the hardcore offroader. The fully-adjustable long travel suspension, small 9-litre fuel tank, and angular LED headlight are the same units which we have seen on the 390 Enduro R. The SMC R, though, replaces the 21-inch front wheel and knobby tyres for a 17-inch front wheel and road-biased tyre. 

Though the SMC R has enough suspension travel and ground clearance to tackle bad patches of road, you’ll have to keep in mind that the tyres are designed for the road, and not for the trail like on the Enduro R. 

We expect the supermoto to be priced similarly to the KTM 390 Enduro R, at around Rs 3.3 lakh (ex-showroom). This will allow the SMC R to sit right in between the KTM 390 Adventure and the 390 Adventure X in India. If our guesstimated price is right, then one will have the option to either choose the supermoto or the Enduro depending on their taste and the usage, at the same price point. 

A New Era

The KTM 390 SMC R will be the first and the most affordable supermoto to be made and sold in India. The only other supermoto-styled motorcycles we ever received were from the Italian manufacturer, Ducati. While the Hypermotard 698 Mono and the 950 RVE are capable enough to make you giggle like a kid, the happiness comes at a cost, quite literally. Their exorbitant price tags keep them away from most of the enthusiasts. But things are set to change with the 390 SMC R as  it will be the most affordable supermoto bike to be sold in India. 

ZigSays

Supermotos were made for having fun. The format was started way back in the 1980s in the United States for having a motorcycle which has the capability of going off-road while still being flickable enough to carve corners. KTM has had a major role in making this segment popular internationally as their barrage of dirt bike range were a perfect fit to be converted into supermotos. 

That said, the supermoto scene in India is still niche. KTM also seems to be cautious with its approach if it ends up selling the bikes on a per-order basis. This approach will help the brand minimise losses, and will also allow it to study the market response before wholeheartedly indulging in this segment.