KTM has recently unveiled the highly anticipated 890 SMT, a model that brings back the iconic SMT nameplate after nearly 20 years. Positioned as a “tall-roader,” the 890 SMT is aimed at competing with other bikes in this category, such as the BMW F 900 XR.
The KTM 890 SMT features a liquid-cooled, 889cc, parallel-twin engine that delivers 105 horsepower and 100Nm of torque, which is similar to the 890 Adventure. The bike has a dry weight of 194kg and has a 15.8-litre tank.
The suspension is courtesy of WP, featuring a 43mm fork and monoshock, both fully adjustable. The suspension travel of 180mm at both ends is slightly less than the 200mm of the Adventure. The SMT also has a “tighter” geometry and a longer swingarm, which make it more suitable for its intended usage.
The KTM 890 SMT runs on 17-inch cast alloy rims fitted with Michelin PowerGP tires, which aligns it more closely with the sporty 890 Duke R. Interestingly, the bike doesn’t come with pillion foot pegs or mounting points, as seen in KTM’s press site and official European site images.
The 890 SMT is equipped with an impressive range of electronics, including four riding modes: Rain, Street, Sport, and Track, with only the last one being fully customizable and available as an optional extra. The bike also has cornering ABS and traction control, thanks to the IMU, and rear ABS that can be switched off.
KTM is offering the owners of the 890 SMT to enjoy the bi-directional quickshifter and cruise control as part of the Demo mode only for the first 1500 km. After this, people will need to purchase these features separately if they wish to continue using them. Customers can also buy a Bluetooth module accessory to pair their smartphones with the TFT dash, allowing for navigation prompts and notification alerts.
