Motorcycle specifications KTM125 SMC R 2025 Commas under the elbow

Pig's ribs, sliding under the squeal of tires, sick angles on a supermoto... This is an area that KTM knows well. Its 690 SMC R (a bit versatile) and 450 SMR (pure circuit) have been nurturing these adrenaline fixations for a long time. The concept was even pushed as far as the 990 SMR in 2009.
Now, on the other hand, the new 125 SMC R is aimed at younger riders and newcomers.

The little bugger is a real eye-catcher. With its unmistakable high-slung, nervous trail look and 17-inch road tires, the youngest of the SMC line-up looks good. It bears a striking resemblance to the 690, except for the bow - which is much lighter on the 125. Logical, since the fuel tank (and its bulk) are at the rear on the big SMC.

A deeply lifted Duke base

The orange-painted frame is a real eye-catcher. A privilege normally reserved for premium models in the road range. Its tubular steel structure is very similar to that of the Duke, with a few adjustments. A transplant was carried out, then the designers revised the column angle, rear frame supports and rigidity. The result is stability, control and handling more in tune with SM riding.

The changes are most visible around the frame. A new tubular subframe is fitted, as well as an aluminum swingarm taken from the new-generation small Adventure. Our little scamp is also getting used to longer-travel suspensions. A Supermotard must have long legs, and the KTM 125 SMC R respects this rule with a 43 mm WP upside-down fork that slides over 230 mm. The same travel applies to the shock absorber, the only element that can be adjusted (in preload).

But what are we going to use to shake up this SMC? With 15 horsepower and just over 1 mkg of torque. The law won't give you more power, but the 124.99 cm3 KTM single (also taken from the Duke) will happily get the job done. It has recently been overhauled, with an optimized cylinder head and gearbox, more efficient injectors and 10,000-mile service intervals. It also features a limited-slip clutch, and an optional shifter.
On the 125 SMC R, a number of peripherals have been adapted: a special air box to raise the engine and give more ground clearance, and an exhaust system without additional muffler. Tac saves 2 kg.

How heavy is this thing? Because a supermotorcycle is normally light enough to do a lot of fancy things.
Well, the bike isn't particularly light. It weighs 145 kg, not including fuel. Fill the 9-liter tank to the brim and you're well over 150 kg. Still, its mass is less than that of the little Duke - that's some consolation. But in Italy and Spain, the competition is lighter.

Braking has been entrusted to Bybre, with a 2-piston radial caliper attacking a 320 mm disc. Not very exciting, but it should do the job.
With a dose of fun, because KTM hasn't missed out on the essentials. Well, almost. ABS is standard, and a Supermoto mode is available to deactivate the rear wheel... by dipping into the options.

For lighting, the 125 SMC R relies on LEDs. The instrument panel takes the form of a new, full-length, 4.2-inch TFT color display. The display is simple, minimalist and practical, but not lacking in functionality. Standard connectivity allows the rider to add a smartphone via Bluetooth. From here, the rider can manage step-by-step navigation, music and calls, so as to pick up the phone in the middle of a ride and shout "Leave me alone, I'm drifting on the floor!

Arg, 860 mm seat height, you're going to feel it when you climb on. Some might also wince at the absence of spoked rims, which are an integral part of the SM lifestyle. It's a question of savings: wheels like these cost more; keeping those of the Duke optimizes stocks and synergies; and technical duplication means that the price is (in part) right in line with the roadster.

A challenging investiture

It took a long time for the Austrian brand to enter the 8th-litre supermotard sector. Many of its rivals have long been established, and are sure to send it back on the ropes. But the SMC R 125 intends to take full advantage of the KTM name and its punchy, fun-loving image, to take a few swipes at its rivals.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos