Motorcycle specifications KTM890 SMT 2023 17-inch adventure

After 10 years in slumber, a strange creature has come back to life. Everything around her has changed. The public, the values, the influencers... But SMT wants to hold on to its values. So, for its comeback, it has given itself the same SuperMotard and Touring pretensions that it defended in its former incarnation, with twin, clear-cut design, a spicy mix of genres and nervousness all over the place.

from the outset, this is a very special machine. As if a 690 SMC-R had merged with an 890 Adventure. A kind of insect whose desire would be torn between gnawing mountain curves and kicking the bust of anyone dragging themselves into the bend. Yet - and this is a tour de force on Katoche's part - the SMT looks very different from the Adventure, when in fact it's very close. Let's take a closer look...

to see that the bodywork, shoulders, fork head, handguards and rear flanks are identical. As the eye is drawn to the large white mudguard and the orange-painted 17" rims, it's easy to confuse the casual observer. Decoration also plays a part in this trompe l'oeil exercise. A much shorter windshield, less pronounced jowls for the fuel tank, no sabot, lower 890 Duke R mirrors and a more nervous space around the front wheel encourage a mutinous expression. The resulting impression of lightness is also reflected in the figures - this maxi-supermotard weighs 6 kilos less than the Adv' from which it derives.

this is due to a smaller fuel tank (15.8 liters vs. 20 litres on the trail) and fewer parts. The bottom line is that this machine is both a fun-loving and a touring machine. When you see the look of the tires, you realize that these Michelin PowerGP tires are no joke. Designed for half-road, half-track use, they'll be eagerly awaiting the twin-cylinder's taut trajectories and relaunches.

the SMT 890 is powered by the twin LC8c found throughout KTM's mid-range line-up, from roadsters to trailers to the sporty RC8c (in which it's given plenty to express itself). The engine produces 105 hp at 8,000 rpm and 10.2 mkg of maximum torque. These values are identical to those of the Adventure, and more than enough to take the machine's 194 kilos for a good shake-up of sensations.

a Supermotard is high. The SMT is no exception. With 180 mm of suspension travel, you'll need to be a little more flexible to reach its 860 mm - although the repositioned shock absorber has limited the altitude. Once there, you'll immediately notice the 5" TFT digital display and, above all, the small adjustment knobs at the top of the 43 mm inverted fork. Fans of efficiency will be able to fine-tune the damping, as the suspension is adjustable in rebound and compression for the front, and rebound and preload for the rear.

on the SMT 890, the swingarm is a little longer and the wheelbase longer, which should give the wheel more stability. Like all members of its family, it is supported by a minimalist tubular steel trellis frame, using the engine as a load-bearing element to recover maximum rigidity.

but for a model that smells of crunchy cornering, it's surprising that KTM hasn't moved upmarket in the braking department. Radial calipers are still the J.Juan of the Duke and Adventure, whereas a good pair of Brembos would have been much more appropriate.
What's more, the SMT is equipped with the Supermoto ABS setting, which deactivates the rear anti-lock braking system. As a result, it's possible to come around the bend like a de-anoser, triggering some serious crossbones(if you've got the technical baggage). So, the 320 mm discs will feel the pads pushed by 4 pistons in each caliper. Except at the rear, where the 260 mm disc and its two pistons will sometimes (often) lock the rear wheel for nice, controlled drifts.

ergonomics are enhanced by the new fuel tank, which fits more snugly into the front of the bike, and the ability to adjust the handlebars to 6 different positions. Alongside this, the Katoche provides (as always) a certain amount of electronics, with a 6D inertial unit, traction control and cornering ABS, as well as three riding modes (Sport/Street/Rain) - and a clear incentive to upgrade to the options, where the Up&Down shifter, cruise control, cruise control, and a new rear brake are all waiting in the wings.Down shifter, cruise control, an additional "Track" riding mode with 3 levels of throttle response and 10 for MTC traction control, engine slip control, smartphone connectivity and heated grips.

for the first 1,500 kilometers, the manufacturer allows you to sample almost everything. After that, either you pay for the options, or Katoche puts them to rest.
Can the SMT 890 also be a touring machine, as its T implies? More than the 890 Duke, that's for sure, and definitely more of a tourer than the Adventure. But not like a Tracer 9 or that kind of hybrid machine. It's a bike that's typical, fun and leaves the rider the choice of winding up or trashing the corners. This Katoche is a Supermotard version of the Adventure, with the road-going fun of a certain Ducati Hypermot.

M.B. - Manufacturer's photos