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BIKE TEST: 2023 KTM 890 SMT review

Kate Peck by Kate Peck
21 September 2023
in REVIEWS
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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KTM 890 SMT Image: Francesc Montero/KTM

What is it?

The KTM 890 SMT – Supermoto Tourer. This 105hp on-road fun machine sits in the mid-weight sports touring segment. To me, it feels like a mega motard.

Fifteen years ago, the manufacturer moved away from their SMT 990, a motorcycle that enjoyed an iconic status. The world saw a shift, and adventure bikes began to grow in popularity. You’ve got to wonder if there was any correlation between this time and when the Long Way Round TV series with Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman hit our screens, and motorcyclists worldwide connected with these two moto adventure seekers.

The discontinued KTM SMT 990 pioneered the way, and the new 890 is ready to pick up that mantle, a modern weapon created for long-range thrills. It has the guts and agility of their sportier track bikes but with generous, adventure bike ergonomics and comfort, meaning your back, butt, and knees will no longer require as many mid-ride stretches.

Does it have any racing pedigree?

KTM has a long history in Supermoto racing Image: KTM

KTM has had an extensive and successful history racing Supermoto, including with Australian Superbikes’ Troy Herfoss, who won his 2008 AMA Supermoto title for factory KTM. The manufacturer was also the first to produce and sell race-ready Supermoto bikes.

What’s under the tank?

KTM 890 SMT Image: Francesc Montero/KTM

A six-speed, 890cc engine producing an exhilarating 105 hp (78kW) at 8,000 rpm. The 15.8 litre tank means you can plan for a solid outing of around 300km of twisties.

How does it handle?

KTM 890 SMT Image: Francesc Montero/KTM

When you first jump on, the ride and handling are somewhat confusing – this is exciting and bizarre. Once you’re moving, motorcycles usually slot into a familiar category reasonably quickly – the SMT does not.

This thing rides like a super sporty, on-road adventure bike, a total juxtaposition. Similar to the Adventure R, it’s solid and tall, you can even hop up on the footpegs, they are the same as standard on all the KTM adventure models. It’s like a mega motard adventure duke tourer, if that makes any sense…

In typical KTM fashion, at speed, it handles like a dream. Idling is not it’s comfort zone so it’s best to get going. The 5-inch TFT digital display and rider modes are easy to use while on the move, including the Supermoto ABS, which allows the rider to slide the rear. These Supermoto slides are a “prerequisite for committed Supermoto riding” according to KTM. I like where their head is at.

Where would you most like to ride it?

KTM 890 SMT Image: Francesc Montero/KTM

Get this thing out of the urban streets and onto some fast-flowing picturesque roads for a solid overnight trip out to your closest mountain range. Maybe even stop by Sydney Motorsport Park or your local track to get a knee down if it’s on the way.

How does it look and feel?

KTM 890 SMT Image: Francesc Montero/KTM

The SMT has a commanding road presence so you can be seen and, in turn, you can see (through traffic) what lies ahead, something I’ve always enjoyed about tall motorcycles. Alas, tall bikes are generally daggy, boomer adventure bikes – all bikes I generally enjoy! It’s safe to say there’s nothing daggy about KTM. Usually assigned to an off-road ride, the KTM spec hand guards are interesting. KTM tells me these are for wind, hand and lever protection for that occasional drop. Such a handy, multipurpose piece of plastic and way cheaper than heated grips.

The SMT’s height, bright, sexy colours, graphics and aggressive fairings all demand attention. It’s physical feel is solid, nothing flimsy or half done. KTM is a manufacturer you pay a premium price for and the touch and feel matches my expectations.

How much does the KTM 890 SMT cost?

The 890 is priced from $22,575 (plus on-road costs), with a current ride-away price of $24,475.

Would I buy one?

KTM 890 SMT Image: Francesc Montero/KTM

It’s a bike that needs wide open roads or flowing mountain twisties plus a generous serve of leg length. There’s not a lot else quite like it out on the market right now – a tall, thrilling, gutsy, sporty ride full of fun and made to go the distance with optional panniers. Perhaps this is the bike for the adventure tourer that buys a mega enduro motorcycle only to never take it off road. Give it some gas and hang the fudge on.

Kate Peck

Kate Peck

Senior Contributor
Kate has almost a decade of auto and moto journalism experience, reporting and hosting television and is a motorcycle die-hard. She’s travelled extensively on and off-road across Australia, Africa, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Wales, India and Mongolia.

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