KTM, renowned for its dominance in the supermoto segment, is set to expand its lineup with the introduction of the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R. Positioned below the flagship 690 SMC R, the 390 SMC R offers a compelling blend of performance, agility, and affordability for both urban commuters and supermoto enthusiasts.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R lies the latest iteration of KTM LC4c engine—a 399cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder powerhouse. This engine delivers a claimed 44 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 28 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, ensuring spirited acceleration and responsive handling. The engine’s design emphasizes a high-revving nature, making it well-suited for both city traffic and twisty mountain roads.
Riders can tailor their riding experience through two selectable ride modes: Street and Sport. Street mode offers a balanced throttle response suitable for daily commuting, while Sport mode sharpens the throttle for a more dynamic ride. These modes are easily toggled via the intuitive TFT display, which also provides access to various settings, including ABS configurations.
Chassis and Handling
Building upon the platform of the 390 Duke, the 390 SMC R features a steel trellis frame with revised geometry to enhance supermoto performance. The steering head angle is set at a more relaxed 26.9 degrees compared to the Duke’s 24 degrees, aiming to provide improved control and stability on both urban streets and off-road terrains.
Suspension duties are managed by a 43mm WP Apex fork at the front, offering 9.1 inches of travel with adjustable compression and rebound damping. The rear is equipped with a WP Apex monoshock, also providing 9.1 inches of travel and offering 20 clicks of rebound-damping and preload adjustability. This setup ensures that the 390 SMC R can adeptly handle the rigors of supermoto riding, delivering a balance between agility and stability.
Braking System
Safety and control are paramount, and the 390 SMC R is equipped with a robust braking system. It features a 320mm front disc paired with a ByBre caliper and a 240mm rear disc, also with a ByBre caliper. This setup offers precise braking performance, instilling confidence in various riding conditions.
Design and Ergonomics
The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R showcases an off-road-inspired design, featuring KTM’s signature color scheme and resilient in-mold graphics. The “ergo-triangle” design, which includes adjustable handlebars, footpeg positions, and a one-piece seat, allows riders to customize their riding position for optimal comfort and control. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for supermoto enthusiasts who engage in varied riding styles and terrains.
Advanced Features
Embracing modern technology, the 390 SMC R comes equipped with a Bosch 10.3MB Modulator, which governs its advanced ABS system. This system offers standard ABS and a Supermoto ABS option, allowing riders to tailor the motorcycle’s behavior to their preferences and riding conditions. Additionally, the bike features powerful LED lighting borrowed from the KTM 690 SMC R, enhancing visibility and safety during nighttime or low-visibility conditions.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R is competitively priced at an MSRP of $5,499, making it an attractive option for riders seeking high-performance supermoto capabilities without a premium price tag. This pricing positions the 390 SMC R favorably against competitors, offering a blend of features and performance that is hard to match in its class.
Fuel Efficiency and Mileage of the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R
One of the crucial aspects of any motorcycle is its fuel efficiency, especially for riders who intend to use the bike both for city commuting and weekend adventures. The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R, with its 399cc single-cylinder engine, is expected to offer a solid balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine and Efficiency
The 390 SMC R features KTM’s updated LC4c engine, which is designed to be fuel-efficient while still offering ample power for both on-road and off-road riding. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and is equipped with a Bosch fuel injection system, helping to optimize fuel delivery and combustion efficiency. The combination of these features generally contributes to an improved fuel economy over previous models.
Although KTM hasn’t officially released the precise miles per gallon (MPG) figures for the 2025 model, based on past performance and similar bikes in this category, we can estimate that the KTM 390 SMC R would likely achieve around 50-60 MPG (miles per gallon). This range can fluctuate based on riding style, road conditions, and the type of riding (urban vs. off-road).
Fuel Tank Capacity and Range
The fuel tank on the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R has a capacity of approximately 12 liters (3.2 gallons). This is slightly larger than the tank found on the 390 Duke, helping to extend the range. With the estimated fuel efficiency of 50-60 MPG, riders can expect a range of around 160 to 200 miles on a full tank of gas under normal riding conditions. This is perfect for longer rides, ensuring that riders can enjoy a day of supermoto fun or a spirited ride through the city without constantly worrying about refueling.
For riders using the bike primarily in urban settings or for short-distance commuting, the mileage might lean toward the higher end of the spectrum, while more aggressive off-road or sport-oriented riding could result in a slightly reduced range.
Fuel Management Features
The KTM 390 SMC R comes equipped with a Bosch 10.3MB Modulator ABS system, which includes a lean-angle sensitive ABS feature. While primarily an electronic safety feature, it indirectly supports fuel efficiency by optimizing the braking system during aggressive riding or challenging road conditions. Additionally, the ride modes (Street and Sport) help control power delivery, which may also influence how efficiently fuel is used.
Key Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency
Several factors contribute to the fuel efficiency and mileage of the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R. These include:
- Riding Style: Aggressive throttle usage, high-speed riding, and frequent gear shifting tend to consume more fuel. In contrast, smooth throttle control and maintaining a consistent pace will yield better mileage.
- Road Conditions: Riding on smooth paved roads or highways is more fuel-efficient compared to navigating off-road trails or rough terrain. Supermoto motorcycles like the 390 SMC R are designed to handle a variety of conditions, but off-roading does decrease fuel efficiency.
- Weight and Cargo: The amount of additional weight, such as a rider’s gear or cargo, can slightly reduce fuel efficiency. Lighter loads lead to better fuel economy.
- Tire Pressure: Correct tire pressure ensures optimal rolling efficiency, reducing fuel consumption. Under-inflated tires can increase rolling resistance, resulting in decreased mileage.
- Engine Break-In Period: New engines, including those in the 390 SMC R, typically see better fuel efficiency once fully broken in, as the engine components settle into their optimal working condition.
Comparison with Other Supermoto Bikes
When compared to other supermoto bikes in the same class, such as the Yamaha WR250X or Honda CRF300L Rally, the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R stands out with its larger displacement engine. Generally, bikes with larger engines (like the 390 SMC R) will tend to have a slightly lower MPG than their smaller-engine counterparts, but the KTM’s efficient fuel injection system and optimized engine design ensure that it holds its own in terms of fuel economy.
The KTM 390 SMC R‘s 50-60 MPG range is competitive, particularly when considering its level of performance. Riders can expect a good balance between fuel efficiency and power delivery, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a versatile motorcycle that can handle both daily commuting and spirited rides.
Engine:
- Type: 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 4-stroke
- Bore x Stroke: 89 mm x 60 mm
- Compression Ratio: 12.6:1
- Power Output: 44 hp (32 kW) @ 8,500 rpm
- Torque: 28 Nm (20.7 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm
- Fuel Delivery System: Bosch EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 liters (3.2 gallons)
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox
- Cooling: Liquid-cooled system with a high-efficiency radiator
Chassis & Frame:
- Frame: Steel trellis frame (optimized for supermoto handling)
- Subframe: Bolt-on, lightweight aluminum
- Swingarm: Single-sided swingarm, lightweight
- Steering Head Angle: 26.9 degrees (relaxed geometry for supermoto performance)
- Wheelbase: 1,470 mm (57.9 inches)
Suspension:
- Front Fork: WP Apex 43 mm, inverted telescopic fork, adjustable compression, rebound damping, and preload (travel: 230 mm / 9.1 inches)
- Rear Shock: WP Apex monoshock, adjustable rebound damping, and preload (travel: 230 mm / 9.1 inches)
Brakes:
- Front Brake: 320 mm disc, ByBre caliper (4-piston radial) with floating rotor
- Rear Brake: 240 mm disc, ByBre caliper (single-piston)
- ABS System: Bosch 10.3MB (standard ABS + Supermoto mode) – offers better safety, especially for aggressive braking and cornering
Wheels & Tires:
- Front Wheel Size: 17 inches (aluminum alloy)
- Rear Wheel Size: 17 inches (aluminum alloy)
- Tires:
- Front: 110/70-17
- Rear: 150/60-17
Lighting & Electronics:
- Headlights: Full LED headlamp for enhanced visibility and modern aesthetics
- Tail Light: Full LED tail light with KTM’s signature design
- TFT Display: 5-inch full-color TFT screen with navigation, ride mode selection, fuel economy, and settings display
- Ride Modes: Two selectable modes – Street and Sport
- Traction Control System: Adjustable and linked with the ride modes to prevent excessive wheel spin
- Supermoto ABS Mode: Allows riders to disable rear-wheel ABS for a more aggressive riding experience while keeping front-wheel ABS active
Ergonomics & Comfort:
- Seat Height: 880 mm (34.6 inches)
- Seat Design: Single-piece seat with tailored comfort for both on-road and off-road riding
- Handlebars: Adjustable for ergonomics, allowing customization based on rider preference
- Footpegs: Slim and adjustable footpegs designed for superior control during off-road and supermoto riding
Technology & Features:
- Bosch 10.3MB ABS Module: Provides optimal braking control, enhanced safety, and more confidence in different riding conditions.
- LED Indicators & Lights: Offers excellent visibility and is energy-efficient.
- Keyless Ignition: For added convenience, the bike includes a keyless ignition system, improving ease of use while keeping the bike secure.
- Smartphone Connectivity: The bike can sync with KTM’s proprietary app for data tracking, ride analysis, and diagnostics.
Dimensions & Weight:
- Length: 2,078 mm (81.8 inches)
- Width: 850 mm (33.5 inches)
- Height: 1,210 mm (47.6 inches)
- Ground Clearance: 320 mm (12.6 inches)
- Wet Weight: 170 kg (374 lbs)
- Max Payload: 200 kg (440 lbs) (includes rider and any gear)
Pricing & Availability:
- MSRP: Estimated at $5,499 (prices may vary by market)
- Availability: Available in Spring 2025 (depending on your region)
Colors:
- KTM signature Orange, Black, and White color schemes with dynamic graphics.
- Customization options available for decals and accessories.
Conclusion:
The 2025 KTM 390 SMC R is designed to offer the ultimate balance between performance, technology, and practicality. Whether you’re carving tight corners in the city or hitting your favorite twisty mountain roads, the 390 SMC R’s lightweight design, responsive engine, and agile handling make it a standout option in the supermoto category.
The TFT display, adjustable suspension, and advanced Bosch ABS system ensure that you have full control of the bike, while fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities make it a suitable choice for everyday riders who seek both thrill and economy.
With competitive pricing, cutting-edge tech, and KTM’s legendary performance, the 2025 KTM 390 SMC R is poised to become a top contender in the supermoto world, making it ideal for a range of riders looking for an exciting and versatile bike.