Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2024 KTM 890 SMT: ANYTHING BUT SLOW MOVING TRAFFIC.
Introducing the 2024 KTM 890 SMT…
Sharper, sleeker, sportier. Take a touch of touring, a pinch of unbeatable tarmac performance and a large vivid spice of Supermoto legacy and serve with speed: KTM is delighted to reintroduce the KTM SMT back to the table. No compromises and no catches. This regeneration of a KTM icon will sweep all highway traffic aside.
Imagine the ultimate Supermoto ‘play weapon’ but also a bike that boasts a number of technical features and additions necessary for extended touring capabilities: you can attack the hill but also know that the bike will take you much further.
2024 KTM 890 SMT Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- KTM 890 LC8c reworked for special sport touring emphasis and the next generation of the KTM 890 SMT thanks to unbeatable power delivery
- A chassis ideal for the perfect Supermoto-tourer that achieves the desirable pitch between aggression and chilled cruising with a sportier feel
- Frame, engine, wheels, WP APEX suspension all tweaked for lithe performance
- Blast the gradient of any hill climb with Cornering MTC, Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS all applicable thanks to premium bike behavior functionality. More customization possible with adjustable Suspension and TRACK mode options
- Performance with function: get excited by the tech specs and then revel in the touring aspect of the bike with elements such as the 5” advanced TFT dashboard, Michelin PowerGP tires and optional Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control among other add-ons
- LED lights, eye-catching styling, 17” wheels and KTM 890 SMT spirit from the first throttle roll
2024 KTM 890 SMT Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
- KTM 890 SMT back in the spotlight with re-tuned KTM 890 LC8c platform and developed to hit marks at the top of the Supermoto touring segment for power/torque-to-weight ratio.
- A street-focused chassis, adjustable suspension, premium tires and brakes, and other components elevate this purposeful model between KTM ADVENTURE and KTM STREET product ranges. The perfect foil for hill passes and the road that lies thereafter.
- The 2024 KTM 890 SMT is relaunched with fanfare and pulsating ‘hill climb’ concept in the hands of former AMA Superbike and Supermoto racer Chris Fillmore.
The only way is up. The racing skills of former AMA Superbike and Supermoto ace Chris Fillmore were an apt conduit to display the potential and the limits of the reimagined KTM 890 SMT. The Pikes Peak winner throttled the Supermoto-tourer along a Sardinian Mountain climb to show petrol heads and the motorcycle industry what they had been missing – and what they had been waiting for.
Fillmore gassed the super-torquey 889 cc LC8c parallel twin and counted on class-leading power and torque. The engine is the same platform behind the enviable stats and output of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R: with a 20% increase in rotating mass over the KTM 790 platform, providing stability and reassurance through corners, the knock control and 46 mm dual Dell’Orto throttle bodies guaranteeing optimum momentum while the fuel consumption from the 4.17-gallon (15.8-liter) tank is fantastically low. The KTM 890 SMT is just as happy pushed through low revs as pinned in higher gears. In fact, Fillmore used the full range of the KTM 790 DUKE’s motor to ace his second Pikes Peak hill climb record in Colorado.
The tank itself plays a forceful role in the ergonomics and has been slimmed and designed specifically for the KTM 890 SMT. The form of the tank slides the rider even further ‘into’ the bike with a wide and comfy contact patch but still compact enough for free and flowing movement, aided by the single-piece Supermoto-shaped seat at 33.8 in (860 mm) height. The aero-optimized smoked windshield is placed just above the double fender concept with a low splash guard on the fork legs. Cruise or attack?
Chassis-wise, the KTM 890 SMT has a CroMo steel frame with a tighter geometry. The structure is typically light and superbly agile on the move but also ensures fierce stability the faster a rider pushes. The shock absorber is angled further to reduce the seat height and accommodate the longer swingarm, contributing to a forwardly inclined rider position as well as straight stability.
Feeling the KTM 890 SMT on the go is a prime experience: agile, flighty and responsive. The WP APEX suspension (43 mm open cartridge upside-down forks at 180 mm of travel and same for the shock) is fully adjustable and complements the 17” wheels. The Michelin PowerGP tires supply more than enough stick for the tightest tarmac and have been especially selected for their specs and appropriateness for the KTM 890 SMT’s demands.
The state of the art 5” TFT dashboard is made from optically bonded mineral glass and is scratch and glare resistant and fully customizable while divulging the easy-to-use infographic menu system for setup preferences.
The bike can be molded even further. The three standard ride modes (RAIN, STREET, SPORT) can be expanded by an optional TRACK setting that permits the rider to toggle different amounts of throttle modes and traction control through 10 levels. Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is an important safety feature sensitive to the bike’s pitch and behavior at lean. Try six different handlebar positions with a 30 mm range. The whole show can slide and be wrenched to a halt with potent brakes, with four piston calipers spinning a 320 mm front disc and 260 mm double piston calipers on the rear. Putting this stopping power into action employs Cornering ABS and Supermoto ABS; placing both technically advanced provisions into the mix for an excellent safety profile.
More add-ons include heated grips and the chance to add Motor Slip Regulation (MSR, ideal for better control in low grip situations and for fast downshifts) to the software package. Quickshifter+ and Cruise Control are optional and ready to go with a simple activation process. Good connectivity with the bike means full access to navigation possibilities, and the advantages of the KTMconnect App (including owner manuals and digital service booklet for service and maintenance).
It would be very ‘backmarker-ish’ not to mention the looks. The KTM 890 SMT says a lot with its Supermoto-tourer style, from the wheels to the sporty graphics. The SMT cuts a sharp profile and will be impossible to miss and harder to outgun on the road. As ever, don’t forget the encompassing collection of KTM PowerParts (technical accessories and TRACK and TECH Packs) and KTM PowerWear to look the part on the hill, the highway or any hike to KTM 890 SMT happiness.
WHAT IS THE KTM 890 SMT AND WHERE DOES IT SIT IN THE KTM MODEL RANGE?
We are pumped to reintroduce one of our ultimate Supermoto Tourer. The KTM 890 SMT works on so many levels for KTM. Why? We can mix our expertise for Supermoto track-capable excellence – which means low weight, high torque and responsiveness, big agility but a lot of stability and acute rider feedback – with road-going brilliance and touring prowess. We know, riders want their motorcycles to do as much as possible and the KTM SMT is one of our strongest expressions of versatility. There are not many bikes that are equally accomplished at allowing petrol-heads to attack the hill climb but then also settle in for a comfortable cruise. The KTM SMT is a machine that wants to swallow the mountain pass but then go for miles and miles onwards once at the peak.
KTM USED TO HAVE AN SMT: WHY BRING IT BACK?
The KTM SMT existed when the company’s strong sporting roots began to spread from Supermoto tracks to urban roads and inviting country lanes. This was almost fifteen years ago and was our first earnest attempt at sport-touring. The growing influence of the ADVENTURE market started to cloud KTM SMT’s relevance. The KTM ADVENTUREs and KTM DUKEs became incredibly advanced and superlative at ticking a number of performance boxes. For 2024, we knew that there was a gap again for the KTM SMT, this time using the KTM LC8c as foundation. It was time for a fresh generation, bringing lofty standards to the riding experience and sporty attitude. The chisel was taken to the best components of the prolife KTM 890 ADVENTURE R platform to sculpt a new definition of the Supermoto Sports Tourer.
IS THE KTM 890 SMT MORE SUPERMOTO OR MORE KTM ADVENTURE?
Good question…but an easy one to answer: Supermoto. The sporty feeling of contact, control and performance have been the prime goals for the KTM 890 SMT. Yes, the bike will carry you as long as you want to ride and with technical specs that any tourer demands but it will also thrill and turn into a radical road ripper with a big grab of the throttle. The KTM ADVENTURE series banishes any sense of limits or boundaries by taking the long road or the jagged trail, but the KTM 890 SMT is the unshowy master of asphalt; filled with KTM and Supermoto DNA.
WHY WOULD I BUY A KTM 890 SMT INSTEAD OF A KTM 790 DUKE OR KTM 890 ADVENTURE R?
Because you might want the capabilities of the KTM 790 DUKE but with some of the convenience and touring prestige of the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R. The KTM 890 SMT slides perfectly into that bracket.
WHAT ARE THE ENGINE SPECS?
We’re talking the latest incarnation of the KTM LC8c. It’s a motor that was distinguished by 20% more rotating mass over the original KTM 790 parallel twin, the additional mass elevated corner stability and centralization while not affecting agility. The 890cc engine produces class-leading power and torque through a very compact unit with a reworked airbox. The knock control and dual 46 mm Dell’Orto throttle bodies guarantee optimum momentum with a higher state of ignition.
WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED FROM THE CHASSIS?
A bike that will bend easily to your will. KTM’s history and knowledge of CroMo steel construction means the ideal blend of torsional and lateral flex for this particular road ‘weapon’. The engine is used as a stress member. A tight geometry, similar to the KTM 890 ADVENTURE R, will provide that confidence to manipulate the bike at speed and across distances. It’s not always so easy to explain how a motorcycle can be so fixed and firm but also turn-on-a-dime flighty: you’ll just have to try it!
HOW IS KTM BRINGING THIS ‘SUPERMOTO PERFORMANCE’?
The WP APEX shock (with 180 mm of travel with a rebound adjuster and hand tool for spring preload, just in case of a passenger or dialing in for the hill climb) is angled further forward for a lower, ‘squat’ feel but with premium performance and an optimum seat height. The shock is connected to the signature die-cast open-lattice swingarm; the length of which contributes to the special handling and stability of the KTM 890 SMT. The forks bring the same travel, and the same customization possibilities with ‘split’ functions and adjusters for compression and rebound. The KTM 890 SMT has 17” wheels wrapped in Michelin PowerGP tires (chosen for their excellent grip, durability and fast warm-up phase), which again refer to the sporty origins of the bike. The wheels are light-alloy and less weight means less unsprung mass and inertia.
WHAT ELSE ABOUT THE ERGONOMICS?
It has been slimmed and refined to pull the rider ‘into’ the KTM 890 SMT for the best possible integration that still supports the legs and body. The ergonomics combine the merits of Supermoto control – the sensitivity and fun – but with practicality needed for sustained outings on the road. We mentioned the seat height: it’s measured at 33.8 inches (860 mm) across the Supermoto style single saddle, the seat bump also supports riders from sliding back under hard acceleration. The handlebars have six different positions with a 30 mm range of movement and the obligatory steering damper.
THE FUEL TANK IS A BIT SMALLER THAN THE KTM 890 ADVENTURE’S, SO WHAT’S THE RANGE?
Fuel consumption from the 4.17-gallon (15.8-liter) capacity is fantastically low. The KTM 890 SMT is just as happy pushed through low revs as pinned in higher gears. The fuel tank brings weight higher up, this means less effort in the corners from the rider when tipping over from side to side.
ELECTRONICS WILL HAVE THEIR INFLUENCE. WHAT DOES THE KTM 890 SMT HAVE?
The three standard ride modes (RAIN, STREET, SPORT) can be expanded by an optional TRACK Mode setting that permits the rider to toggle different amounts of throttle and Traction Control through 10 levels. Cornering Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) is an important feature sensitive to the bike’s pitch and behavior at lean, this means, the rider can go faster with confidence.
CAN THESE BE UPGRADED?
Of course. There is the chance to add Motor Slip Regulation (MSR, ideal for better control in low grip situations and for fast downshifts) to the software package. QUICKSHIFTER+ (both up and downshifts) and Cruise Control are optional and ready to go with a simple activation process. The KTM 890 SMT also has KTM’s DEMO. The optional extras can be trialled for the first 1,500 km of the bike’s running time, whereupon they can be purchased and activated, or the motorcycle will reset without the additional modes.
SUPERMOTO IS ALL ABOUT SPECTACULAR BRAKING AND SLIDING: HOW DOES THE KTM 890 SMT HONOR THIS?
In fine style with 2 x ultra-powerful four piston radially mounted calipers spinning on 320 mm front discs and a 260 mm rear disc that is clamping down by a double piston floating caliper on the rear. Putting this stopping power into action employs Cornering ABS and as one can imagine on a SMT, all important Supermoto ABS for those Supermoto style slides.
WHAT CAN BE SAID ABOUT THE STYLING?
Just one-color scheme but that’s all that’s needed to identify the rapier looks of the KTM 890 SMT. The bodywork is produced from colored, injected plastics with in-mold graphics for more resistance and the theme of protection extends to the amplified side panels and tank spoilers for reduced wear. Supermoto-style handguards will deflect debris and the ‘smoked’ windshield has been specially designed for the best aerodynamic fit. The screen is on top of a double front fender concept that displaces water and protects the rider’s legs and torso better.
HOW WILL THE KTM 890 SMT CATER FOR LONGER RIDES?
The 5” TFT dashboard is made from optically bonded mineral glass and is scratch and glare resistant and fully customizable while divulging the easy-to-use infographic menu system for setup preferences. The same software is prevalent on larger capacity KTM models. The KTM 890 SMT works with the KTMconnect App: an application that can be download on a smart device and then synced to the bike. From the confines of the App the rider can make further modifications and follow TURN-BY-TURN+ navigational guidance, make and take calls, listen to music, select via TFT dashboard, chart service intervals and note maintenance action, and see owner manuals. LED lights (strong visibility while remaining robust and compact), optional heated grip kits are other facets of the KTM 890 SMT.
KTM POWERPARTS AND KTM POWERWEAR WILL CATER TO THE KTM 890 SMT?
100%. The encompassing collection of KTM PowerParts (accessories and TRACK and TECH modes) and KTM PowerWear (functional to safety to casual apparel) can be tried and bought through any authorized KTM dealer. It’s easy to look the part on the hill, the highway or any hike.
WHY THE HILL CLIMB LAUNCH AND WHO IS CHRIS FILLMORE?
Ah, this is simple. What better way to demonstrate the core strengths of the 2024 KTM 890 SMT than to blast up a locked-off hillside road and then continue the test with a long stretch of riding the other side? Chris is a former AMA Superbike racer – onboard the original KTM RC 8 no less – and 2020 AMA Supermoto Champion. He heads KTM North America’s Road Racing and Flat Track Factory efforts.
Chris’s skill and ability led to three Pikes Peak hill climb lap-records; Chris’ first attempt secured him the heavyweight title onboard a 2017 KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R in a time of 9:49:625.
The second time around, Chris opted for the agile 2018 KTM 790 DUKE a.k.a. THE SCALPEL, the LC8c package awarded Chris the middle weight title in a whopping time of 10:04:038.
2019 saw Chris rounding up his collection of titles, taking the lightweight division record in a time of 10:20:819 on his 2019 KTM 450 SMR.
HOW IS THE KTM 890 SMT LINKED TO THESE THREE DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT BIKES?
The 2024 KTM 890 SMT has its routes deeply planted and its DNA stems from all our racing achievements. The KTM 890 SMT has the same big bike characteristics as KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R, it has the updated LC8c engine Chris used in 2018 that secured him the middle weight record and lastly, it has the same playful characteristics as the KTM 450 SMR. Hence the fact, that it is the answer to everything. #42
2024 KTM 890 SMT – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for pricing in USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
ENGINE
TORQUE 100 Nm
TRANSMISSION 6-speed
BATTERY CAPACITY 10 Ah
COOLING Liquid cooled
POWER IN KW 77 kW
STARTER Electric starter
STROKE 68.8 mm
BORE 90.7 mm
CLUTCH PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
DISPLACEMENT 889 cm³
EMS Bosch EMS with RBW
DESIGN 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin
LUBRICATION Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
CHASSIS
WEIGHT (WITHOUT FUEL) 194 kg
ABS Bosch 9.1 MP (incl. Cornering-ABS and super moto mode)
FRONT BRAKE DISC DIAMETER 320 mm
REAR BRAKE DISC DIAMETER 260 mm
FRONT BRAKE 2x radially mounted 4 piston caliper
REAR BRAKE 2 piston caliper, brake disc
CHAIN 520 X-Ring
FRAME DESIGN Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
FRONT SUSPENSION WP APEX 43
GROUND CLEARANCE 227 mm
REAR SUSPENSION WP APEX – Monoshock
SEAT HEIGHT 860 mm
STEERING HEAD ANGLE 64.21 °
SUSPENSION TRAVEL (FRONT) 180 mm
SUSPENSION TRAVEL (REAR) 180 mm
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
