RIDE Durban

After a handful of teasers, KTM has finally taken the wraps off the 2023 890 SMT. The motorcycle resurrects the company’s iconic SuperMoto-Touring (which we last saw in 2013) moniker and intends to be the sharpest sports tourer out there.

The 890 SMT flexes a mixture of design elements. The high-set mudguard takes inspiration from KTM’s motocrossers, while the tail end is reminiscent of the 690 SMC R. This is topped by an 890 Adventure-inspired fascia, fuel tank, and bodywork, flanked by 890 Duke-derived 17-inch orange alloy wheels. A closer look also reveals a smoked windscreen and tail panels, bespoke to the new SMT. Together, all these create a unique yet familiar motorcycle.

What also feels familiar is the five-inch TFT instrument cluster. This is the same, updated display found on the 2023 890 Adventure, and lets you access the electronic rider aids (cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes). There’s no quickshifter as standard, however, which is a bummer, given the sportiness the KTM claims for the SMT. You don’t get smartphone connectivity, either.

As suspected, the new SMT employs KTM’s 889cc, twin-cylinder mill that produces 103.2 horsepower and 73 pound-feet. All this reaches the rear wheel via a six-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch for easy downshifts. Also, the engine is claimed to deliver 51.1 MPG, which equates to a 179-mile range from its 15.8-liter tank. This tank has the same shape as the 890 Adventure R for a better center of gravity.

Holding all of it together is a Chromium-Molybdenum trellis chassis, complete with a bespoke tubular subframe. These suspend on WP Apex upside-down forks and monoshock, both adjustable with 180 mm of travel. Though these might sound identical to the 890 ADV, the SMT has an altered shock angle outback (for an 860 mm seat height) and a sharper steering head angle–0.1 degrees more than the ADV. Also part of the package is a set of 17-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in Michelin PowerGP rubber) that house dual 320 mm rotors up top and a 260 mm rotor outback, clamped by J.Juan calipers.