KTM resurrects the 450 SMR after a six-year hiatus

It has been six years since KTM launched a new 450cc Supermoto motorcycle. Lo and behold, the 2021 KTM 450 SMR has finally broken its cover and it’s a race-ready track machine from the orange stable. The company has finally filled the race-bike shaped void in its production line-up.

The engine uses a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) which is conventionally simpler to work on than a DOHC. It also contributes to its lightweight construction of 27.3 kilogrammes, putting out a staggering 62bhp. The five-speed ‘box supplied by Pankl Racing enables specific fuel mapping for each gear while transmission is enabled with a Suter slipper clutch to best on-track response.

In every way possible, KTM has tried to shed weight to create a featherweight Supermoto bike. Evidence of this is found in its 900-gram aluminium sub-frame, CNC-machined triple clamps and die-cast swingarm. Both the Neken tapered handlebar and swingarm are adjustable to suit the rider’s preferences.

Suspension duties are taken care of by WP XACT 48mm air-enabled split-function damping forks which have an insane travel of 285mm, while the WP XACT rear monoschock boasts 266mm of travel. The 450 SMR’s anchors are from Brembo with a 4-pot caliper mounted on a 310mm rotor upfront and 220mm disc out back. In order to exploit its track-oriented capability, the 450 SMR uses 16.5-inch front and 17-inch lightweight spoked tubless wheels from Alpina, shod in Bridgestone slicks. The bright orange graphics lend the bike a menacing character, hinting at its competitive spirit.

With 62bhp on tap, pulling wheelies out of corners is something you can look forward to

The KTM 450 SMR is meant strictly for the North American market where Supermoto racing is a celebrated sport. Thus, we don’t expect to ever see it in India. It probably wouldn’t fare well with its $11,299 price tag, which roughly translates to Rs 8.3 lakh, before shipping and customs expense.