2021 KTM 450 SMR Supermoto First Look Preview

KTM stormed into the US supermoto segment years ago with its purpose-built and competition-spec SMR motorcycles. However, for the last seven years, it has been absent from the US model lineup. For 2021, KTM slides back into this segment with the introduction of the 2021 KTM 450 SMR ($11,299).

(Editor’s Note: We recently test rode the similarly outfitted Husqvarna version during the 2019 Husqvarna FS 450 Supermoto First Ride Review.)

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Designed for closed-course competition, the 450 SMR shares the 450 SX-F motocross bike platform with a number of features specific to asphalt riding. The motorcycle was developed in part during the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in which racer-turned-KTM-employee Chris Fillmore established a new record in the Lightweight class (10:20.819).

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In the suspension department, the 450 SMR wears a WP Xact air fork with 11.2 inches of travel. The fork splits compression and rebound damping duties between each leg. It is clamped by a machined triple clamp with reduced offset (16mm). At the rear, a WP Xact coil-spring shock (10.5 inches of travel) is four-way adjustable and benefits from a special linkage for improved road course handling.

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It rolls on spoked Alpina wheels with 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes. The rims are of tubeless design and are shod with Bridgestone racing slicks. A 310mm diameter cross-drilled brake rotor is pinched by a radially mounted four-piston Brembo caliper through steel brake line and radial-pump master cylinder.

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Powertrain-wise the SMR runs taller final drive gearing and a Suter-sourced slipper clutch to negate engine back torque and allow for smoother rear wheel slides during acceleration. The airbox has also been tweaked for road-use, says KTM. Electric start, fuel injection, and some form of traction control are also standard.

The 2021 KTM 450 SMR will arrive at US KTM dealerships in November of 2020.

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