- Reveal production-ready design
- Rides on road-biased setup
- India launch unlikely
KTM has been working on several motorcycles for the coming months, one of which is the 890 SMT. Along with previously spotted test mules, new images of the bike have surfaced on the web and revealed the design details that could be used for the final production model.
The new KTM 890 SMT could feature a butch and muscular styling similar to the Austrian marquee’s ADV offerings. The latest images reveal sharp side panels, a massive fuel tank, and a single-piece seat as well. However, the clay model here gets a front beak, unlike the test unit we saw in the previous story. That said, the bulky exhaust with its aluminium finish will likely translate to the final model.
We expect KTM to use the same 899cc twin-cylinder motor in the SMT as it does for the Duke. It’ll be mated to a six-speed gearbox and could benefit from a quickshifter. And the engine will likely be equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch. Going by tradition, KTM would bank on its signature trellis frame setup along with a separate rear sub-frame. The features list is currently unknown, but the 890 SMT can leverage technology from the new 890 Duke. This includes a TFT screen, traction control, rider modes, and ABS levels as well.
It’ll ride on WP front USD forks and an adjustable rear shock, while the braking hardware will consist of dual front and a single rear disc with dual-channel ABS. The latter seems to be mounted on 17-inch alloys shod to road-biased tyres. The smaller wheel setup offers agility, and the overall handling is much easier as well.
With the clay model images out, we expect the production model to be very close to it. KTM could also launch the bike in the overseas market this year. However, the bikemaker has no plans to enter our country’s big-bike market anytime soon.
