KTM 390 SMC R Caught Testing in India Ahead of Launch

The KTM 390 SMC R has been spotted testing in India. Given the recent developments, this is unlikely to be launched here. With the increase in GST 2.0, which raises taxes on motorcycles above 350cc to 40 per cent, KTM has been planning to downsize the 399cc engine to under 350cc.

The test mile in spy shots could likely use the new 350cc motor. This will be a bored-down version of the current 399cc motor, producing 40bhp. This level of performance will be in line with what we usually expect from KTM. The Austrian bikemaker will first use this new engine on the existing KTM 390 Duke, Enduro, and Adventure lineup.

The KTM 390 SMC R is based on the 390 Enduro R. This gets smaller 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends instead of the 21-18 setup which we have seen on the Enduro. The smaller wheels are designed to suit racing in the supermoto format, a hybrid racing style that combines elements of track, flat track, and motocross.

Aside from changes in wheel sizes, this shares most of its mechanical components with the 390 Enduro R. It has been powered by the same 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 44.38 bhp and 39 Nm of torque. The 390 SMC R, if it got launched, could be the first dedicated supermoto bike in India.

The bike could kick-start the supermoto segment in India, as Bajaj SX Enduro and Hero Impulse did with the off-road/ dual-sport segment. The supermoto segment is not as well understood in India as it is in Europe and North America. Takers for 390 SMC R will be quite limited.