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KTM is set to expand its mid-capacity performance portfolio in India with the upcoming KTM 390 SMC R. Aimed at riders seeking raw supermoto agility rather than conventional naked or adventure dynamics, the 390 SMC R is expected to arrive around December 25–26, 2026, with an estimated ex-showroom price between ₹3.60 Lakh and ₹3.65 Lakh.
The motorcycle introduces authentic supermoto styling—pairing long-travel suspension with 17-inch tarmac wheels—powered by the brand's latest-generation 399cc single-cylinder platform.
399cc LC4c Engine: Next-Gen Power Delivery
At the heart of the 390 SMC R is KTM’s updated 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder LC4c engine.
Displacement: 398.7 cc (BS6 Phase 2 compliant)
Power Output: ~44.5 to 45.3 bhp
Peak Torque: 39 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with an assist & slipper clutch
Quickshifter: Bi-directional Quickshifter+ expected as standard equipment
With optimized cylinder porting and refined gear ratios, this powerplant balances rapid throttle response with manageable city rideability.
Dedicated Supermoto Chassis and Hardware
Unlike dual-sport or enduro models with large 21-inch front wheels, the SMC R combines dirt-bike-derived geometry with sticky road tires:
Trellis Frame & Lightweight Subframe: Built on a lightweight, powder-coated steel trellis chassis paired with an aluminum swingarm.
WP APEX Suspension: Up front, high-spec 43 mm WP APEX upside-down forks provide extended wheel travel;
the rear uses an offset WP APEX split-piston monoshock. Brakes: A large 320 mm front disc clamped by a radial calliper and a 240 mm rear disc deliver aggressive stopping power.
Wheel Setup: 17-inch lightweight rims front and rear, shod with performance street tires (110/70-R17 front and 150/60-R17 rear).
Ergonomics: An upright, motocross-style wide handlebar, narrow tank profile, and an accessible yet commanding seat height of approximately 855 mm to 860 mm.
Electronics & Rider Aids
The 390 SMC R will leverage the advanced rider-aid suite seen on KTM's latest generation:
Supermoto ABS: Allows riders to disengage rear-wheel ABS for backing into corners while keeping the front wheel fully modulated.
Lean-Sensitive Traction Control (MTC): Multiple intervention modes (Street, Sport) with disengagement options.
Modern TFT Display: A 4.2-inch to 5-inch full-color TFT screen featuring Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation prompts, and smartphone integration.
All-LED Illumination: Sharp LED headlamp assembly, minimalist indicators, and compact LED taillights.
Expected Specifications Overview
Specification | KTM 390 SMC R (Expected) |
| Engine Type | 399cc Single-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, LC4c |
| Max Power | ~45 bhp |
| Max Torque | 39 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed with Slipper Clutch & Quickshifter+ |
| Front Suspension | WP APEX 43 mm USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | WP APEX Monoshock |
| Brakes (F / R) | 320 mm Disc / 240 mm Disc with Dual-Channel ABS |
| Wheel Size | 17-inch Front / 17-inch Rear |
| Seat Height | ~860 mm |
| Fuel Tank | ~9 to 11 Litres |
| Estimated Price | ₹3.60 – ₹3.65 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |
| Expected Launch Window | December 25–26, 2026 |
Market Positioning and Rivals
Slotting neatly alongside the 390 Duke and 390 Adventure, the 390 SMC R carves out a niche in India's sub-500cc segment.
With its premium WP suspension, responsive 399cc LC4c engine, and dedicated supermoto geometry, the 390 SMC R could set a fresh benchmark for enthusiast motorcycling in India when it makes its anticipated year-end arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): KTM 390 SMC R
What is the expected launch date of the KTM 390 SMC R in India?
The KTM 390 SMC R is slated to make its official debut around December 25–26, 2026, targeting the year-end festive window.
What is the estimated price of the KTM 390 SMC R?
The motorcycle is expected to carry an ex-showroom price tag between ₹3.60 Lakh and ₹3.65 Lakh in India, positioning it slightly above the standard 390 Duke due to its specialized long-travel suspension and supermoto hardware.
Which engine powers the KTM 390 SMC R?
The 390 SMC R runs on KTM’s next-generation 399cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder LC4c engine.
How does the 390 SMC R differ from the 390 Enduro R and 390 Adventure?
390 SMC R (Supermoto): Equipped with 17-inch road wheels front and rear wrapped in high-grip tarmac tires, stiffened long-travel suspension, and aggressive geometry tailored for tight street handling and track days.
390 Enduro R: Features larger dual-sport/off-road spoke wheels (21-inch front / 18-inch rear) with knobby tires meant for trail riding and dirt tracks.
390 Adventure: Designed for long-distance touring, featuring a larger windscreen, standard luggage mounting points, and a touring-focused ergonomic stance.
What is Supermoto ABS on the KTM 390 SMC R?
Supermoto ABS disables anti-lock braking exclusively on the rear wheel while keeping the front wheel ABS engaged. This setup allows skilled riders to lock the rear tire intentionally and back the bike into tight corners without sacrificing front-end stability.
What is the expected seat height and fuel tank capacity?
The KTM 390 SMC R features an upright, dirt-bike-derived profile with an estimated seat height of 860 mm and a compact 9-litre to 10-litre fuel tank to keep the center of gravity low and the chassis nimble.
Does the KTM 390 SMC R have any direct rivals in India?
Currently, there are no direct entry-level supermoto rivals in the 300cc–500cc segment in India.
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