KTM 890 SMT
2026 KTM 890 SMT: 105 hp supermoto tourer, 889 cc twin, 194 kg without fuel, €13,999. Full specs, press reviews and rivals.
At a glance
The KTM 890 SMT is a supermoto tourer: the 890 Adventure R platform, with its 889 cc, 105 hp twin, gets 17-inch wheels, sport tyres and touring equipment. Sold for €13,999 in France in a single version, it weighs 194 kg without fuel but charges extra for the quickshifter, cruise control and Track mode. Reviewers praise its agility, suspension and engine, and criticise its weak-biting brakes, token windscreen and options that push up the price.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
719 points out of 1,000 in its comparison test against the BMW F 900 XR, Triumph Tiger Sport 800 and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+: engine 184/250, chassis 183/250; 73% for touring, 65% for everyday use, 62% for sport (review text for subscribers only).
A comfier, longer-legged 890 Duke R with an excellent chassis and suspension; paid-for cruise control, sometimes abrupt traction control, near-useless screen and a single colour.
Supermoto clearly comes before touring: praised agility and WP APEX fork, shock a notch below; Track mode essential but paid-for, and a price that climbs fast with options.
High-end components, suspension and brakes, exemplary interface and fun factor; screen too short for touring, quickshifter that needs a firm foot and a rather small tank.
Sound, effective and comfortable chassis, engine strong from low revs, riding position, consistency and finish; front brake lacking progressiveness, engine that could have been more powerful, price without options and seat height.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review covers the 2026 model year, which only changes the styling: the reviews date from the 2023 launch, on a technically identical bike. The 80/100 meta-score is based on the two numeric scores from those 2023 reviews: 4/5 from MCN and 4/5 from BikeSocial. In a comparison test published in February 2026, MOTORRAD gave it 719 points out of 1,000 on its own scale, against the BMW F 900 XR, Triumph Tiger Sport 800 and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+. Visordown, PS, SoyMotero and Le Repaire des Motards tested it without a numeric score.
What reviewers like: handling where supermoto clearly comes before touring (PS), agility and a chassis praised by all, with quality WP APEX suspension (Visordown, SoyMotero, PS); an engine that pulls strongly from low revs (MCN, Le Repaire des Motards); genuine comfort and versatility, making it, for MCN, a faithful heir to the 990 SMT and, for Visordown, a comfier, longer-legged 890 Duke R; an exemplary interface (SoyMotero) and a rare harmony between engine and chassis (Le Repaire des Motards).
What they criticise: paid options for the quickshifter, cruise control and Track mode (MCN, BikeSocial, Visordown, PS), which quickly push up the price; J.Juan brakes deemed lower-rent by MCN, lacking initial bite for BikeSocial and lacking progressiveness for Le Repaire des Motards, while SoyMotero likes them; an almost useless screen (Visordown, BikeSocial, SoyMotero); weak engine braking and vibrations (MCN); traction control that can be abrupt (Visordown) and a shock a notch below the fork (PS). BikeSocial also finds it caught between the 890 Adventure and the 890 Duke.
Key quotes
"True supermotos may be derived from motocross bikes, but the ’motard treatment on an adventure bike creates a similarly potent hooligan tool that’ll blat along any backroad, no matter the surface, at a decent rate and put a goofy grin on your face while it’s doing it."
"Its blend of raw excitement, supermoto handling and touring ability are not only unique but also quite special."
"And while I can’t tell you how close KTM is to recreating the ethos of the late-2000s machine, I can tell you that the 2023 reboot is a riot to ride."
"There were no two opinions about the handling: in the SMT, the supermoto comes squarely before the touring."
"The KTM 890 SMT is a superlative motorcycle, made for riders who like to enjoy themselves."
"The harmony between engine and chassis reaches a peak here, a rare consistency."
Pros
- Agility and supermoto handling
- 180 mm WP APEX suspension
- Twin that pulls from low revs
- Versatility: passenger, luggage, 450 kg gross vehicle weight
- IMU-based electronics and a well-designed interface
Cons
- Quickshifter, cruise control and Track mode are paid options
- J.Juan brakes criticised by several reviews
- Token wind protection
- Tall seat (860 mm)
- Weak engine braking and vibrations at certain revs
Our review
A supermoto built for touring
With the 890 SMT, KTM revives a concept it pioneered with the 990 SMT from 2009 to 2013: a supermoto able to carry a passenger and luggage far from home. The recipe starts from the 890 Adventure R, whose engine and frame it shares, but swaps the spoked wheels for 17-inch cast wheels shod with Michelin Power GP sport tyres. KTM lists it among its sports tourers, alongside the 1290 Super Duke GT, which is why it is classed here as a GT rather than a pure supermoto.
How much does it cost in France?
KTM France sells the 2026 890 SMT for €13,999 (recommended retail price including VAT, excluding registration), in a single version and a single orange colour, on a midnight blue, orange and black livery. It cost €14,599 at its 2023 launch and €15,149 in 2024; there was no 2025 model year. The 2026 model year only brings cosmetic changes: a low front mudguard as standard (instead of the 450 SMR-inspired high mudguard), wider rear side panels and moulded-in graphics. The specification has not changed since 2023. In the United States, the last version sold is the 2024, at $13,949 plus freight.
According to Italian site Moto.it (April 2026), a “KTM 990 SMT” has reportedly been spotted testing on the road; KTM has announced nothing so far.
Engine
The 889 cc LC8c parallel twin (90.7 x 68.8 mm, 13.5:1) produces 105 hp (77 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 100 Nm at 6,500 rpm, according to the 2023 press kit; KTM France’s website does not publish the power output. It is fed by two 46 mm Dell’Orto throttle bodies and paired with a six-speed gearbox, a slipper clutch and a 520 X-Ring chain. MCN gives the engine 5/5 but regrets weak engine braking and vibrations at certain revs; Le Repaire des Motards finds it strong from low revs.
Chassis
The chromoly tubular steel frame uses the engine as a stressed member. The 43 mm WP APEX upside-down fork and WP APEX shock offer 180 mm of travel; the seat sits at 860 mm and ground clearance is 227 mm (224 mm according to the owner’s manual). Braking relies on twin 320 mm floating discs gripped by four-piston radial J.Juan calipers, with Bosch 9.3 MP cornering ABS and a Supermoto mode. A steering damper is fitted as standard. The rear subframe is a steel trellis according to KTM’s press kit and presentation text, while its specification sheet says aluminium.
Electronics and options
As standard, the 890 SMT has three riding modes (Rain, Street, Sport), lean-sensitive traction control with wheelie control, a 5-inch TFT screen and LED lighting. The Quickshifter+ two-way quickshifter, cruise control, Track mode and MSR engine-braking control are paid software options, free to use for the first 1,500 km. The KTMconnect Connectivity Unit and heated grips are also optional. MCN, BikeSocial, Visordown and PS all regret that these functions are not standard.
Who is it for?
The 890 SMT is aimed at riders who want the agility of a supermoto without giving up long-distance riding. Reviewers find it comfortable and practical day to day, but it is tall (860 mm seat) and protection is limited to a short screen and hand guards. Its 450 kg gross vehicle weight allows two-up touring with luggage. There is no A2 version.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
KTM quotes 4.6 L/100 km. The foreign press recorded between 5.1 and 6.3 L/100 km, giving a range of about 250 to 310 km from the 15.8-litre tank. The manual calls for an oil change every 15,000 km or every 12 months and a valve clearance check every 30,000 km. No recall affects the 890 SMT (NHTSA, RappelConso, Safety Gate).
Specifications
| Displacement | 889 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 105 hp (77 kW) @ 8,000 rpm (KTM 2023 press kit; not published on KTM France's website) |
| Torque | 100 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Weight | 194 kg without fuel (KTM France); 194 kg 'ready to ride' according to the 2023 press kit; about 193 kg without fuel according to the owner's manual |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 1.85 |
| Seat height | 860 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 15.8 L |
| Fuel consumption | 4.6 L/100 km claimed by KTM (2023 press kit, cycle not stated) — CO2: 107 g/km (KTM France) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 15,000 km or 12 months — Valves and spark plugs: 30,000 km — Coolant: 4 years (KTM 2026 owner's manual) |
| Engine type | LC8c parallel twin, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with finger followers, liquid-cooled |
| Cooling | liquide |
| Transmission | 6-speed, 520 X-Ring chain, PASC slipper clutch |
| License | A |
| MSRP | €13,999 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 90,7 x 68,8 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 13,5:1 |
| Fuel system | Electronic fuel injection, twin 46 mm Dell'Orto throttle bodies, Bosch engine management, ride-by-wire |
| Valve train | DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with finger followers, chain-driven |
| Max power RPM | 8000 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 6500 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Chromoly tubular steel frame, engine as stressed member, epoxy-coated; steel trellis rear subframe (press kit and KTM text; the website's spec sheet says aluminium); die-cast open-lattice swingarm |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 25.8 ° |
| Trail | 111.6 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1502 mm |
| Ground clearance | 227 mm |
| Front suspension | 43 mm WP APEX open-cartridge upside-down fork, adjustable compression and rebound, 180 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | WP APEX monoshock, adjustable preload (handwheel) and rebound, 180 mm travel |
| Front brake | Dual 320 mm floating discs, J.Juan four-piston radial calipers, axial master cylinder |
| Rear brake | Single 260 mm disc, J.Juan two-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 120/70 ZR17 (Michelin Power GP) |
| Rear tire | 180/55 ZR17 (Michelin Power GP) |
| ABS system | Bosch 9.3 MP cornering ABS (IMU) with Supermoto mode disabling rear ABS |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Rain, Street, Sport, Track (optional) |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Anti-wheelie | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Quickshifter+ two-way (optional) |
| Cruise control | No (Available as an option (software feature, 30 to 160 km/h)) |
| Dashboard | 5-inch colour TFT, bonded mineral glass |
| Connectivity | KTMconnect via the optional Connectivity Unit (turn-by-turn navigation, music, calls); USB-C socket |
| Other features | Lean-sensitive MTC traction control, can be switched off, Cornering ABS with Supermoto mode, Optional Track mode: 10-level traction control, adjustable throttle response and ABS, MSR engine-braking control (optional), Software options free to use for the first 1,500 km (Demo mode), Heated grips (optional), Steering damper, Full LED lighting |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Supermoto tourer: upright, tall one-piece seat, tapered aluminium handlebar adjustable to 6 positions (30 mm) |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | Limited: short smoked screen and hand guards |
| Max total weight | 450 kg |
The 890 SMT seats the rider upright on a one-piece supermoto-style seat, perched at 860 mm and designed to carry a passenger. The tapered aluminium handlebar adjusts to six positions over a 30 mm range. MCN describes decent comfort thanks to the lofty riding position, at ease on motorways and in traffic thanks to its slim build. Protection is limited to a short smoked screen and hand guards: Visordown, BikeSocial and SoyMotero find it inadequate for touring. Le Repaire des Motards likes the riding position but lists the seat height among the drawbacks. Gross vehicle weight is 450 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
5.1 to 6.3 L/100 km (foreign press: approx. 5.1 from Visordown in mixed use, 5.8 from BikeSocial at a brisk pace, approx. 6.3 estimated by MCN)
L/100km
Real-world consumption
~~250-310 km (calculated: 15.8 L tank / 5.1 to 6.3 L/100 km recorded by the press); KTM claims 'more than 300 km'
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 15,000 km or every 12 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 30,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 30,000 km |
| Chain | Tension checked at 1,000 km then at every service; chain, sprockets checked every 15,000 km (520 X-Ring chain) |
Warranty
4 years / Premium Manufacturer's Warranty of up to 4 years, renewed at every service at an authorised KTM dealer; no mileage limit stated
KTM’s 2026 owner’s manual specifies a first service at 1,000 km, then an oil and filter change every 15,000 km or every 12 months. The air filter is replaced every 15,000 km, valve clearance is checked and spark plugs are replaced every 30,000 km. Brake fluid is renewed every 24 months and coolant every 48 months. Chain tension is checked at 1,000 km and then at every service, and the chain and both sprockets every 15,000 km. MCN rates reliability and build quality 3/5. KTM France does not state the length of its standard warranty, but since the 2025 model year it has covered road bikes with a Premium Manufacturer’s Warranty of up to 4 years, renewed year by year provided servicing is done at an authorised KTM dealer; a paid extension is available up to 12 years or 80,000 km.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 890 SMT | €13,999 | 105 hp (77 kW) @ 8,000 rpm (KTM 2023 press kit; not published on KTM France's website) | 194 kg without fuel (KTM France); 194 kg 'ready to ride' according to the 2023 press kit; about 193 kg without fuel according to the owner's manual |
| BMW F 900 XR2027 | €12,200 | 105 hp | 216 kg (wet) |
| Yamaha Tracer 92025 | €12,499 | 119 hp | 219 kg (wet) |
| Triumph Tiger Sport 8002025 | €12,395 | 115 hp | 214 kg (wet) |
| Ducati Hypermotard V22027 | €15,990 | 120.4 hp | 180 kg (kerb, without fuel) |
Generations
- KTM 990 SMT (990 Supermoto T)2009 – 2013
999 cc · 115.6 hp · 97 Nm · 196 kg (without fuel)
KTM's first supermoto tourer, derived from the 990 Supermoto: 999 cc LC8 V-twin, trellis frame, 19-litre tank and luggage.
- KTM 890 SMT2023 – today
889 cc · 105 hp · 100 Nm · 194 kg (without fuel)
Revival of the concept after a nine-year gap, based on the 890 Adventure R: LC8c parallel twin, IMU-based electronics, 180 mm WP APEX suspension and 17-inch wheels; low front mudguard as standard and new livery for 2026.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM 990 SMT (990 Supermoto T)2009 – 2013 KTM's first supermoto tourer, derived from the 990 Supermoto: 999 cc LC8 V-twin, trellis frame, 19-litre tank and luggage. | 999 cc | 115.6 hp | 97 Nm | 196 kg without fuel |
| KTM 890 SMT2023 – today Revival of the concept after a nine-year gap, based on the 890 Adventure R: LC8c parallel twin, IMU-based electronics, 180 mm WP APEX suspension and 17-inch wheels; low front mudguard as standard and new livery for 2026. | 889 cc | 105 hp | 100 Nm | 194 kg without fuel |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.