2026 KTM 390 SMC R Specs & Review

KTM’s lightweight supermoto returns for riders who live for backroad flicks, city cut-and-thrust, and the occasional trackday slide. In this KTM 390 SMC R review, we break down the 2026 KTM 390 SMC R specs and how they translate to the real world.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine type: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled
• Displacement: 398.7 cc
• Power: 44.3 hp (45 PS)
• Torque: 39 Nm (28.8 lb-ft)
• Wet weight: 161 kg (354.9 lb)
• Seat height: 860 mm (33.9 in)

Engine & Performance

The 398.7 cc single is the heart of the package, delivering 44.3 hp (45 PS) and 39 Nm. In city riding, that torque gives you punch off the line and easy roll-on acceleration between lights, while the crisp response from the Bosch EMS with ride-by-wire keeps throttle inputs precise. On open roads, the motor rewards short-shifting and momentum riding—classic supermoto style—where the single’s tractable character makes it as playful as it is efficient.

A mechanically operated PASC slipper clutch helps keep the rear settled during hard downshifts, and the 6-speed transmission makes the most of the usable powerband. Drive goes through a durable 520 X-Ring chain, while CO2 emissions are a claimed 79 g/km. It’s a compact, honest thumper that prioritizes feel and control, exactly what you want in a street-going SM.

Handling, Comfort & KTM 390 SMC R Seat Height

This chassis is built for precision. Up front, the WP APEX open-cartridge 43 mm fork offers compression and rebound adjustability (30 clicks), paired with 230 mm of travel. Out back, the WP APEX Split Piston shock provides rebound adjustment (20 clicks) and preload via a top ring, with 230 mm of travel. That range of adjustment means you can tailor the bike for urban potholes, twisty tarmac, or a supermoto course.

Geometry supports agility without sacrificing stability: a 63.1° steering head angle, 111 mm of trail, and a 1453 mm wheelbase. Spoked 17-inch wheels (2.0 in rim front, 4.0 in rim rear) wear Michelin Power 6 tires in 110/70 R17 and 150/60 R17 sizes, giving quick turn-in and dependable grip on the street. With 270 mm of ground clearance, you also get plenty of room to attack curbs and tight apexes.

The KTM 390 SMC R seat height is 860 mm (33.9 in). Taller riders will appreciate the commanding view and leverage, while shorter riders should plan on a deliberate reach to the ground. The KTM 390 SMC R weight is 161 kg (354.9 lb) wet, or 154 kg (339.5 lb) without fuel—light enough to feel flickable at low speed and forgiving during tight U-turns or parking-lot maneuvers.

Equipment & Features

• Brakes: Bybre hardware with a floating front disc and radial 2-piston calipers, 320 mm up front; rear is a floating caliper (1-piston) on a 240 mm disc. Stopping power and lever feel are strong suits here.
• ABS: Bosch 10.3MB with Standard ABS and Supermoto ABS for rear-wheel steering fun when you want it.
• Electronics: Bosch EMS with ride-by-wire and two ride modes (Street, Sport).
• Suspension: WP APEX components with broad adjustability and generous travel at both ends.
• Display & Connectivity: 4.2 in bonded-glass TFT (anti-glare) with KTMconnect for music, calls, and turn-by-turn navigation.
• Chassis: Steel trellis frame and bolt-on steel trellis rear subframe for strength and serviceability.
• Drivetrain: PASC slipper clutch, 6-speed transmission, 520 X-Ring chain.
• Wheels & Tires: 17 in spoked wheels with Michelin Power 6 tires (110/70 R17 front, 150/60 R17 rear).
• Tank capacity: 9 L (2.4 gal).

Who Is the 2026 KTM 390 SMC R For?

Riders who value agility, feedback, and grins-per-mile will feel immediately at home. As a daily, it’s compact, connected (thanks to the TFT with KTMconnect), and easy to thread through traffic. As a weekend toy, the adjustable WP suspension, Supermoto ABS, and Michelin Power 6 tires make it a corner hunter.

Beginners with some confidence will appreciate the manageable output, ABS, and slipper clutch, though the 860 mm seat height deserves a sit test. Experienced riders looking for a lightweight supermoto to keep skills sharp will love the adjustability and component quality.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2026 KTM 390 SMC R pairs a lively single with a well-sorted chassis and meaningful electronics. Highlights include the WP APEX suspension with real adjustability, Bybre braking with Bosch 10.3MB ABS (including Supermoto ABS), and a modern 4.2 in TFT with KTMconnect—rare polish for a small-displacement SM.

Trade-offs? The tall seat will filter out shorter riders, and with a 9 L tank you’ll plan fuel stops on longer blasts. But judged as a lightweight supermoto, it nails the brief: responsive, confidence-inspiring, and outright fun. If you’re shopping this segment, the 2026 KTM 390 SMC R specs read exactly like what the category is supposed to feel like on the road.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 KTM 390 SMC R good for beginners?

  • It can be, thanks to 44.3 hp, 39 Nm, Standard ABS, Supermoto ABS, ride-by-wire, and a PASC slipper clutch. The 860 mm seat height may be tall for newer or shorter riders, so try the fit first.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 KTM 390 SMC R?

  • 860 mm (33.9 in).

• How heavy is the 2026 KTM 390 SMC R?

  • Wet weight is 161 kg (354.9 lb). Weight without fuel is 154 kg (339.5 lb).

• What brakes and electronics does it have?

  • Bybre calipers with a 320 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc, plus Bosch 10.3MB with Standard ABS and Supermoto ABS. It also has Bosch EMS with ride-by-wire and Street/Sport ride modes.

• What tires come on the 2026 KTM 390 SMC R?

  • Michelin Power 6 in 110/70 R17 (front) and 150/60 R17 (rear) on 17 in spoked wheels.