Baby supermoto models join KTM’s 2025 lineup
Anyone familiar with KTM’s branding will know that ‘SMC R’ means street-legal supermoto but while those letters have previously been tied to the company’s big ‘690’ singles they’re now gracing the smaller 125 and 390 models as well.
The 125 and 390 SMC R machines are visually nearly identical, and both are based on the engines and chassis of the 2024-on 125 Duke and 390 Duke. That means they get the latest-generation ‘LC4c’ single-cylinder engines, a DOHC unit for the 390, an SOHC design for the 125, mounted in KTM’s ‘Gen 3’ chassis platform.
While based on the Duke, the SMC R models get different geometry, allied to a new seat subframe and a redesigned cast-alloy swingarm. Allied to 43mm WP Apex forks and a rear monoshock, that means you get 230mm of suspension travel at each end. On the 390, the suspension is adjustable – compression and rebound at the front, rebound and preload at the rear – while the 125 makes do with rear preload adjustment alone.
Both bikes tick the right supermoto boxes with 17-inch wheels, but where the 125 has cast alloys, the 390 uses wires, although the tyre sizes are unchanged with a 150/60 rear and 110/70 front. The brakes are also shared across the two models, each getting a 2-piston ByBre radial front caliper and a single-piston rear.
There’s a chasm in terms of performance, though. The 125 SMC R, which isn’t coming to the Australian market, makes do with just 11kW to suit European learner laws, while the 390, hitting dealers here in April, makes 33kW and 39Nm from its 399cc single.
The 390 also benefits from a choice of Street or Sport riding modes, as well switchable traction control and multi-mode ABS with Road, Supermoto and Supermoto+ presets. On board, there’s a new 4.2-inch TFT dash with the usual phone connectivity functions for calls, music control and turn-by-turn navigation, operated by KTM’s latest illuminated bar control pods.
