After a lengthy absence, KTM returns its closed-course and competition-spec 450 SMR to its 2021 US model lineup. (KTM USA/)
KTM stormed into the US supermoto segment years ago with its purpose-built and competition-spec SMR motorcycles. However, for the last seven years, it has been absent from the US model lineup. For 2021, KTM slides back into this segment with the introduction of the 2021 KTM 450 SMR ($11,299).
(Editor’s Note: We recently test rode the similarly outfitted Husqvarna version during the 2019 Husqvarna FS 450 Supermoto First Ride Review.)
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In typical KTM fashion, the 450 SMR inherits the 450 SX-F’s basic platform. A few key modifications were made for the rigors of supermoto competition. (KTM USA/)
Designed for closed-course competition, the 450 SMR shares the 450 SX-F motocross bike platform with a number of features specific to asphalt riding. The motorcycle was developed in part during the 2019 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in which racer-turned-KTM-employee Chris Fillmore established a new record in the Lightweight class (10:20.819).
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The 2021 KTM 450 SMR is a purpose-built supermoto motorcycle made for closed-course competition. (KTM USA/)
In the suspension department, the 450 SMR wears a WP Xact air fork with 11.2 inches of travel. The fork splits compression and rebound damping duties between each leg. It is clamped by a machined triple clamp with reduced offset (16mm). At the rear, a WP Xact coil-spring shock (10.5 inches of travel) is four-way adjustable and benefits from a special linkage for improved road course handling.
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MotoGP racer Brad Binder aboard the 2021 KTM 450 SMR. (KTM USA/)
It rolls on spoked Alpina wheels with 16.5-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel sizes. The rims are of tubeless design and are shod with Bridgestone racing slicks. A 310mm diameter cross-drilled brake rotor is pinched by a radially mounted four-piston Brembo caliper through steel brake line and radial-pump master cylinder.
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The 2021 KTM 450 SMR gets taller final drive gearing, supermoto-specific suspension and wheels (tubeless), as well as a giant Brembo front brake. (KTM USA/)
Powertrain-wise the SMR runs taller final drive gearing and a Suter-sourced slipper clutch to negate engine back torque and allow for smoother rear wheel slides during acceleration. The airbox has also been tweaked for road-use, says KTM. Electric start, fuel injection, and some form of traction control are also standard.
The 2021 KTM 450 SMR will arrive at US KTM dealerships in November of 2020.
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KTM North America says its 2021 450 SMR will begin arriving at US dealerships in November. (KTM USA/)
2021 KTM 450 SMR Technical Specifications And Price
| PRICE | $11,299 |
| ENGINE | 450cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled single; 4-valve |
| BORE x STROKE | 95.0 x 63.4mm |
| FUEL DELIVERY | Fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle body |
| CLUTCH | Wet multiplate slipper clutch; hydraulic actuation |
| TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE | 5-speed/chain |
| FRAME | Central double-cradle-type chrome-moly steel |
| FRONT SUSPENSION | 48mm WP Xact inverted fork, three-way adjustable for spring preload, compression and rebound damping; 11.2-in. travel |
| REAR SUSPENSION | WP Xact coil-spring shock, four-way adjustable for spring preload, low/high-speed compression and rebound damping; 10.5-in. travel |
| FRONT BRAKE | Radial-mounted four-piston caliper, 310mm disc |
| REAR BRAKE | 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc |
| WHEELS, FRONT/REAR | Die-cast aluminum; 16.5 x 3.5-in. / 17 x 5.0-in. |
| TIRES | Bridgestone racing slicks; 125/60-16.5 / 165/60-17 |
| RAKE/TRAIL | 26.1°/ TBD in. |
| WHEELBASE | 58.5 in. |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 1.8 gal. |
| CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT | 232 lb. |
| AVAILABLE | November 2020 |
| CONTACT | ktm.com |
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