Kiwi Rider May Vol.1 2023 | Page 20

ROAD NEWS

KTM 890 SUPER MOTO TOURING

After teasing us earlier in the year , KTM has pulled the covers off the new 890 SMT which aims to be the undisputed king of the supermoto touring segment . Based on the 890cc LC8c platform and producing 105hp and 100Nm of torque , KTM says the 890 SMT will fill a gap in the KTM lineup that is unfulfilled by the Adventure and Duke model ranges . While appearing to have a lot in common with the 890 Adventure family , the SMT has been designed with road domination in mind rather than go-anywhere ability . Rolling stock is the expected 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin PowerGP tyres while suspension , particularly the rear WP Apex shock , has been revised for a more squat feel and excellent road holding manners . Ergonomically the SMT mimics Adventure line

with an 860mm seat height , however this splits the difference between the two Adventure models as it comes standard as a single piece unit like the Adventure R , but is of the more attainable 860mm height of the base adventure model . The handlebars fitted to the SMT have six different positions with a 30mm range of movement , while KTM has also fitted the obligatory steering damper for those more spirited riding situations . In one of the biggest physical changes from the Adventure design , KTM has redesigned the fuel tank , with the SMT tank being trimmed down to 15.8 litres ( from the 20 litres on the ADV models ) with the new tank also shifting the SMT ’ s centre of gravity higher . KTM says this makes the SMT easier to flick from corner to corner than its Adventure counterparts . Claimed economy is 4.6L / 100km , so touring range
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