2021 KTM 450 SMR
R I D E R E V I E W
P74
Ergonomically, the KTM holds the rider in
place well thanks to the silicon strips on the
seat, and the roomy cockpit means you can
easily switch between supermoto- and road
race-style if you like.
Sliding a KTM SMR makes you feel like
Thomas Chareyre, if only for a second. The
chassis has such a nice feel to it—it turns on a
dime and thanks to the SX-F dimensions has
plenty of stability, giving you ample warning time
if it's all about to go south.
Once you turn the traction control off and put
it in the most aggressive mode, the SMR comes
alive. It's good for about 85 mph down the back
straight at Apex Raceway in Perris, so you know
you'll have one of the fastest steeds out there.
One of the best parts of the SMR is that Suter
slipper clutch. You can absolutely thrash back
down the gearbox, dump the clutch and the
SMR will glide into the corner with zero rear
wheel chatter. The gearbox action is excellent,
and you don't need to use the clutch unless
you're going from a very high to very low gear—
like a straightaway to a hairpin situation.
It's great to see KTM back in the supermoto
game in an official capacity. The Husqvarna FS
450's commercial success was a good omen
for the SMR, which comes at a perfect time
as supermoto is finally starting to rise from the
ashes thanks to the work of guys like Alex Mock
and the DRT Racing crew.
SPECIFICATIONS
2021 KTM 450 SMR ($11,299)
ENGINE
4-stroke, single
COOLING SYSTEM
Liquid
DISPLACEMENT
449cc
VALVETRAIN
SOHC, 4 valves
BORE X STROKE
95 x 63.4mm
COMPRESSION RATIO
2.75:1
FUEL SYSTEM
EFI
EXHAUST
1-1
CLUTCH
Wet, slipper
TRANSMISSION
5-speed
FRONT SUSPENSION
WP Xact Inverted 48mm fork,
fully adjustable
REAR SUSPENSION
WP Xact monoshock with
linkage
FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL
11.2 in.
REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL
10.5 in.
FRONT BRAKE
Single 310mm disc, 4-piston
Monobloc Brembo M50 caliper
REAR BRAKE
Single 220mm disc, 1-piston
caliper
FRONT TIRE
125/600 R16.5 in.
REAR TIRE
165/630 R17 in.
WHEELBASE
57.8 in.
SEAT HEIGHT
35 in.
FUEL CAPACITY
1.85 gal.
WEIGHT (CLAIMED, WET,
NO FUEL)
224 lbs.
The seat is ribbed for your riding pleasure.
