The 2024 KTM 890 SMT is a sport-touring motorcycle with supermoto styling, using a retuned version of the 890 Adventure’s engine in a street chassis. It has a $13,949 MSRP. At 428 pounds with its 4.2-gallon fuel tank full, it’s too heavy for authentic supermoto duty, and sport-touring is where it excels.
The 889cc DOHC parallel twin has a long, flat torque curve, so a twist of the throttle pays off at any rpm. It’s as happy in technical twisties as it is rolling on from 80 mph in 6th gear. Twin counterbalancers keep vibration under control on long rides.
Sport, Street, and Rain modes are standard, with an IMU supporting the traction control and ABS. Sport isn’t overly aggressive, so most riders can leave it there. There’s no dedicated mode button, and changes go through the 5-inch TFT display’s menu.
The $690 Tech Pack is a software upgrade that includes a quickshifter, cruise control, and Track mode. The hardware comes with every SMT, so the pack can be added at any time after the 1500-kilometer trial expires.
Few motorcycles are more naturally comfortable. The handlebar can be mounted in six positions, and the bike is narrow at the seat and knees, which offsets the 33.8-inch seat height. KTM offers taller and lower seats.
WP Apex suspension provides 7 inches of travel at both ends. The 43mm inverted fork adjusts for damping, and the piggyback-reservoir shock adjusts for spring preload and rebound damping. The SMT isn’t mushy or divey, making it a great sport-tourer on less-than-perfect roads.
The guppy-style fuel tank lowers the center of gravity, and the SMT handles like a sportbike, with generous cornering clearance. Michelin Power GP tires favor grip over longevity and rain performance, so touring riders may eventually want a more versatile tire. Radially mounted calipers and 320mm discs provide plenty of stopping power, with cornering-aware ABS and a Supermoto mode.
The fairing offers good protection, while the short windscreen may call for a taller aftermarket unit on long trips. The nearly invisible case mounts keep the SMT looking clean with or without bags. It’s for riders who want a sport-tourer and don’t need off-road capability.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
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Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
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Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
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![2024 KTM 890 SMT Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-ktm-890-smt-first-look-supermoto-sport-touring-motorcycle-1-768x512.webp "2024 KTM 890 SMT Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]")
