2021 KTM 450 SMR

[Hugh Janus]

2021 KTM 450 SMR (Jeff Allen/)

Ups

• Finely tuned supermoto performance available at the dealership<br/>
• Strong performance basis of ultra-competitive KTM 450 SX-F motocrosser<br/>
• Top-shelf Brembo brakes<br/>
• Consistent Suter slipper clutch

Downs

• Low 16.5-inch front tire availability<br/>
• Racetracks few and far between in some geographical locations

Verdict

A dedicated supermoto machine that is ready to rock the kart track straight off the showroom floor.

Overview

The 2021 KTM 450 SMR looks to break the often expensive and time-consuming barriers of entry to supermoto racing as a dedicated racebike that’s available at the dealership. KTM took the highly potent 450 SX-F motocross platform, fitted it with supermoto-specific components like Brembo brakes, Bridgestone racing slicks, and a Suter slipper clutch among other bits, and cut it loose for closed-course supermoto racing. And it’s ridiculously fun.

Updates for 2021

The KTM 450 SMR is an all-new motorcycle for the 2021 model year, following a seven-year hiatus in the North American market.

Pricing and Variants

Priced at $11,299, the KTM 450 SMR is $1,100 more expensive than the 450 SX-F on which it’s based. The KTM’s supermoto counterpart, the Husqvarna FS 450, has an identical $11,299 MSRP.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

KTM 450 SMR used the same 450cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled single as found in the 450 SX-F motocross platform, which last produced an impressive 54.8 hp at 9,500 rpm and 34.6 pound-feet of torque at 7,400 rpm on our in-house Dynojet 250i dyno. Internally, KTM mated a supermoto-specific Suter slipper clutch to its five-speed gearbox for consistent deceleration.

Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert noted in his First Ride Review, “The 450 SMR has smooth, predictable power delivery at corner exit, which makes for deceivingly fast straightaway speed. At first touch of the throttle, the KTM offers crisp, tractable acceleration before rocketing off the corner with the front wheel pointed skyward.”

2021 KTM 450 SMR (Jeff Allen/)

Handling

The KTM 450 SMR shreds tight kart track layouts with serious conviction, with an incredible balance of agility and confidence-inspiring composure. The Bridgestone Battlax racing slick tires offer seriously impressive amounts of grip, while the feel and performance of the WP Xact suspension suit the needs of supermoto well.

Brakes

A top-shelf Brembo M50 four-piston Monoblock caliper clamping to an oversize 310mm disc brings the 450 SMR to a serious halt, with great feel at the lever.  A single 220mm wave rotor and single-piston caliper handle rear braking duties.

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

Claimed or measured mile-per-gallon information is not available.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

KTM struck balance in a well-proportioned rider triangle with a narrow midsection at the radiator shrouds. The Neken handlebar is a touch wide for our liking, especially in head-down roadrace position. Seat height is a claimed 35 inches, which is significantly lower than the SX-F motocrosser’s measured 37.6 inches due to the reduced suspension travel. At 5-foot-7, Road Test Editor Michael Gilbert found it comfortable at slow speeds and stops.

Electronics

The KTM 450 SMR comes equipped with two selectable engine maps, which tailor power delivery. A traction control aid is also equipped, and can be disabled. Both the engine maps and TC can be changed on the fly via buttons located on the left handlebar.

A launch control map is also equipped for race starts.

Warranty And Maintenance Coverage

No warranty information is available.

Quality

Fit and finish quality of the 450 SMR is second to none. KTM fitted the platform with only top-shelf supermoto specific components, like the Suter slipper clutch, Alpina wheels, and Bridgestone Battlax racing slicks.

2021 KTM 450 SMR (Jeff Allen/)

2021 KTM 450 SMR Claimed Specifications

MSRP:	$11,299
Engine:	450cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x Stroke:	95.0 x 63.4mm
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:	Fuel injection w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, slipper clutch, Bremo hydraulically actuated
Engine Management/Ignition:	Keihin EMS
Frame:	Central double-cradle chromoly steel
Front Suspension:	WP Xact inverted 48mm, fully adjustable; 11.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Xact monoshock, fully adjustable; 10.5 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston Brembo M50 radial-mount Monoblock caliper, 310mm disc
Rear Brake:	1-piston Brembo caliper, 220mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Alpina; 16.5 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 5.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Bridgestone Battlax Supermotard; 120/600-16.5 / 165/630-17
Rake/Trail:	26.1°/ N/A
Wheelbase:	57.8 in.
Ground Clearance:	11.4 in.
Seat Height:	35.0 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.9 gal
Wet Weight:	225 lb. w/o fuel
Contact:	ktm.com

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