KTM 390 SMC R Spotted Testing in India: Everything You Should Know

The KTM 390 SMC R has been spotted undergoing road tests in the country, but recent regulatory changes suggest that its domestic launch is unlikely in the near future. Under GST 2.0, motorcycles with engine capacities above 350cc now attract a steep 40 per cent tax, prompting KTM to reconsider its engine strategy for the Indian market.

The Austrian manufacturer is reportedly working on downsizing its current 399cc engine to bring it under the 350cc threshold. The test mule seen in recent spy shots on Instagram is believed to be powered by this new motor. Expected to be a bored-down version of the existing unit, the engine should deliver close to 40bhp, ensuring performance remains largely in line with KTM’s usual benchmarks without a significant drop in output.

These spy video are attributed to adventure_journey.

KTM is expected to debut this new sub-350cc engine on its existing range, including the 390 Duke, 390 Enduro and 390 Adventure, before introducing it to other models.

The KTM 390 SMC R is derived from the 390 Enduro R, but features notable changes to suit its supermoto focus. Most significantly, it rides on 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends, replacing the Enduro’s 21-inch front and 18-inch rear setup. This configuration is designed for supermoto racing, a discipline that blends elements of circuit racing, motocross and flat-track competition.

Beyond the revised wheel sizes, the SMC R shares much of its mechanical hardware with the 390 Enduro R. In its current international specification, it is powered by a 399cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 44.38bhp and 39Nm of torque.

If introduced locally, the 390 SMC R would become India’s first purpose-built supermoto motorcycle. It has the potential to spark interest in a niche segment, much like the Bajaj SX Enduro and Hero Impulse did for off-road and dual-sport motorcycles. However, supermoto riding remains relatively unfamiliar in India compared to Europe and North America, which could limit its appeal.

KTM may choose to sell the SMC R in international markets until the new 350cc engine is production-ready. An Indian launch could then follow, with the model offered in its smaller-capacity form alongside other updated motorcycles.

For customers seeking a more substantial upgrade over KTM’s 200cc and 250cc offerings, the brand is also developing a new 500cc parallel-twin engine. This future platform will allow KTM to compete more effectively with rivals such as Aprilia and BMW in the sub-500cc twin-cylinder segment.