KTM 390 SMC India Launch Likely Soon

The KTM 390 SMC is the only missing piece in the Austrian brand’s 390 range in India. However, that could soon change as KTM is considering launching the 390 SMC in India. While the exact timeline isn’t known yet, here are some exciting details about the bike.

The SuperMoto Conundrum

Bajaj is wary about the success of the SMC in India, and the concerns are quite valid as the concept of a SuperMoto is very new to India. While the 390 SMC is manufactured in India and already on sale globally, KTM is contemplating on whether it makes business sense to launch it in India. Once the bike gets a go-ahead from the higher echelons at Bajaj Auto, the company will launch the bike in India.

Smaller Engine

Unlike the global model, the India-spec KTM 390 SMC is expected be powered by the smaller 349cc, liquid-cooled motor that makes 41bhp and 33.5Nm of peak torque. Bajaj feels the lower taxation, as a result of the downsized engine, will allow them to price the motorcycle competitively, which could further help it succeed in India.

Not the SMC R

Using the smaller engine also means that the bike could be named as KTM 390 SMC and not as the SMC R in India. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as KTM uses a similar naming strategy for the 390 Duke in India. And it also leaves a headspace to bring the 390 SMC R later, that is if there is demand.

SuperMoto Hardware

Besides the smaller engine, the KTM 390 SMC is likely to use the same fully-adjustable, long-travel suspension setup from the 390 Enduro R, with a suspension travel of 200mm at the front and 205mm at the rear. In true SMC form, it will ride on 17-inch wire-spoke wheels (tube type), wrapped in stickier street tyres.

While it’s too early to talk about its launch timeline, if everything goes to plan, we can expect it to be launched sometime towards the end of 2026.