KTM has always been at the top of the motorcycle racing food chain, so everyone tends to expect the best from all the products that bear the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer's branding. Most of the time, KTM delivers on its promises, and the same seems to be the case with the 2025 incarnation of the 450 SMR.
For the new year, the supermoto has undergone a complete overhaul, with changes to the frame, forks and ergonomics, all in an effort to make it a serious competition contender, but also an overall enjoyable bike to ride.
The KTM 450 SMR is a derivative of the 450 SX-F and uses a 450cc engine SOHC Engine engine for a heart. It is an engine that delivers 62 HP, more than enough, on several occasions, to push the bikes that use it to victory in supermoto races.
The engine has remained unchanged in the bike, but pretty much everything around it has undergone some changes. KTM calls the ones to do with the chassis the biggest changes of all. The bike's skeleton now features visible cutouts, the wall thickness has changed in the front part of the frame, and the engine mounts have been improved.
These changes reduce the weight of the 450 SMR by 300 grams, which may not seem like much, but in racing even a gram can make a difference. On top of that, the revised chassis now helps a little more with the chassis flex characteristics and cornering behavior.
KTM has fitted a 48mm WP XACT closed cartridge fork to the front of the bike for the first time, while the rear is supported by an improved WP XACT shock absorber. The entire suspension setup, KTM says, is taken directly from the company’s Factory Racing Team.
Visually, the bike is also a bit different than before. On the frame, the fuel tank now features new guards that feature dual-composite plastics on the top and bottom sides. It's a nice touch that also helps channel air more efficiently. A new tank roll has been included to help with frame air and better secure the part in place.
The 2025 KTM 450 SMR features all-orange bodywork, with red and black graphics, Alpina rims (16.5-inch front, 17-inch rear) and Metzeler Racetec SM K1 supermoto tires.
The Austrian company says it put the new bike through its paces. The tests, which sometimes feel almost like torture, were carried out by Supermoto World Championship rider Lukas Höllbacher and required the two-wheeler to be ridden hard in the most extreme conditions. You can see part of the ordeal the bike had to survive in the video attached below.
KTM will deliver the first 2025 KTM 450 SMR bikes to dealers in September. Pricing has not yet been announced, so you’ll need to contact your local dealer to find out more.
