KTM 125 SMC R 2026 — Specifications

The cross-shafts, the slide under the screech of the tires, the mad angle at the handlebars of a supermotard... This is a domain that KTM knows well. Its 690 SMC R (a bit versatile) and 450 SMR (pure circuit) have been fueling these adrenaline rushes for a long time. The concept had even been pushed to a 990 SMR in 2009. Now, however, it addresses younger riders and newcomers with the 125 SMC R.

The little guy is tempting. With an unwavering, nervous trail face, tall stance, and mounted on 17-inch wheels with road tires, the youngest of the SMCs certainly looks the part. It doesn't shy away from a marked resemblance to the 690, except for the prow – much lighter on the 125. Logically, the tank (and its bulk) is at the rear on the larger SMC.

The frame painted orange certainly has cachet. A privilege normally reserved for premium models in the road range. Its tubular steel structure is very close to that of the Duke, with a few adjustments. A transplant took place, then the designers revised the headstock angle, the rear cradle supports, and the rigidity. For the benefit of stability, control, and handling more in line with an SM riding style.

The changes are more visible around the frame. A tubular subframe is installed, as well as an aluminum swingarm, borrowed from the current generation of small Adventure models. Our little galopin also features suspension with increased travel. A supermotard must have long legs, and the KTM 125 SMC R respects the rule with an inverted WP 43 mm fork sliding on 230 mm. Same stroke for the shock absorber, the only element that can be adjusted (preload).

But what will you use to shake up this SMC? With 15 horsepower and a little over 1 mkg of torque. The law won't give you more power, but the KTM 124.99 cm3 mono (also pinched from the Duke) will gladly get to work. This has been recently revised with an optimized cylinder head and gearbox, more efficient injectors, and 10,000-mile maintenance intervals. It benefits from a limited-slip clutch and the piloting can receive the reinforcement of a quickshifter as an option. On the 125 SMC R, some peripherals are adapted: a specific airbox to be able to rev the engine and give more ground clearance, as well as an exhaust system without an additional silencer. That's to save 2 kg.

Speaking of which, is this thing heavy? Because a supermotard is normally light to do a lot of fantasies. Well, the motorcycle is not particularly light. It must compose with 145 kg, without fuel. Fill the 9-liter tank to the brim and we exceed 150 kg. Its mass is still less than that of the little Duke – that consoles a bit. But in Italy or Spain, the competition is lighter.

The braking sector was entrusted to Bybre, with a 2-piston radial caliper attacking a 320 mm disc. Not very exciting but it should do the job. With a dose of craziness, because KTM hasn’t missed the essentials. Almost. ABS is standard and it is possible to have a Supermoto mode to deactivate the rear... by digging into the options.

For its lighting, the 125 SMC R entrusts everything to LEDs. The dashboard is presented as a brand-new 4.2-inch color TFT screen, all in length. The display is simple, minimalist, practical; but not for all that stingy in features. Standard connectivity allows the addition via Bluetooth of your smartphone. From there, the pilot manages step-by-step navigation, music, calls; in order to answer in full ride and shout joyfully “Mess with me, I’m drifting on the parquet!”.

Arg, 860 mm of seat height, that will be felt when getting on it. Some may also grimace at the absence of spoked wheels, yet inseparable from the lifestyle of an SM. Matter of savings: this kind of wheels cost more; keeping those of the Duke optimizes stocks and synergies; and the technical duplicates allow (in part) to align the price exactly at the level of the roadster.

The Austrian brand took a long time to enter the 1/8-liter supermotard sector. Many competitors have been established for a long time and will not fail to send it back into the ropes. But the SMC R 125 intends to take advantage of the KTM badge and its image full of punch and gaudrioles to slide a few commas on the faces of its rivals.

M.B - Photos constructeur