The KTM 450 SMR is the bar of reference for Supermoto. For riders seeking an escape from the limits of the road, for dirt bikers that want to feel an exhilarating drift (but on the asphalt), for those that want the ideal training tool or Supermoto racers craving to lead the pack, it is the only choice.

Austria’s own Lukas Höllbacher took his KTM 450 SMR to the 2022 AMA Supermoto title and fought until the last moments for the FIM World Championship. Höllbacher’s track feats and feedback rolled into the serial production version of KTM’s latest and best Supermoto racer. In 2023, he will again be on the attack with the 2024 KTM 450 SMR, and riders can now get their hands on the same model. The 2024 incarnation has a fresh new splash of color using in-mold technology for the bodywork. KTM orange, white and black create an attractive blur at speed, but there is also the distinctive streak of purple, inspired by 1990 KTM bikes barreling around international racetracks.

Surge forward with the 450cc single overhead camshaft (SOHC) engine that fires out massive power with long service intervals. At less than 59.5 pounds (27 kilograms), the powerplant is a masterpiece of power-to-weight engineering. A 44-millimeter Keihin throttle body brings in the fun and gauges the right response, while the SUTER slipper clutch adds another important way to modulate lap-time speed.

Ultimate handling comes thanks to centralization of the motor and chassis within the hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded frame. The compact construction has just the right amount of longitudinal rigidity and flex to provide superb feedback, energy absorption and straight-line stability. The reinforced aluminum subframe was generated from computational dynamic studies: sensitivity, robustness and reliability were the parameters. The hollow, die-cast aluminum swingarm is another remarkable contributor to the 2024 KTM 450 SMR’s performance, along with a NEKEN aluminum handlebar and CNC machined triple clamps (rubber damped for less vibration) to put every single vital meter of the racetrack right into the rider’s hands.

Pivot on a dime with dependable suspension. 48-millimeter WP XACT split front forks have AER technology for progressive and consistent damping, especially in the last 40 millimeters of travel. Count on quick access click adjusters for compression and rebound. The WP XACT shock is small, light and fixed with the frame geometry for better ground clearance of the linkage system. The XACT unit is one of the most advanced pieces of hardware to emerge from the WP Suspension factory lines. Like the fork, the shock’s compression and rebound can be configured without the need for tools.

It’s easy life for the racer, thanks to specialist features such as the electric start, the tool-less air filter for simple replacement; a performance-designed airbox; a flat and high seat (with a high-grip cover) to accommodate control at any angle; and a large, polythene, 1.9-gallon (7.2-liter) fuel tank, meaning more miles at speed. Carefully engineered footpegs with a larger surface area — but revised integration into the frame — are optimized for tarmac and the varying conditions of the terrain.

Run to the limit of the corners with heavy-duty Brembo brakes. The four-piston radial caliper will clamp the 310-millimeter front disc at the merest stroke of the lever, while a single piston unit grabs the 220-millimeter rear disc to set off those time-saving drifts.

Own the track with a raft of special race-orientated details, such as two selectable engine maps, launch control, traction control and the Quickshifter, all administered by a Keihin engine management system. An LED hour meter, fuel injection status and a rollover sensor (ROS) are included. The ROS detects the position of the bike in the event of a crash and automatically kills the engine in a nod towards improved safety.

It features tire tech that won’t let you down. Metzeler Racetec SM K1 Supermoto rubber heats up quickly and boasts a large performance scale in terms of temperature range and different states of asphalt. The tires are fitted to high strength but light ALPINA alloy rims with CNC-machined hubs.

2024 KTM 450 SMR Technical Highlights

• Purposeful orange, black, white and purple race trim livery with black-coated frame and menacing black wheels
• SOHC engine package weighing less than 59.9 pounds (27 kilograms) and prioritizing centralization thanks to altered positioning in the frame. Easily serviceable
• Two engine map options, launch control, traction control and Quickshifter as well as SUTER slipper clutch for maximum control
• Compact, light and innovative chassis for the best feeling, traction and handling
• First class WP XACT fork with AER technology and XACT shock: small, condensed and fully adjustable hardware to quickly refine track set-up
• High-quality Brembo brakes with four-piston radially mounted caliper and 310-millimeter front and 220-millimeter rear discs for potent stopping power
• READY TO RACE details for a pure track-based machine: 16.5/170-inch wheels, Metzeler tires, ODI lock-on grips, tool-less air filter access, light and optimized footpegs
• Unbeatable ergonomics that place all the stability and poise of the 2024 KTM 450 SMR at the rider’s fingertips for both front-end grip and rear-end confidence

The 2024 KTM 450 SMR will be sliding through Authorized KTM dealer showrooms from May 2023 onward.