Around the turn of the millennium, the supermoto craze began experiencing an enormous influx in popularity, consequently prompting major manufacturers to start releasing turnkey production, supermoto models. And while there were admittedly numerous fantastic production supermotos, few if any were as competent as KTM’s legendary 450 SMR, which, despite a seven-year hiatus, is now slated to reenter production for 2021.
Giving truth to the Austrian outfit’s “Ready To Race” slogan, the 2021 450 SMR is a competition-grade, track-only model that comes straight from the factory with all the upgrades and amenities needed to tear up the kart track. Like the dirt-going 450 SX-F, the new SMR gets all the 2021 powertrain upgrades, with the SOHC single now boasting traction control, adjustable power maps, and launch control, as well as a SUTER slipper clutch and five-speed PANKL gearbox. Other noteworthy elements offered as standard include Alpina spoked wheels shod in Dunlop racing slicks, adjustable die-cast aluminum swing-arm, adjustable CNC-machined triple clamps, Nekton bars, and Brembo brakes and WP XACT suspension front and back, though with markedly tighter springs than KTM’s 450cc dirt bikes. Weighing only 232lbs at the curb, the 2021 KTM 450 SMR is slated to hit dealerships later this year with an MSRP of $11,299.
