The KTM 450 SMR is motivated by a liquid-cooled 449.4-cc single-cylinder engine with a compression ratio of 12:1. These specs say a lot about the bike's performance. The mill is fed through a sophisticated, 41-mm Keihin MX FCR carburetor. Power is distributed by a close-ratio, 6-speed transmission with dog-clutch. The powerband and torque curve are exemplary. The rider is not thrown off his or her seat but the resulting performance is more than adequate. With such an easy-to-modulate engine, the 450 SMR is the perfect bike for anyone looking to start a career in supermoto races.

This bike is perfect for supermoto beginners.

Up-to-the-task features
The 450 SMR features a 48-mm White Power front fork with preload and rebound adjustments. The single rear shock is also manufactured by WP. Thanks to this setup, the KTM is supremely confident when leaning into turns; the suspensions literally make a mockery out of road conditions. Despite a high center of gravity and sizeable wheel travel, the bike does not sway under hard accelerations or during sudden braking maneuvers. The engine is never to be denied: its strong personality and power delivery have nothing to do with those of Japanese mills. It's a true racing engine, highly responsive, that loves to be aggressively treated. However, you have to keep it revving beyond 3,500 rpm to get the desired boost.

In short, the 2007 KTM 450 SMR is not only a toy, it's a pure supermoto-type bike ready to win races and the hearts of fans of this extreme sport.


Photo Credit : Michel Flageole