Text: Chris Myers • Photography: Kevin Wing, Brian Nelson

This past November, KTM invited the motorcycle press to sample their 2010 line of street machines in lovely Monterey, California. Plenty of hot (or in my case, lukewarm) laps were turned on the world famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca road course, aboard the impressive 1190 RC8 R superbike and the super sporty 990 SM R Supermoto model. But despite all the leather-bound bravado, it was the bikes with bags that got this touring rider's heart racing.

While laps at the track are awesome fun and a great tool for safely pushing machines to their limits, most of us live our riding lives well outside the paddock. So after lunch, I pack the leathers, don the Kevlar® jeans, and bid adieu to the circuit. I'm ready to get a real world taste of KTM's highly unusual attempt at a travel worthy Supermoto.

Engine and Transmission

Early Supermotos were usually built from a dirt bike or dual sport chassis and most often featured single cylinder engines. But as the craze grew, so did the engines. In creating the new SM T (Supermoto Travel), KTM chose their 999cc LC8 power plant. This liquid cooled, 75º V-twin is said to pound out 115 ponies and 73.8 lb-ft torque. Touted as the "newest generation LC8," this mill now features lighter-weight pistons, crankshaft, and connecting rods. And with a more tour-oriented power delivery in mind, a milder mapping of the Keihin EFI now combines with less-aggressive cams to take the edge off of the power delivery. But don't think for a second that this one is lacking in juice. When the road opens up, whacking the throttle is rewarded with a smooth and predictable, yet arm-straightening growl that inspires cheesy grins and a lighter than normal front wheel. Despite being ensconced in a package that is very definitely Supermoto in nature, this Austrian two-banger has all the characteristics of an outstanding open-road engine.

Chassis and Brakes

The SM T's tubular, chromium-molybdenum steel, trellis-type frame provides an extra-rigid substructure, yet only weighs 21.6-pounds. Combine this with a motor that tips the scales at a mere 127.7-pounds, and you have a core that should be "flickable" to say the least. And once on the road, the SM T proves that assumption correct. Tight and narrow byways are definitely this bike's forte. The racy looking front forks are 48mm units that are fully adjustable and sport an impressive 6.3-inches of travel. A single shock out back is also fully adjustable and offers 7-inches of travel. Both fore and aft components are made by WP Suspension and prove quite adept at hanging solid through even the tightest of curves while maintaining a surprisingly cushy demeanor for more relaxed outings.

(End of preview text.)