KTM 450 SMR: 2023 model unveiled

When it comes to race-spec, track-only supermotos they don’t come more potent than KTM’s 450 SMR – nor more advanced than this brand new 2023 version, unveiled last week by the Austrian brand.

While racing supermotos cover many capacities and street-legal versions, such as KTM’s own 690 SMC-R can boast up to 700cc, the premier world championship racing class is for 450cc ‘S1’ bikes.

The 450 SMR (Super Moto Racing) is KTM’s stand-out performer and is a multiple world championship winner. And now there’s a new one.

For starters, the 63bhp SOHC single has been tilted two degrees further back for better mass centralisation, and is housed in a new hydro-formed and laser-cut frame with a revised shock position.

The riding position has also been tweaked, with the footpegs moved inwards for better ground clearance, and there’s a new handlebar pad.

There’s also tweaked bodywork to match the revised riding position, aiming to give improved knee grip. What’s more, the revised graphics cast a nod to KTM’s early 1990s designs with a flash of purple added to the traditional orange and white.

Suspension, as with all KTMs, is by WP and comprises massive 48mm forks, with a lighter rear shock. There’s also two engine maps, switched via a button on the left bar, adjustable traction and launch control, and a top-spec radially-mounted four-piston Brembo brake caliper biting onto a monster 310mm single front disc.

Want one? Prices start at £10,949…