The supermoto segment in India has been a barren wasteland for years. While enthusiasts have drooled over videos of riders sliding sideways on KTM’s legendary 690 SMC R in Europe, Indian motorcyclists have had to make do with modified dirt bikes or imported machines that cost a small fortune. That is about to change. The KTM 390 SMC is inching closer to an India launch, and if everything goes according to plan, we could see it in showrooms by the end of 2026. This would make it India’s first proper, factory-built supermoto motorcycle available at an accessible price point, and the excitement among the riding community is palpable.
The 390 SMC has been the only missing piece in KTM’s otherwise comprehensive 390 lineup in India. The Duke, RC, Adventure X, Adventure R, and Enduro R are all here. The supermoto, however, has remained conspicuously absent — until now. KTM and Bajaj Auto are actively considering bringing the 390 SMC to India, and while the exact launch timeline has not been officially confirmed, multiple reports and sightings suggest that the wheels are very much in motion.
The Supermoto Conundrum – Why the Delay?
The reason behind the delay is not technical — it is commercial. Bajaj Auto, KTM’s manufacturing and distribution partner in India, has been understandably cautious about the 390 SMC’s prospects in a market where the supermoto concept is virtually unknown to the average buyer. Unlike adventure bikes or naked streetfighters that have established audiences, a supermoto occupies a niche that most Indian riders have never experienced firsthand.
The concerns are valid. A supermoto is essentially a dirt bike wearing road tyres — tall, slim, with long-travel suspension and a riding position that prioritises agility over comfort. It is designed for riders who want to attack corners with their knee down on tarmac and then hop onto a dirt trail without breaking a sweat. In markets like Europe and Australia, supermotos have a dedicated following. In India, however, the concept needs to be introduced, explained, and then sold — which is a significantly harder task than launching yet another adventure bike.
That said, the 390 SMC is already manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant in India and exported to global markets. The production infrastructure exists. The bike exists. The only thing missing is the green light from Bajaj’s boardroom, and reports suggest that the decision-makers are warming up to the idea.
A Smaller Engine for India – The 349cc Strategy
Here is where things get interesting from a business perspective. Unlike the global-spec KTM 390 SMC R that runs the full-fat 398.6cc LC4c engine producing 46 PS, the India-spec 390 SMC is expected to use a smaller 349cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor. This downsized engine produces 41 bhp and 33.5 Nm of peak torque — slightly less than the international version but still more than enough to deliver thrilling supermoto performance on Indian roads.
The reason for this engine swap is purely financial. Following the revised GST structure implemented in September 2025, motorcycles with engines above 350cc attract a significantly higher tax rate of 40 percent compared to 28 percent for bikes under 350cc. By slotting the SMC under the 350cc threshold, Bajaj can price the motorcycle considerably more aggressively, potentially making the difference between a niche curiosity and a genuine sales success.
This strategy is not new for KTM-Bajaj. The 390 Duke in India already uses this approach, with the sub-350cc version carrying the “390 Duke” name while the full 398.6cc version is sold as the “390 Duke R” at a premium. The same naming convention is expected for the SMC — the India-spec bike will likely be called the KTM 390 SMC (without the R suffix), leaving room for the full-power SMC R to be introduced later if demand justifies it.
Supermoto Hardware – Built to Slide
Despite the smaller engine, the KTM 390 SMC is expected to retain the serious supermoto hardware that makes the global SMC R such a hoot to ride. The suspension setup is likely to be borrowed from the 390 Enduro R, featuring fully-adjustable, long-travel units with approximately 200 mm of travel at the front and 205 mm at the rear. This is significantly more suspension travel than what you get on a standard Duke or RC, and it gives the SMC the ability to absorb bumps, jumps, and rough surfaces that would unsettle a conventional sportbike.
In true supermoto fashion, the 390 SMC will ride on 17-inch wire-spoke wheels (tube type) wrapped in sticky street-focused tyres. This wheel size is crucial — it is what separates a supermoto from an enduro. The 17-inch hoops allow the use of high-performance road tyres that provide maximum grip on tarmac, enabling the kind of corner-carving and controlled slides that define the supermoto riding experience.
The chassis geometry is also distinctly supermoto. The global SMC R features a 26.9-degree steering head angle and a wheelbase that is almost 4 inches longer than the Duke. The subframe mounts and flex profile are different too, giving the SMC a unique handling character that is more planted at speed while remaining flickable in tight corners. The India-spec version is expected to retain these geometry differences, ensuring that the SMC feels fundamentally different from any other 390 in the lineup.
Electronics and Features
Being based on the latest 390 platform, the SMC should come equipped with a modern electronics suite. Expect ride-by-wire throttle control with multiple ride modes (likely Street and Sport), switchable traction control, and a Supermoto ABS mode that allows the rider to turn off rear ABS while keeping the front active. This last feature is particularly important for supermoto riding, where locking the rear wheel into corners is not just acceptable — it is the entire point.
A TFT display with smartphone connectivity, LED lighting all around, and a slipper clutch are also expected to be part of the package. The 6-speed gearbox with a quickshifter (likely optional) would round out the mechanical specification.
Expected Price and Competition
With the 349cc engine and the resulting lower GST bracket, the KTM 390 SMC is expected to be priced around Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom). This would position it as a premium offering within the 390 range — more expensive than the Duke but potentially on par with or slightly below the Adventure R.
In terms of competition, the 390 SMC will essentially have the segment to itself. There is no other factory-built supermoto available in India at any price point, let alone at Rs 3.5 lakh. The closest alternatives would be modified Royal Enfield Himalayans or custom-built supermotos from small workshops, none of which can match the engineering, reliability, and warranty backing of a factory KTM.
The real competition for the SMC will come from within KTM’s own stable — specifically the 390 Duke and 390 Enduro R. Bajaj will need to convince buyers that the supermoto experience is different enough from a naked bike or an adventure bike to justify adding another motorcycle to their garage. For riders who have experienced supermoto riding, this is not a hard sell. For everyone else, KTM will need to invest in experiential marketing — track days, ride events, and demo rides that let potential buyers feel the difference for themselves.
When Can We Expect It?
While no official launch date has been announced, multiple industry sources suggest that if Bajaj gives the final approval, the KTM 390 SMC could arrive in Indian showrooms by late 2026 — potentially around December. The bike is already in production for export markets, so there are no manufacturing hurdles to overcome. It is purely a business decision at this point.
The 390 SMC R was spotted testing on Indian roads as recently as January 2026, which further reinforces the theory that KTM is actively evaluating the bike for the domestic market. Whether it launches as the full-spec SMC R or the tax-friendly 349cc SMC remains to be seen, but either way, India’s supermoto drought appears to be ending.
Also Read: 2027 Triumph Tiger Sport 800 Gets a New Colour: India Launch Still Awaited
Should You Wait for It?
If you are a riding enthusiast who has always been curious about the supermoto experience — the sideways slides, the aggressive cornering, the raw connection between rider and machine — then the KTM 390 SMC is absolutely worth waiting for. It promises to be unlike anything else available in the Indian market, offering a riding experience that no Duke, no Adventure, and no sportbike can replicate.
However, if you are looking for a practical everyday motorcycle or a comfortable touring machine, the SMC is probably not for you. Supermotos are purpose-built machines designed for maximum fun on twisty roads and occasional dirt excursions. They are not the most comfortable on long highway stints, and their tall seat heights can be intimidating for shorter riders.
For the right buyer, though, the KTM 390 SMC could be the most exciting motorcycle to launch in India in 2026. And at an expected price of Rs 3.5 lakh, it might just be the gateway drug that introduces an entire generation of Indian riders to the addictive world of supermoto.
FAQ
1. What is the expected price of KTM 390 SMC in India?
The KTM 390 SMC is expected to be priced around Rs 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom) in India, thanks to the sub-350cc engine that attracts lower GST rates.
2. What engine will the KTM 390 SMC use in India?
The India-spec KTM 390 SMC is expected to use a 349cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 41 bhp and 33.5 Nm, instead of the global 398.6cc unit.
3. When will the KTM 390 SMC launch in India?
While no official date has been confirmed, the KTM 390 SMC is expected to launch in India by late 2026, potentially around December.
4. Will the KTM 390 SMC R come to India?
Initially, India is likely to get the KTM 390 SMC (without the R suffix) with the smaller engine. The full-spec 390 SMC R may follow later if demand is strong enough.
5. What makes a supermoto different from a regular motorcycle?
A supermoto combines dirt bike suspension and geometry with 17-inch road wheels and sticky tyres, offering a unique riding experience focused on aggressive cornering, controlled slides, and versatility across tarmac and light off-road terrain.
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