The new 2025 KTM 390 SMC R supermoto is added to the lineup, using the LC4c engine found in the 390 Duke and a chassis built on the platform of the 390 Duke. The 390 SMC R slots under the larger 690 SMC R supermoto in KTM’s lineup.
The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine used in the KTM 390 SMC R was revised in 2024 when it was seen in the updated 390 Duke. Displacement was increased from 373cc to 399cc, horsepower increased from 44 hp to 45, and torque increased from 27.3 lb-ft to 28.8. The engine gets a 6-speed gearbox and a slip/assist clutch. A quickshifter is available as an option.
The bike’s two-piece steel trellis frame is based on the 390 Duke but has a different steering-head angle, triple clamps, and subframe mounts. KTM says the frame changes were designed to allow greater clearance for the radiator package. The bike also has a bolt-on steel trellis subframe and a gravity die-cast aluminum swingarm, the latter of which is derived from the 390 Adventure. Its fuel tank holds 2.4 gallons.
Taking care of suspension duties up front is a 43mm WP Apex fork that offers 9.0 inches of travel and compression and rebound adjustability via hand-tunable clickers over five positions. In the rear is a WP Apex shock, also with 9.0 inches of travel, offering 20 clicks of rebound-damping and preload adjustability.
Brakes are provided by Bybre, with a single 320mm disc up front and a 240mm disc in the rear. The wheels are spoked and measure 17 inches front and rear, and they’re wrapped in Michelin Power 6 tires. The bike is also equipped with ABS. In Sport riding mode, the rider can choose from ABS modes Road, Supermoto, or Supermoto+.
In regard to ride modes, the KTM 390 SMC R offers Street and Sport modes, and its traction control can be disabled if a rider chooses. A new feature for 2025 is the ride mode memory, by which the motorcycle will remember which ride mode it was in when it was turned off and will remain in that mode once started again.
A 4.2-inch TFT display is made from bonded glass and features a polarization coating to reduce glare. The display allows Bluetooth connectivity through the KTM Connect App. Once connected, riders can view their music, incoming calls, and turn-by-turn navigation, all managed via a joystick on the switchcube with backlit switches. The bike also gets LED lighting.
KTM has not announced pricing or availability yet. Visit the KTM website for more information.
The KTM 790 Duke, referred to by KTM as “the Scalpel,” returns for 2025 with minor updates to its TFT instrumentation and handlebar switches and an updated headlight cowl for a sharper look.
Replacing the previous 4.5-inch TFT display is a new 5-inch TFT with a few new features. It includes updated graphics and menus, which KTM claims will make navigating rider aids and vehicle info easier. Complementing the bigger instrumentation is new backlit switchgear. The display also includes KTM’s Demo Mode and a telemetry screen, and it allows riders to set the optional Anti-Wheelie mode to six levels. The optional Track mode now offers 10 levels of traction-control adjustment.
Everything else remains the same. It’s powered by a 799cc parallel-Twin that makes a claimed 105 hp at 8,500 rpm and 64 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 rpm. The bike has a tubular steel frame and a cast-aluminum subframe. It uses J.Juan brakes, WP suspension, a slip/assist clutch, and tech like lean-angle-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, and ride modes (Sport, Street, Rain, and optional Track). The bike’s wet weight is a claimed 412 lb, and its seat height is 32.4 inches. Optional equipment includes Quickshifter+, Motor Slip Regulation, cruise control, and tire-pressure monitoring.
We recently reviewed the 2024 KTM 790 Duke and were impressed with the bike’s capabilities: “The 790 Duke excels with an enviable smiles-per-mile ratio. It’s simultaneously easy to ride and thrilling, with a 105-hp punch that’ll keep up with most any other bike on public roads at street speeds.”
The 2025 KTM 790 Duke will be available in orange or black. Pricing has not yet been announced. The bike comes with a factory warranty of 24 months that can be extended to four years. Visit the KTM website for more information.
Boden ripping around a local bike track, getting ready for the Dakar Rally.
Soon after reaching out to my cousin about getting her youngest son, 3-year-old Boden, on a KTM Stacyc 12eDrive electric balance bike, we discovered his strong desire for two-wheeled freedom. He has ridden other training bikes, but riding a battery-powered throttle-controlled bike was totally new to him. After delivery, we threw the battery on the charger, giving Boden time to test out how the bike differs in weight and size from the smaller ones he had ridden.
The Stacyc 12e, which sports KTM factory replica paint and graphics, boasts a robust aluminum TIG-welded frame, 12-inch composite wheels with pneumatic tires, and a BMX-style steel fork. Designed for children aged 3-5 who weigh less than 75 lb, the 12e offers an adjustable seat height that starts at only 13 inches. The bike with the battery installed weighs 17 lb.
The 12e features three speed levels: Training (5 mph max), Transitional (7 mph), and Advanced (9 mph). The industrial-grade, 20V lithium-ion battery provides 30 to 60 minutes of runtime, with a comparable charge time. Adjusting the speed mode is straightforward but requires a simple series of steps that prevents it from being accidentally changed by the rider.
With the battery charged and the speed mode set to Training, we got Boden back on the bike, and he immediately pinned the throttle all the way back. Though he was initially startled when the power engaged, that emotion quickly turned to excitement as he took off down the driveway.
Boden has made rapid progress with the bike over the past few weeks, quickly becoming confident and comfortable with its operation. The throttle is intuitive and easy to use, although the brake presented an initial challenge due to the reach required for small hands. Adjusting the brake tension resolved this issue. The bike’s ergonomic design is an excellent fit for Boden, with a comfortable seated position and handlebar height, allowing him to ride for extended periods, both with and without battery power.
With Crocs in “sport mode,” Boden prepares himself for the bike’s Advanced speed.
As he gained experience, Boden began to explore various speed modes, opting for Transitional mode on pavement and Advanced mode on local dirt tracks. His favorite rides include cruising through the neighborhood, zipping around town, and exploring dirt tracks and mountain bike trails.
Boden’s riding style has evolved to reveal a thrill-seeker, eager to push the limits of the bike’s speed on paved roads with a gradual build in confidence when riding off-road trails. While the bike’s low center of gravity and weight have helped him recover from minor spills, his aggressive riding has resulted in a few mishaps (Mom makes sure he always wears his helmet). The bike, being very sturdy, has only suffered minor scratches, with no mechanical damage. Boden’s enthusiasm for speed is undeniable, and he’s thrilled to keep pace with his older siblings on their pedal bikes, affectionately referring to the Stacyc as his “motorcycle” or “fast bike.”
Safety on two wheels comes from experience, and this bike provides a great opportunity for young riders to develop their skills. Retailing for $829 (many dealers offer discounts), the KTM Stacyc 12eDrive is a durable, top-of-the-line electric balance bike for anyone looking to get their little ones familiar with the power and freedom of two wheels. Boden is continuing to hone his skills and is loving every minute of it.
Over the past few months there have been news reports and online chatter about the financial challenges facing KTM. In this video posted on KTM’s YouTube channel on November 26, CEO Stefan Pierer and Co-CEO Gottfried Neumeister addressed KTM fans and the larger motorcycle community about the company’s plan to enter a 90-day self-administration phase so that it can move forward.
Today, KTM sent out the following press release and accompanying video. –Ed.
RISING THROUGH ADVERSITY: KTM PLOTS A PATH TO THE FUTURE AND TO MORE VICTORY
2024 has been a remarkable year for KTM, marked by bold innovation, thrilling victories, and unwavering customer dedication. While challenges are part of any great journey, we see them as an opportunity to accelerate toward an even brighter future.
It is no secret that KTM AG is navigating a shifting economic landscape. However, as our READY TO RACE mantra suggests, we are embracing this moment to realign, refuel, and reinvigorate. KTM remains fully committed to delivering exceptional experiences to our current and future customers. We will continue to thrill and find our way to the top of the podium again.
Racing is where we show our brand, our engineering and our passion for the chase. Over the past year, our motorsport teams continued to achieve greatness. We started the season with a staggering 341 FIM World Championship Titles. The globe-trotting calendars involved more than 1,480 race starts and brought us 246 podiums and 150 wins across various disciplines. Of course, there were hardships and injuries—these go with the turf—but KTM impressively added 11 more hard-fought titles to the record.
Off the racing line, the KTM brand has also been extremely active this year. The brand unveiled 59 new models, hosted three international media launches with 152 media partners in attendance, successfully pulled off three customer events with 283 participants, and returned to EICMA, the world’s largest motorcycle show, with a massive 1,635 m² booth along with 17 new KTM products.
There has been a strong push behind these new motorcycles, as well as efforts to ensure we maintain momentum in the right areas. KTM is applying the same forward-thinking approach during this restructuring phase. Our goal over the next 90 days is to stabilize the business while setting the foundation for sustained growth and success.
Throughout this period, KTM guarantees the continuation of motorcycles being delivered through our Authorized KTM Dealer network. The same goes for our spare parts, technical accessories, customer service support and warranties which remain unchanged, ensuring ongoing and unwavering support throughout this period.
The work and the desire for the latest edgy, extreme and adventurous motorcycles goes on. KTM is preparing the launch of a brace of highly anticipated models, which will be in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2025. This again shows our pledge to remain as one of Europe’s leading motorcycle manufacturer well into the future.
The 2025 KTM 890 Adventure R gets a new connectivity unit for smartphone connection and comes with an extended 24-month warranty.
The KTM 890 Adventure R returns to the lineup with minor upgrades for 2025, including a new connectivity unit, updated graphics, and an extended warranty.
Introduced for model year 2021 and upgraded in 2023, the KTM 890 Adventure R takes inspiration from the Dakar-winning KTM 450 Rally for its off-road capabilities and aesthetic. It borrows the 450’s fully adjustable WP XPLOR 48mm fork and WP XPLOR PDS rear shock, which offer 9.4 inches of travel front and rear.
The 890 Adventure R remains powered by a liquid-cooled 889cc parallel-Twin with bore and stroke of 90.7 x 68.8mm and with a slip/assist clutch and 6-speed transmission. It rides on spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wrapped in Mitas Enduro Trail+ tires and has a tank-empty weight of 441 lb. Tank capacity is 5.3 gallons, seat height is 34.6 inches, and ground clearance is 10.4 inches.
Included features that focus on off-road capability include the low windshield, high front fender, rally-styled bodywork, aluminum engine guard, and single-piece seat. The bodywork returns unchanged, but the graphics have been updated for 2025.
Now a standard feature on the 890 Adventure R, the connectivity unit enables connection between the KTMconnect smartphone app and the bike’s 5-inch TFT display via Bluetooth. Through this connection, riders can access turn-by-turn navigation, music, and incoming phone calls. Other standard features include ABS (with Offroad ABS mode), ride modes (Street, Offroad, Rain, and optional Rally), traction control, and LED lighting.
The 890 Adventure R comes with a 5-inch TFT display.
Optional tech includes Motor Slip Regulation, an up/down quickshifter, heated grips, a heated seat, and cruise control. The bike is delivered with Demo mode for the first 1,500 km (about 932 miles), which allows riders to test out the full electronic rider aids suite before deciding whether to purchase those extras.
KTM has also extended the manufacturer’s warranty on the 890 Adventure R by double, increasing it from 12 months to 24 months of coverage.
The 2025 KTM 890 Adventure R will come in updated orange, white, and blue graphics. Pricing has not yet been announced, but KTM says the bike will be available at dealers in early 2025. Visit the KTM website for more information.
The KTM 790 Adventure received several updates for the 2024 model year, and KTM has added a couple more changes to the midsized ADV for 2025. Updates include new WP suspension and new colorways.
For 2024, KTM reworked the throttle bodies for more efficient fueling and updated the Power Assist Slipper Clutch with new friction plates and airbox for improved breathing. Those updates carry over to the 2025 model.
New for 2025 is WP Apex suspension borrowed from the 890 Adventure, including a 43mm fork and a rear shock. The fork features split-function technology that separates compression and rebound damping between the two legs, with adjusters on the top of each leg. The shock is adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload. Suspension travel is 7.9 inches front and rear.
Everything else remains from the 2024 model, including the bike’s 799cc LC8c parallel-Twin LC8c that makes 95 hp and 65 lb-ft of torque. It comes with spoked 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion STR tires, a 5.3-gallon fuel tank, an engine guard, cornering ABS, three standard ride modes (Street, Offroad, Rain), lean-sensitive traction control, and a 5-inch TFT display. Demo mode allows riders to test out optional electronic rider aids, including Rally ride mode, Motor Slip Regulation, Quickshifter+, and cruise control. Ground clearance is 9.2 inches, seat height is 33 inches, and claimed weight is 448 lb.
The black colorway option goes away for 2025 and is replaced with orange. The KTM 790 Adventure will also be available in white. Pricing has not yet been announced, and KTM says the bike will arrive at dealerships in March 2025.
The 2025 KTM 990 Duke R is an up-spec version of the KTM 990 Duke, which we tested in its latest update earlier this year. The R version will arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2025, and it features more power, new electronics, and different chassis components compared to the 990 Duke.
In the KTM 990 Duke R, the liquid-cooled 947cc parallel-Twin engine makes 126 hp – a gain of 5 hp over the standard model – and has a higher rpm limit thanks to improved mapping. Torque remains the same at 76 lb-ft.
The KMT 990 Duke R’s WP Apex shock is fully adjustable, and the bike gets a linkage system.
The chassis also gets some adjustments for the R version. Because of longer front suspension travel and a steeper swingarm angle, the bike has a slightly higher center of gravity and 15mm-higher seat height (33 inches) and ground clearance (8.2 inches) than the non-R. These differences result in 3 degrees more lean angle for the R. The bike also comes with a linkage system for the rear suspension and swingarm.
Regarding suspension, the fully adjustable WP Apex Open Cartridge fork grows from 43mm in diameter on the 990 Duke to 48mm on the 990 Duke R. It offers 5.6 inches of travel compared to the non-R’s 5.5 inches. The fully adjustable WP Apex shock has reduced travel compared to the non-R, offering 5.5 inches compared to the 990 Duke’s 5.9 inches. KTM says the reduction in travel is due to packaging the extra parts needed for the new suspension linkage.
Braking components are provided by Brembo, including Stylema monoblock calipers and an MCS master cylinder.
Slowing things down, the KTM 990 Duke R gets larger front brake discs at 320mm compared to the 990 Duke’s 300mm rotors. These larger discs are paired with Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers and a Brembo MCS master cylinder. Wheels are wrapped in Michelin Power Cup 2 tires. The bike’s ready-to-ride weight is 418.8 lb.
The KTM 990 Duke R comes with Michelin Power Cup 2 tires.
The 990 Duke R also gets the new TFT touchscreen display that KTM recently announced. It’s 8.9 inches and features improved readability and a split-screen mode. Also new is the switchgear layout and the addition of Sport ABS and Supermoto+ ABS.
The 990 Duke R features KTM’s new 8.8-inch touchscreen TFT display.
The color of the 990 Duke R is inspired by the 2011 KTM 990 Super Duke R and features white trim and graphics with matte black and white accents, as well as an Electronic Orange gloss powdercoated frame.
Pricing for the 2025 KTM 990 Duke R has not yet been announced.
KTM’s new TFT touchscreen display includes advanced technological features and connectivity possibilities to improve the riding experience.
KTM continues implementing advanced technology on its motorcycles with its latest announcement of a new touchscreen TFT display with higher-quality graphics, more functionality, and better connectivity possibilities. This announcement comes on the heels of recent news about KTM’s new Automated Manual Transmission.
KTM’s new TFT dashboard has a 1,280×720-degree resolution and Anti-Reflex, Anti-Fingerprint, and Anti-Glare screen coatings. Impressively, the display now includes 256,000 colors compared to the previous TFT’s 65,000, and it’s more visible from all angles. Its touchscreen function is useable with or without gloves, and touchscreen shortcut buttons on the main screen eliminate the need for auxiliary switches for things like switching on heated grips or seat or turning on fog lights.
The new TFT has a split-screen function with five layout options. Now integrated into the connectivity is Offline Map Navigation to provide real-time navigation without needing to sync the motorcycle to a mobile phone.
The upgraded CCU3.0 connectivity unit has 32 GB of storage and 3 GB of RAM to run the Android Automative operating system. It allows for IoT connectivity with eSim, a GPS Antenna, Bluetooth, and wi-fi, which will make updates easier. For now, all updates must be done through a KTM dealer, but the unit will allow for over-the-air updates directly to the motorcycle in the future, extending the lifespan of this technology.
Additionally, the backlit switchgear has been revised to further enhance the riding experience. There is now a dedicated Ride Mode button, a new five-way joystick and back button, new cruise control buttons, a new automatic/manual button for models equipped with KTM’s Automated Manual Transmission, and new paddle buttons that are customizable for models without AMT.
The new TFT dashboard will first be available on premium KTM models, and KTM plans to add it to other models in the range in upcoming years.
In Rider Rewind, a special section in 2024 issues that celebrates moments in Rider’s 50-year history, we showcased Motorcycles of the Year for 1990-2006 in the October issue and for 2007-2023 in the November issue.
Our May 1990 issue included our Touring’s Top Ten Awards, the precursor of the Motorcycle of the Year award.
For the past 35 years, Rider’s editors have reviewed the annual batch of new and significantly updated motorcycles and narrowed them down to a handful of finalists. The Motorcycle of the Year is the bike we believe best fulfills its intended purpose and advances the state of motorcycle design, performance, and function.
Our May 1990 issue states “Among the eight motorcycle and two miscellaneous categories, there will be no ties, no honorable mentions. Just Touring’s Top Ten as determined by the Rider staff.”
In the early days, we published the Touring Top Ten, which included the best seven motorcycles in various categories, two general categories (such as Top Innovation), and a Motorcycle of the Year. We limited motorcycles to those in the current model year, and production timing used to be so early that we published the Touring Top Ten in the May issue.
As the magazine’s mission expanded, our annual awards evolved. In 1999 – our 25th anniversary – they became Rider’s Top Ten. In 2003, we adopted our current format of selecting a top tier of finalists and one winner. Production timing has changed such that the MOTY selection was pushed later into the year, and we began to include current and upcoming model years because they now often overlap.
The 1990 Bike of the Year was the BMW K1: “And even if the K1’s sizzling paint and aerodynamic bodywork fails to impress, with its unique Motronic ignition/fuel injection, Paralever rear suspension/swingarm that eliminates shaft-drive jacking and innovative approach to various rider conveniences – not to mention ABS – the K1 is truly a technological achievement for BMW, if not the motorcycle industry.”
For the 2024 Motorcycle of the Year, there were nearly 100 eligible contenders. We narrowed them down to 10 finalists and one winner.
Re-entering the motorcycle market after a decades-long hiatus, Can-Am has embraced the electric future with the Origin dual-sport and the Pulse roadster, which are propelled by a 11-kW Rotax E-Power motor with an 8.9-kWh battery, producing 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque. The bikes have innovative features like active regeneration and an enclosed drive chain in an oil bath with an automatic tensioning system.
CFMOTO has been selling motorcycles in the U.S. for only a few years, and it continues to expand its lineup. Its new Ibex 450 is a highly capable rally-style adventure bike powered by a 449cc parallel-Twin that makes 44 hp and 32.5 lb-ft of torque. Priced at just $6,499, it’s equipped with tubeless spoked wheels, switchable ABS and TC, adjustable suspension and seat height, and more.
Honda’s CB650R naked bike and CBR650R sportbike received expected updates like new styling, a TFT display, and revised switchgear. Unexpected was the new E-Clutch, which enables riders to start, stop, and change gears without using the clutch lever. Riders can switch between automatic and manual clutch operation, giving newbies a helping hand and veterans more flexibility.
In the evolution of the Husqvarna Svartpilen from 701 to 801, its 673cc Single was replaced with the 799cc LC8c parallel-Twin also found in KTM’s 790 Duke and 790 Adventure. Compared to the 701, the 801 has more horsepower (105), more torque (64.2 lb-ft), and a higher power-to-weight ratio. The “Black Arrow” is brimming with useful tech, is a full-tilt backroad bomber, and won’t break the bank at $10,899.
A decade after its 2015 debut, Indian’s Scout platform got a full makeover. The cast-aluminum frame was replaced with a tubular-steel unit, and the entire lineup is now powered by the SpeedPlus 1250 V-Twin, which produces 105 hp (110 on the 101 Scout) and 82 lb-ft of torque. Five models – Scout Bobber, Sport Scout, Scout Classic, Super Scout, and 101 Scout – are available in three trim levels.
SMT stands for “Supermoto Touring,” two words not normally used together to describe one motorcycle. The original 2010-2013 KTM 990 SMT was a touring variant of a big-bore Supermoto platform, while the new 890 SMT is a sport-touring variant of the 890 Adventure R mixed with some 890 Duke bits. With 17-inch wheels shod with sticky tires, it’s a hooligan’s dream with enough comfort for weekend getaways.
When Royal Enfield’s Himalayan adventure bike debuted in 2016, it was a solid but low-power, low-tech machine. It got a major overhaul this year, with a new liquid-cooled 452cc Single that makes more power (39.5 hp, up from 24) and torque (29.5 lb-ft, up from 24), a new chassis, and more modern features and styling. We were impressed with its capabilities when we tested it in the Himalayas.
The Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, Rider’s 2022 MOTY, delivered “all the performance a street rider needs in a refined, comfortable, sophisticated package at a reasonable [price].” The new GX+ version is taller with a more upright riding position, blending sport-touring with attributes of an ADV to be the “supreme sport crossover.” It also has a 6-axis IMU and Suzuki’s first electronic suspension system.
Known for its 675cc-and-up sportbikes, ADVs, roadsters, and neo-classics, Triumph expanded its lineup with the Speed 400 roadster and Scrambler 400 X, both powered by a 398cc Single. They’re fun, stylish bikes that are beginner- and budget-friendly – just $4,995 for the Speed 400 and $5,595 for the Scrambler 400 X. If we’re going to attract the next generation, we need more bikes like these.
The MT-09 is a hugely popular bike for Yamaha, so much so that it is now in its fourth generation since being introduced in 2014. We’ve always been big fans of its rowdy inline-Triple. Updated for 2024, the bike is a riot to ride yet offers a high level of refinement and sophistication for $10,599. The SP version, which gets up-spec suspension and brakes, is even better.
Thousands of street-legal motorcycles have been released over the past 50 years, and we’ve ridden and evaluated as many of them as we could get our hands on. Most have been good, some have been great, but only a few have achieved icon status.
Two such motorcycles – Honda’s Gold Wing and BMW’s R-series GS – certainly qualify as icons, and both have won Rider’s Motorcycle of the Year award twice. The Gold Wing won in 2001 and 2018, and the BMW R-GS won in 1995 and 2005.
With the introduction of the R 1300 GS for 2024, BMW’s R-series GS can add a third Rider MOTY title to its long list of awards and accolades.
BMW R 1300 GS
Over the past two decades, the adventure-bike segment has exploded, and nearly every manufacturer offers multiple adventure models, ranging in size from less than 400cc to well over 1,200cc. The genesis of this trend – one of the few bright spots in the motorcycle industry since the Great Recession of 2008 – can be traced back to 1980, when BMW launched the R 80 G/S. It was the first motorcycle that delivered on-road comfort and performance and genuine off-road capability in equal measure.
The R-series GS evolved steadily over time, with engine displacement increasing, new features and technology being added, and market share growing. The R-series GS is BMW’s bestselling model, and the one-millionth boxer-powered GS was built in mid-2023. Last September, on the 100th anniversary of BMW Motorrad’s first production motorcycle, the new R 1300 GS was unveiled.
BMW R 1300 GS
Development of the R 1300 GS started seven years ago – two years before the R 1250 GS was introduced. Having squeezed as much as possible out of the existing platform, which started with the R 1200 GS introduced in 2004, BMW knew that taking the R-series GS into the future and maintaining its position in the market required a clean-sheet design. Only the butterfly valves and a few bolts and connectors carry over from the R 1250 GS.
The design objectives were to make the R 1300 GS lighter, more compact, more powerful, and more capable than its predecessor. The new GS weighs 26 lb less than the R 1250 GS. Displacement increased from 1,254cc to 1,300cc, peak horsepower was boosted from 136 to 145, and peak torque increased from 105 to 110 lb-ft.
BMW R 1300 GS
The R 1300 GS has new electronic rider aids, a completely new frame, and upgraded EVO Telelever and EVO Paralever suspension with optional adaptive vehicle height control. The GS’s new styling has been somewhat controversial, particularly its more aerodynamic bodywork and X-shaped matrix headlight, but BMW designers wanted to set the R 1300 GS apart from its predecessors.
After test riding the R 1300 GS on- and off-road at its global launch, we had this to say: “Hands down, the R 1300 GS is the best GS yet. The traits that the boxer-powered GS are known for – engine character, balance, comfort, and versatility – are better than ever. It looks and feels much slimmer than before, and the increased power and torque are impressive.”
Congratulations to BMW for the R 1300 GS, Rider’s 2024 Motorcycle of the Year!
The new KTM Automated Manual Transmission simplifies shifting gears by automatically managing the clutch. Riders can choose between fully automated Auto mode or a quickshifter-like Manual mode.
Motorcycle technology is changing rapidly. Advanced rider aids are being added as options or as standard on new models, and motorcycles powered by electric motors are emerging onto the market. Motorcycle tech is taking an additional step forward as OEMs are developing clutchless transmissions, like the KTM Automated Manual Transmission announced here.
See Johnny Aubert steer a prototype KTM AMT up the Iron Road Prologue at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo in the video below.
The KTM Automated Manual Transmission allows riders the choice between changing gears manually (although without a clutch lever) or letting the motorcycle do it for them. The AMT gearbox is set up as P-N-1-2-3-4-5-6, with Park at the bottom to prevent the bike from rolling when parked.
According to KTM, “Once 1st gear is engaged, forward drive is initiated by raising the engine speed, at which point the centrifugal clutch engages and sets the motorcycle in motion.” With this system, riders can start on a slope, stop, and manage slow-speed maneuvers more simply than with a traditional manual transmission.
In Manual mode, riders can shift gears using the foot gear lever or the paddle shifters on the left side of the handlebar. However, Park and Neutral can only be selected with the paddle shifters. The front or rear brake must be applied in order to engage 1st gear.
On the bottom of the switchgear, the UP paddle shifter can be seen below the throttle grip.
In Auto mode, shifting is fully automated and executed based on parameters such as gear position, engine speed, engine torque, lean angle, acceleration, vehicle speed, pitch angle, and rider inputs. Riders can select their shift preference via shift modes titled Comfort, Street, or Sport.
The DOWN paddle shifter is located on the forward part of the left switchgear.
The gearbox is controlled electronically via the ECU and Transmission Control Unit. Each shift is started by the electromechanical shift actuator. KTM claims shifting gears takes 50 milliseconds.
Like the new E-Clutch system found on Honda’s CB650R and CBR650R or BMW’s Automated Shift Assistant available as an option on R-series Boxer models, the KTM AMT could be beneficial for a range of riders. Eliminating the requirement to learn clutch control will remove a steep learning curve for new riders, and it allows riders of all experience levels to pay more attention to the ride and the road.
KTM has yet to announce which models will receive the AMT, but this illustration indicates it will be fitted to one or more of its V-Twin engined bikes.
The KTM Automated Manual Transmission will be available on select upcoming KTM models, and KTM says more options will be added in upcoming years. Visit the KTM website for more information.
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