2022 KTM 450 SMR Review: The Track-Ready Supermoto That Demands Aggression

Introduction

The 2022 KTM 450 SMR isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of intent. Designed for riders who treat asphalt like a playground and corners like conquests, this Austrian-built supermoto distills KTM’s motocross DNA into a street-legal (but track-hungry) package. With its orange-framed aggression, race-bred engineering, and a powerplant that snarls at complacency, the 450 SMR exists for one purpose: to dominate tight circuits and reward those brave enough to push its limits. Let’s dissect why this machine feels like cheating at the supermoto game.

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Design & Aesthetics: Factory Looks for the Rest of Us

KTM’s obsession with racing aesthetics shines here. The 2022 model ditches subtlety for a factory orange frame, bold blue seat, and graphics ripped straight from Red Bull KTM’s race trucks. Every detail screams “race replica”: the minimalist bodywork, CNC-machined triple clamps, and Alpina’s gold-anodized spoked wheels. At 102 kg (224.8 lbs) dry, it’s shockingly light—comparable to hauling a bag of cement, except this cement bag wheelies on command.

The 890 mm (35-inch) seat height won’t coddle shorter riders, but it’s a necessary evil for ground clearance when dragging knees. Standing over the bike, you’re greeted by a narrow profile and a handlebar that practically begs you to grip-and-rip. The 7-liter (1.85-gallon) fuel tank? A reminder this isn’t built for Sunday cruises—it’s a sprinter, not a marathon runner.

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Engine & Performance: Controlled Violence

The 449.9 cc single-cylinder engine is a masterpiece of controlled chaos. With 63 hp crammed into a 27 kg (59.5 lb) motor, it’s like strapping a grenade to your spine—exhilarating, slightly terrifying. Thumb the electric starter (no kicking here, thank modernity), and the engine barks to life with a metallic snarl that’s more MXGP than commuter.

On-track, the power delivery is vicious but tractable. The Keihin EFI system with a 44 mm throttle body serves up instant response—crack the throttle mid-corner, and the front wheel levitates without protest. The 5-speed gearbox (courtesy of Pankl Racing Systems) is crisp, though you’ll rarely need more than third on tighter circuits. What impresses most is the Suter slipper clutch. Downshift aggressively into a hairpin, and the rear wheel stays planted, not bucking—a godsend when braking from 120+ km/h (75+ mph).

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Handling & Suspension: Dancing on Razorblades

Supermotos live or die by their chassis, and the 450 SMR’s chromium molybdenum steel frame is a scalpel. With a 26.1° rake and 1468 mm (57.8-inch) wheelbase, it carves corners with telepathic precision. The WP XACT suspension—48 mm USD forks up front and a linkage-assisted monoshock at the rear—is plush enough to absorb curbs but stiffens under hard braking.

Push hard into a decreasing-radius turn, and the Bridgestone Battlax Racing slicks (125/60 front, 165/65 rear) dig in like claws. The Alpina tubeless wheels save weight, but their real magic is rigidity—no flex, even when sliding sideways at full lean. This isn’t a bike you ride; it’s one you wear.

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Braking System: Stopping Power That Bites

The Brembo setup is borderline overkill—and we mean that lovingly. Up front, a 310 mm disc paired with a 4-piston radial caliper delivers stoppies on demand. The rear 220 mm disc lacks ABS (this is a purist’s machine), but modulation is intuitive. On track, braking markers become suggestions rather than rules—you can brake later, deeper, harder.

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On the Road (or Track): A Symphony of Adrenaline

Riding the 450 SMR is like dating a tornado—thrilling, unpredictable, and occasionally punishing. The riding position is aggressive: pegs high, bars low, seat firm. At highway speeds, wind blast pummels you, but who cares? This bike thrives in short, violent bursts.

The traction control (a rarity in supermotos) is subtle but effective. It lets you slide the rear just enough to feel heroic before discreetly reining things in. Fuel economy? KTM claims 3.68 L/100 km (63.9 mpg), but you’ll burn through that 7-liter tank in 90 minutes of track abuse.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

The 450 SMR exists in a niche, but here’s how it battles rivals:

• Husqvarna FS 450: Shares the same DNA (and engine), but Husky’s white-and-blue styling and slightly softer suspension cater to less aggressive riders. KTM fights dirtier.
• Honda CRF450R-Based Supermotos: Converted motocrossers lack the 450 SMR’s street-legal polish. Honda’s reliability is legendary, but its chassis feels wooden compared to KTM’s razor.
• Yamaha YZ450FX Supermoto: Yamaha’s torque-rich engine is a brute, but it’s heavier (110+ kg) and lacks the WP suspension’s adjustability.

The KTM wins on weight, suspension tunability, and Brembo components. Its only flaw? A 5-speed gearbox in a world where some rivals offer 6. But on tight tracks, you won’t miss sixth gear—you’ll be too busy laughing.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Ownership demands discipline. Key points:

• Oil Changes: Use SAE 10W/50 full synthetic (1.2L with filter). Frequent changes are critical—every 15 track hours or 500 km (310 miles).
• Valve Checks: Every 30 hours. Intake valves: 0.10–0.15 mm (0.004–0.006 in), exhaust: 0.12–0.17 mm (0.005–0.007 in). Shim-under-bucket design requires patience.
• Chain & Sprockets: The 5/8 x 1/4" chain and 14/45 sprockets wear fast under abuse. Lubricate after every ride.
• Cooling System: 1.2L of coolant. Overheating is rare, but track days stress it—flush annually.
• Brake Fluid: DOT 4 or 5.1. Bleed monthly if you’re hard on the lever.

Pro tip: Invest in a tire warmer (Bridgestones grip better preheated) and a quality stand—this bike spends half its life on one.

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Conclusion: A Supermoto That Rewards the Bold

The 2022 KTM 450 SMR isn’t for the timid. It’s a raw, uncompromising tool that turns parking lots into playgrounds and riders into addicts. Yes, the seat’s hard, the fuel range is laughable, and maintenance is a part-time job—but none of that matters when you’re backing it into a corner, rear tire smoking, howling toward the redline.

For those chasing aftermarket upgrades, MOTOPARTS.store stocks everything from WP suspension kits to Brembo pads. Because let’s face it: once you’ve tasted this level of performance, “stock” just won’t cut it anymore.

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Specifications sheet

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