10 Best KTM Motorcycles On The Market Today

Sep 06, 2023

KTM as produced some amazing machines over the years, but it's current lineup is downright crazy

The sheer pleasure of riding a bike is unmatched, but if it's a KTM, that simple pleasure transforms into an adrenaline-pumping experience. In 1992, Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen (yes that's the tongue twisting full form), began producing two-wheelers in their current form, and in the following three decades this Austrian two-wheeler company rose to the top of the food chain. Starting off as a little-known dirt bike specialist, this two-wheeler sensation was able to amass a remarkable number of devoted customers, and today it is a well-known rival of the German, Japanese, and American two-wheeler goliaths.

KTM motorcycles are renowned for their cutting-edge engineering, innovative design, and racing pedigree. These 'ready to race' motorcycles give unrivaled performance regardless of terrain thanks to their sturdy build quality, impeccable engine, and state-of-the-art equipment. And as a result, whether it's the Dakar Rally or MotoGP, these signature orange-black liveried motorcycles are infamous rival killers. The manufacturers' commitment to R&D and innovation is another priority and was one of the first motorcycle companies to use electronic fuel injection. So, aficionados can rest assured that if a new technology becomes available, KTM will undoubtedly offer it. Many of the company's models are quite popular all over the world, so it's a difficult job to choose the best. Yet surprise! We have chosen the ten best KTMs on the market for you.RELATED: Latest Spy Shots of 2024 KTM Duke 390 Reveal A Massive Overhaul

The KTM 390 Duke, dubbed the "Corner Rocket," is a monstrous motorcycle. It's light and easy to drive, yet it has enough torque to make it entertaining on the street and safe on the highway. With the 390 Duke, the Austrian manufacturer has achieved a perfect balance between smaller, beginner-friendly street nakeds, and its higher-capacity models, making it an inspiration that draws so many people to the thrill of street motorcycling. This Duke is so light as a feather that you can actually do a wheelie on it, yet it is so powerful and packed with cutting-edge technology that it will undoubtedly rattle the super sports when you pass them. This beast is perfectly crafted for A2 riders with a 373 cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 44 horsepower, fairly enough to fight you through tricky urban jungles or treacherous forest trails.

This extremely powerful machine epitomizes how KTM mastered the endurance category. Riders looking for gut-wrenching adventure runs on rocky mountain trails or undulating terrain will find 500 EXC-F Six Days to be a 'match-made-in-heaven'. Because of its enormous torque, superb acceleration, and unrivaled power this deadly machine is touted as the hardest-striking missile in the manufacturers' arsenal. The owner of this beast will also have a piece of the Austrian company's legacy of decades of victory in the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). That is where the moniker 'Six Days' and the unique color scheme came from. that produces maximum power when it is needed the most, and with WP suspension, gravity die-casted aluminum swing arms, and race-inspired chromoly steel frames, riders will experience unsurpassed performance and consistency on all terrains.

As the name suggests, the 1290 Super Duke R EVO represents an evolved variant in the naked Duke lineage. Affectionately known as "The Beast," the 1290 embodies KTM's "Ready to Race" slogan, specifically due to its lighter weight, agile handling, and more potent engine. The motorcycle boasts an intuitive Semi-Active Suspension Technology (SAT) and a 1301 cc LC8 V-Twin power plant, making it a formidable contender in its class. Now in its fourth generation, the Super Duke is equipped with a sophisticated electronic suite. This includes a six-axis Bosch IMU, five riding modes, dynamic Supermoto ABS, and numerous other rider aids and comfort preferences to cater to a wide array of rider shapes and sizes. Paired with an aggressive posture, accentuated by the ant-head LED headlights, the Super Duke is a visually stunning machine with beastly intentions.

The KTM Freeride EX-C It is an electric trail bike designed to ride on rough terrain! You read that right, and no, we are not under the influence of anything forbidden. This nature-friendly dirt bike can climb rocks and boulders while also being beginner-friendly thanks to its three variable power settings. It is on our top ten list as a result. The liquid cooled, brushless electric motor pushes out a maximum 24 horsepower, so adventure fans can be certain that this EV will not disappoint them. Additionally, there is a sophisticated, cutting-edge control unit that has been specially designed to ensure a responsive yet highly tractable power delivery. Efficient energy management is available with three different ride modes to optimize energy use and modify the powertrain's response to various skill levels.

Let's now put a smile on the faces of those riders who prefer the roar of a fossil fuel engine to the almost silent whine of an EV. Because of its legendary LC4 engine, advanced electronics, and lightweight chassis, the KTM 690 SMC R raises the bar for supermoto riding. This bike, which is essentially a dirt bike with lights and street tires, is the pinnacle of performance and handling. The 690 SMC-R is propelled by the LC4 690 cc single-cylinder engine, yet even though it only has one cylinder, it nevertheless generates a whopping 75 horsepower, the most in its class. Additionally, a power-assist clutch system exists to ensure minimal rider effort during shifting and to prevent rear-end skid under aggressive downshifting.

RELATED: 2023 KTM 890 SMT Intends To Be The Sharpest Sports Tourer Out There

The 890 Adventure is another race-ready KTM, but as the name implies, this one is serious about adventure. So serious that it introduced cornering and off-road ABS, elevating ABS to a new level. While the latter allows the rider complete freedom to swing the rear end by controlling ABS functionality on the wheels, the former allows the rider to hit the brakes confidently without worrying about the pesky corners. The 890 provides adjustable suspension, improved seat comfort, and wind protection in addition to its adventurous character. Don't worry about the terrain because the adjustable suspension is powered by a WP APEX 43 fork and rear WP APEX - Mono shock. That's not all, though; it also has an 889cc four-stroke parallel twin engine that produces 103 horsepower and about 74 pound-feet of torque. Besides, there are rider aids, ride modes, traction control, and smartphone connectivity. What more do you require to start your adventurous journey?

The 790 Duke is known as "the scalpel" by KTM for good reason. The Duke is adored by riders who look for twisties on every ride since it is both nimble and composed. The KTM 790 Duke is all about agility, being fast, and dominating the corners with its 799 cc LC8c parallel twin motor, the most compact in its class, mounted on one of the lightest frames available. Track, Sport, and Street are three riding modes included with the 790. Additionally, each option may be customized, and this can be done while moving as well. The modes truly alter the motorcycle's personality from moderate to explosive. Definitely not for those with weak hearts.

If you love racing and have access to a racing track then RC 8C is the best racer your money can buy. Limited to only 200 examples the RC 8C is a purpose-built, lightweight racing prototype. The 889 cc LC8c engine, which is one of the most compact and lightest parallel twins in the class and produces a punchy 135 horsepower, is the ideal fit for its precisely constructed and race-tuned chassis. The RC 8C boasts a staggering amount of engine and handling adjustability and fine-tuning flexibility. The triple-clamp offset may be changed to further customize the bike's reactions in addition to the fully adjustable 43mm WP Apex Pro 7543 fork and 7746 shock. Both the bars and the pegs can also be modified to accommodate various riders and riding styles. Electronics include a new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash with an integrated data recorder, providing access to settings for the traction control, throttle mapping, and engine-braking.

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The GT offers comforts to handle the long distance and daily riding in an effort to provide the best of both worlds. It is based on the vicious and wildly exciting 1290 Super Duke R EVO naked bike. The Super Duke GT is loved by the riders who seek exceptionally thrilling performance with a side of convenience. The GT, dubbed a comfy ballistic missile, is driven by an LC8 V-twin engine that generates enormous amounts of horsepower and torque. With 175 horsepower and 104 ft-lbs of torque available at 9750 rpm and 7000 rpm, respectively, the LC8 1301 cc is a powerful engine that makes it simple to transport a pillion rider and a lot of goods. It easily consumes distance and racing lines. It goes without saying that the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT is an unequaled weapon when it comes to comfortably covering ground at speed.

The 450 XC-F, the reigning champion of the XC division. That is, at least, how KTM has referred to it. However, we decide to differ. Because it actually fits into so many categories with a track record of success, it is great in every way. For instance, it is KTM's most successful desert bike and has won more awards recently than any other motorcycle. It is a successful Western Grand Prix racer as well, proudly sporting the WORCS top-position plate. Additionally, it is a well-liked motocross partner on MX courses all throughout America. Thus, practically speaking, it's not just a motorcycle with a single objective; rather, it's a highly capable racing vehicle that can perform any task. A 450cc fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-stroke engine with a two-degree backward tilt powers this fast racer. This configuration considerably benefited in weight centralization and gave the chassis unrivaled anti-squat performance.

Mainak is an automobile enthusiast with a special love for motorcycles. He has been riding for the last ten years and has written about almost all the big names out there on two and four wheels. And when he is not writing, he is traveling somewhere with his two-wheeler buddy.