After a decade of absence, KTM’s SuperMotoTouring moniker is back with the new-for-2023 890 SMT. It promises many things - sharp handling, punchy performance, comfy ergonomics - but, more importantly, aims to recreate the success of the 990 SMT. For it to do that, however, the new motorcycle needs to take the sports tourer niche by storm and leave its competitors in the dust. A job easier said than done, considering it locks horns with capable sports tourers like the MV Agusta Turismo Veloce. How do these stack up against each other, you ask? Well, that’s exactly what we’re finding out here.

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2023 KTM 890 SMT vs MV Agusta Turismo Veloce - Engine

Specification	KTM 890 SMT	MV Agusta Turismo Veloce
Engine	889cc, twin-cylinder engine	798cc, inline-three engine
Horsepower	77kW (103 horsepower)	81kW (108 horsepower)
Torque	73 pound-feet	59 pound-feet
Gearbox	Six-speed	Six-speed
Dry weight	194 kg (427 pounds)	191 kg (421 pounds)
Power-to-weight ratio	0.527 HP/pound	0.566 HP/pound

Both motorcycles have previously-seen engines. The SMT draws power from an 890 Adventure-derived 889cc, twin-cylinder engine while the Turismo employs the same 798cc, triple-cylinder mill as the Brutale 800. But even with less cubic capacity, it’s the MV Agusta that produces five more horsepower than the KTM. Couple this with its mildly lower weight, and you also get a better power-to-weight ratio. Where the KTM shines, however, is in terms of torque, thanks to its sizable 14-pound-feet advantage. This, in theory, means better acceleration of the line and corner exits, plus easy overtakes even in higher gears.

2023 KTM 890 SMT vs MV Agusta Turismo Veloce - Underpinnings And Dimensions

2023 KTM 890 SMT attacks the corner

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Both sports tourers are closely matched here, thanks to 17-inch wheels, adjustable 43 mm upside-down forks, and trellis frames. But there are some key differences. For instance, the SMT has a considerably bigger rear disc, in addition to heaps of ground clearance and uber-sticky Michelin PowerGP rubber. Whereas, the Turismo claws back some points with its lower seat height, seven liters of extra fuel capacity, and Brembo calipers (the SMT has J.Juan units). Judging from all this, it’s clear the SMT leans more (pun intended) toward the ‘sports’ side, while the MV focuses on the ‘tourer’ front.

2023 KTM 890 SMT vs MV Agusta Turismo Veloce - Features And Design

Here's how the Turismo Veloce's TFT looks like

Again, pretty close between the two European motorcycles here, as both have all basics you’d expect from motorcycles of this caliber. What makes the seesaw shift toward the MV, however, is its more sophisticated electronics package, as well as a bi-directional quickshifter. Similarly, we also think the MV looks sleeker and more premium than the SMT. After all, just look at that edgy headlight, hollow subframe, handlebar-mounted turn signals, and, of course, the single-sided swingarm. This is our opinion, though, and we know off-road fans will surely dig the SMT more.

2023 KTM 890 SMT vs MV Agusta Turismo Veloce - Price And Verdict

KTM 890 SMT	£12,499 (~$15,771)
MV Agusta Turismo Veloce	£13,930 (~$17,576)

Finally, price-wise, the SMT undercuts the Turismo by £1,430 (~$1,800) which tilts the odds in favor of the SMT. Though it’s the latter with the power and features advantage, we believe the money you save can easily get you some accessories to bridge the gap. The sad part, however, is that none of the two motorcycles mentioned - the 2023 890 SMT or the Turismo Veloce Rosso - are on sale here. So either you’ll have to wait for 2024 to get the SMT or spend $21,398 to get the Lusso variant instead. We’d suggest the former.