Which is faster, the KTM 390 SMC R or the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?

The KTM 390 SMC R. It carries 0.28 hp per kilo (45 hp, 161 kg wet) against 0.25 hp per kilo for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM (38 hp, 154 kg).

Is the KTM 390 SMC R cheaper than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?

The KTM 390 SMC R is cheaper at €6,999 list, €2,700 less than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM at €9,699.

Which is better for shorter riders?

The KTM 390 SMC R. Its 860 mm seat is 30 mm lower than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM, and at 161 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.

Which has better technology, the 390 SMC R or the DR-Z4SM?

The KTM 390 SMC R, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Suzuki DR-Z4SM counters with traction control.

Which goes further on a tank?

The KTM 390 SMC R: 250 km from its 9 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 235 km for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM.

Which bike wins overall?

The KTM 390 SMC R, scoring 68.3 of 100 against 42.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

KTM 390 SMC R vs Suzuki DR-Z4SM

Two supermoto bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits.

KTM

390 SMC R

68.3

/ 100

Winner

Suzuki

DR-Z4SM

42.2

/ 100

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0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

KTM 390 SMC R0 km/h

Full specification comparison: KTM 390 SMC R versus Suzuki DR-Z4SM
Spec	KTM390 SMC R	SuzukiDR-Z4SM
Engine
Engine	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC	Single cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement	398.7 cc	398 cc
Power	45 hp at 8,500 rpm	38 hp at 8,000 rpm
Torque	39 Nm at 7,000 rpm	37 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Power to weight	0.28 hp/kg	0.25 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight	161 kg	154 kg
Front suspension	WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge, 230 mm	KYB 46 mm inverted, 250 mm
Front adjustability	Compression and rebound	Fully adjustable
Rear suspension	WP APEX monoshock, 230 mm	KYB monoshock, 250 mm
Rear adjustability	Preload and rebound	Fully adjustable
Front brake	320 mm, radial 4-piston	310 mm, axial 2-piston
ABS	Cornering ABS	Switchable ABS
Dimensions
Seat height	860 mm	890 mm
Wheelbase	1453 mm	1465 mm
Fuel capacity	9 L	8.7 L
Claimed consumption	3.6 L/100 km	3.7 L/100 km
Fuel range	250 km	235 km
Ownership
Price	€6,999	€9,699
Service interval	10,000 km	6,000 km
Valve check	20,000 km	24,000 km
Warranty	2 years	2 years
Equipment
Dash	TFT	LCD
Ride modes	Yes	Yes
Traction control	Yes	Yes
Quickshifter	Optional	Not available
Cruise control	Not available	Not available
Connectivity	Yes	No

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Verdict

The KTM 390 SMC R wins this comparison comfortably, 68.3 points to 42.2.

The gap of 26.1 points is built mostly in engine and performance, where the 390 SMC R takes 12.5 points out of the DR-Z4SM. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the 390 SMC R is the quicker machine: 45 hp and 39 Nm moving 161 kg, against 38 hp and 37 Nm moving 154 kg for the DR-Z4SM. That is 0.28 hp per kilo playing 0.25.

The 390 SMC R costs €6,999, which leaves €2,700 in your pocket against the DR-Z4SM at €9,699. Service intervals run 10,000 km on the 390 SMC R and 6,000 km on the DR-Z4SM.

Better for city and commuting

KTM 390 SMC R

A 860 mm seat, 250 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

KTM 390 SMC R

45 hp pushing 161 kg with WP APEX 43 mm open cartridge up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

KTM 390 SMC R

250 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the KTM 390 SMC R or the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?: The KTM 390 SMC R. It carries 0.28 hp per kilo (45 hp, 161 kg wet) against 0.25 hp per kilo for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM (38 hp, 154 kg).
Is the KTM 390 SMC R cheaper than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?: The KTM 390 SMC R is cheaper at €6,999 list, €2,700 less than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM at €9,699.
Which is better for shorter riders?: The KTM 390 SMC R. Its 860 mm seat is 30 mm lower than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM, and at 161 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the 390 SMC R or the DR-Z4SM?: The KTM 390 SMC R, which scores 8.3 of 10 tech points with cornering ABS, a TFT dash, traction control and phone connectivity. The Suzuki DR-Z4SM counters with traction control.
Which goes further on a tank?: The KTM 390 SMC R: 250 km from its 9 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 235 km for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM.
Which bike wins overall?: The KTM 390 SMC R, scoring 68.3 of 100 against 42.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

KTM 390 SMC R specs and score Suzuki DR-Z4SM specs and score 390 SMC R maintenance costs DR-Z4SM maintenance costs All supermoto bikes

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