09 KTM 990 SM-T Report

**munterk6** · 30th August 2009, 09:41

Wow!! yesterday I took the KTM 990 SMT out for a testride and Holy Moly....what a funtastic machine.
Gone were the nervous thoughts when entering a corner with a touch of grit, as with my GSXR1000k6, I found myself opening the throttle earlier and closing it later! I was riding with all the usual suspects, guys on GSXR's, new R1's, a supermotard, a VFR800, etc etc, and yup, they were all behind me on the twisties of the Akaroa hill!!
The brakes are mindblowing on this bike...Brembo of course, and I noticed the lack of necessary use they were getting compared to the GSXR, due to the marvellous engine braking of that luscious V twin injected engine. Even the rear brake was powerful and happy to be used without fear of unwanted lockups.
I must say Brembo radial brakes are THE BEST I have ever used.
The WP suspension was awesome, didnt even notice it so it must be good eh.
The gearbox was surprisingly good for a Euro bike with a few false neutrals but only due to my inadequate shifting (after the slick GSXR gearbox LOL!)
The gear ratios were close and shifting to 2nd gear with loads of throttle always brought the front wheel up predictably and easily. The overall final gearing is spot on and I saw 150kmh at 5500rpm. Ticking over lovely!
The seat was good, but I was getting a sore butt after 150 ks of fun, must be the v twin thump....the GSXR has none of that.
Such a practical bike and soooooo much fun, no sore forearms or wrists at the end of the day, the only thing that slowed me down at sign up time was the price tag. Wait for it......$23000. Bloody dear, but Im still seriously considering trading.
Go take one for a blast, but make sure you go to the twisties, at least 4 hours worth, and be sure you dont take your chequebook...have a cooling off period for a few days, will make little difference, you will still WANT one.
I said it before and will say it again....Wow!!!!! makes you want to get into riding!

**labrat** · 30th August 2009, 10:56

I had the 990 SM. Same bike, longer suspension travel, seat, bar mounted lights etc. HUGE fun! Pefect bike for this land. Not great on gravel though as it wheelspins easily & the Brembo's are rather viscious for off road braking.
Worth every cent!

**dino3310** · 30th August 2009, 16:08

saweeeeeeeeet mate, i just window shop thats as close as i wana get to one

**Gremlin** · 30th August 2009, 22:22

I have a 990sm at the moment, and I have to rate it as the best bike I have owned. Brilliant for NZ road surfaces.

The SMT has less travel suspension (but people complained the SM pitched too much) and a better seat. So much so, I've taken delivery of an SMT seat

While the initial cost is higher, factor in the fact that you're getting factory backed Brembo brakes and WP suspension all round. You're also getting Marchesini wheels. Upgrading a Jap bike is going to cost you far more, without the factory support.

Go on, you know you want to!