KTM expands its range again

[Gremlin]

KTM have launched an all-new bike at the EICMA – the 990 SMT – a supermoto-style bike that’s also a long-distance sport-tourer. And while that does sound a bit outlandish at first, the bike itself looks pretty convincing…

Based on the 990 SM, the 2009 990 SMT, which weighs 196kg dry, features mildly reworked ergonomics, better wind protection, and hooks etc. where you can fit panniers and/or soft luggage.

The bike’s 999cc v-twin remains unchanged, and the 115bhp and 97Nm of torque it makes should be quite handy with this type of bike. Suspension components are from WP and the 990 SMT has a 19-litre fuel tank, which should be useful for long-distance sport-touring.

Site: http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2008/...irst-pics.html

I believe this is the bike I saw mentioned in passing on other sites, normally mentioned as the KTM 990 Travel.

[Gremlin]

Personally, I'm slightly annoyed, but still happy with my purchase. I wonder if I will be able to steal its seat, coz that is definitely one thing that would be nice.

Its basically what I turned mine into, but mine is slightly better... wonder what the price difference will be... that would be very interesting. Oh, the "large" 19L tank is not that amazing, the 990SM has exactly that, and I've run the main 15.5L odd out in 200km. Thats around 7.5L/100km, not exactly long distance. Currently trying to source a decent aftermarket large tank, hoping someone will make a 30L or something, but the styling needs to be kept.

Only problem now is, we have a motard/supermoto category... is this thing a tourer, supermoto tourer, supermoto, huh? Maybe adventure/dual purpose?

[AlBundy]

Stop trying to complicate things...

I'm sure it'll do well against the likes of the Triumph Tiger and a few other road-trail seating type bikes... Would the Varadero and DL1000 fit in that group?

Does have an interesting look to it...

I suppose it'll be a good two-up option? How's yours G?

I haven't taken anyone out on the 690 yet, so don't know what it's like for pillions. I'm not sure what fuel consumption will be like with the SC pipe on it. I do like the 145kg weight though...

[Gremlin]

I'm sure it'll do well against the likes of the Triumph Tiger and a few other road-trail seating type bikes...

I suppose it'll be a good two-up option? How's yours G?

Well, this sort of category used to be quite small, now KTM alone have the supermoto, supermoto tourer and adventure, all the same engine, all reasonably similar.

Don't know how it is 2-up, haven't had a pillion on it, probably make the front a little light. Devil took it for a quick spin, his first declaration was that he was a little scared of it. Physically, its a huge bike, handles much better than its paper weight would lead you to believe, and he thinks it lifts very easily in 2nd

Mine probably weighs around 185kg now, and so capable off road, on road. Go from exploring gravel/dirt to carving up twisty roads (and a sportsbike on one occasion) simply by changing road surface. Very happy with mine, but a few thousand has been spent on mods within the first 3 weeks.

That said... it did a Grand Challenge just over 2 weeks into its life, no hitches, whereas a tuono broke down...

[AlBundy]

Was the weight reduction with the pipes?

I suppose KTM has a reasonably good base bike and jusy whoring it out into several different formats. Saves on a lot of R&D in the end I suppose...

Yeah, I'm a short arse, so wouldn't even consider one of them. The Adventure looks intimidating just standing in the shop.

[Gremlin]

Was the weight reduction with the pipes?

Yep, dropped around 6kg with new pipes, but then the extras probably added weight back on... oh well. I reckon you need to be around 6 foot to flat foot it properly. On the Grand Challenge, after 23 hours and tired, it was a bastard to climb off and on and I have an extra 3 inches on top of the 6 feet.

Yep, re-using parts saves on R&D, makes parts cheaper, and easier for shops to keep stock, because each part applies to multiple bikes. I don't mind at all.

[AlBundy]

I take it you've got a screen on? You'd be keen to be doing a big challaenge without one... I've got me one Like Devil has. I'm actually waiting for a black beak, so I can fit it to that. Then I'll have the touring version in Stealth and the hooligan version in orange, lol... Arse about face actually, lol...

Only 6kg's? I'd have thought you'd have saved more...

[ital916]

KTM have launched an all-new bike at the EICMA – the 990 SMT – a supermoto-style bike that’s also a long-distance sport-tourer. And while that does sound a bit outlandish at first, the bike itself looks pretty convincing…

Based on the 990 SM, the 2009 990 SMT, which weighs 196kg dry, features mildly reworked ergonomics, better wind protection, and hooks etc. where you can fit panniers and/or soft luggage.

The bike’s 999cc v-twin remains unchanged, and the 115bhp and 97Nm of torque it makes should be quite handy with this type of bike. Suspension components are from WP and the 990 SMT has a 19-litre fuel tank, which should be useful for long-distance sport-touring.

Site: http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2008/...irst-pics.html

I believe this is the bike I saw mentioned in passing on other sites, normally mentioned as the KTM 990 Travel.

kinda v strom ish

[AlBundy]

kinda v strom ish

Methinks you need your eyes seen to

[Gremlin]

I take it you've got a screen on?

Only 6kg's? I'd have thought you'd have saved more...

Yes, got the touring screen for it. Would have been very dead by the end if I hadn't. Still hits your helmet, but your chest is protected. 2 hours of motorway riding on a true naked taught me that. Plus I have over 2k of electronics fitted, so the screen helps keep the majority of water off it.

Shop didn't have scales when we swapped the pipes, so its an estimation. Its still a twin pipe, so it was never going to be a huge amount. The main goals were it breathing better and sounding better. Achieved!

[EJK]

So it's a supermoto + tourer? Hmmm sounds like for me

[Gremlin]

So it's a supermoto + tourer? Hmmm sounds like for me

depending on price, you could just modify an SM instead and get exactly what you want. Givi luggage is more handy than the normal ktm stuff (they do have a ktm branded givi top box, but not panniers) since its hard and lockable.

Next item on my list is custom pannier brackets that will be for givi gear (nothing available from KTM). One killer on the SM is the seat... it is NOT a touring seat

[NordieBoy]

depending on price, you could just modify an SM instead and get exactly what you want. Givi luggage is more handy than the normal ktm stuff (they do have a ktm branded givi top box, but not panniers) since its hard and lockable.

Easy enough to do...

[Gremlin]

Easy enough to do...

depending on the model, top box gear is already available... I have it fitted (KTM mounting plate for rear, and on top, Givi universal plate). Panniers are another story, with KTM choosing to offer essentially support rails, to stop their unlockable bags swinging in underneath the tail.

The adventure I believe offers ktm compatible pannier racks.

[Dazza]

That's one ugly mudda fukka (thick Austrian accent) my 05 SD was returning 10.4ltrs/km on a bad day, the 07 is out to about 11ltrs/km. Bring on the South Island in 2wks, i'll be sports touring with my tankbag & seat bag,nice