990 Supermoto-T

[xbud]

 Is it me, or does this look like the perfect combination, of Sport, Touring, and Adventure.

 

[garry]

Yup. Too bad it's not coming to the USA for 2009...

[xbud]

  Figures....Nothing good comes to the US

[xbud]

 I just checked and got the following link from the KTM USA Site....

 http://www.ktmusa.com/990-Supermoto-T.100770.0.html

[Rincewind]

 I just checked and got the following link from the KTM USA Site....

 http://www.ktmusa.com/990-Supermoto-T.100770.0.html

   I think that is still as listed for the international models, not US-specific.  From the US page it is still not listed, though they are now listing the SM 950R.


Posted on: November 10, 2008, 07:54:32 am

  Figures....Nothing good comes to the US

This bike is nearly identical to the Tiger 1050 in terms of weight, power, and size.  The KTM may have slightly uprated suspension, but also it would be a few thousand dollars more in MSRP.

 

[garry]

This bike is nearly identical to the Tiger 1050 in terms of weight, power, and size.  The KTM may have slightly uprated suspension, but also it would be a few thousand dollars more in MSRP.

 

Having ridden both (well the 950 SM, not the new 990), they may seem similar on paper but are different riding experiences. The Tiger is softer and less sporty.

[Rincewind]

Having ridden both (well the 950 SM, not the new 990), they may seem similar on paper but are different riding experiences. The Tiger is softer and less sporty.

I can believe that, particularly in comparison to your uprated SM-R.  That doesn't mean they aren't in the same class, or that the Triumph is not worthy of consideration for those interested in the (not available in the US) SM-T.

[garry]

I can believe that, particularly in comparison to your uprated SM-R.  That doesn't mean they aren't in the same class, or that the Triumph is not worthy of consideration for those interested in the (not available in the US) SM-T.

True. The SM*, Tiger, Multistrada and Ulysses are competing for the same market niche. All fine choices. Buy the bike that gives you wood.

BTW, the 950 SM-R is a mostly cosmetic "upgrade" with sportier ergos, but no performance difference. Some of the other "R" models do come with more power, stiffer suspension, etc.

[duda]

On the very short list of bikes I really want - want enough to sell the BMW for, this is on the top of the list.
and it's not coming to North America?  ever?

[Flyer]

I have to stop checking the KTM section.  

[R Doug]

I'm waiting to see how the new Multistrada turns out before I make my final decision.  

[XLR8]

Looks like a street bike so not really much of an adventure. It's nice looking though. A competitor for the the standards like the FZ1?

[atadaskew]

It looks like a Multistrada/Triumph Tiger competitor.  Which may be why Ducati has finally decided to give the MS some serious hp in the upcoming version.  Otherwise the KTM will kick it's butt/

I'm diggin the new KTM!

[Flyer]

From MSN.com/Motorcycles:

Ridden: KTM 990 Supermoto

By Jane Omorogbe, contributor
October 17 2008
With KTM's 950 Supermoto scuppered by emissions regulations, the new 990 fuel-injected model moves up to the start line. Like its predecessor, it's born to be wild, says Jane Omorogbe.

KTM's 950 Supermoto was an excellent machine. It still is. But due to emission laws, it's been replaced by the fuel-injected 990 Supermoto. And it's proving to be yet another outstanding bike from the Austrian manufacturer.

What is it like?
Where the carburettor-fed 950 succeeded in thrilling the pants off you in a smooth and fairly orderly fashion, the 2008 bike has Super Duke blood pumping through its 999cc, 75 degree V-twin heart. It's barking mad and if it doesn't turn you into a complete loon within half an hour of cocking a leg over the lofty 875mm seat height, I'll eat my Arai.

The 990 Supermoto still has the 950's poise and ease of handling, but the aggression is heightened, a feeling exaggerated by the traditional uber responsive nature of KTM's power delivery. The bike springs to life with the slightest throttle movement. Admittedly, it's a characteristic I'm not so fond of on the RC8 superbike, but on this tall Supermoto, it's more appropriate.

How does it compare to the 950?
On paper, the differences between the two Supermotos seem fairly basic. This one has an extra 17 bhp and a tad more torque. There's also the taller seat, more ground clearance and a bigger tank. It still boasts WP suspension and the same trellis frame, but if ever a bike was more than the sum of its parts, this is it. During my test in the Ardennes in Belgium, I encountered every conceivable situation and road type. Filtering in heavy traffic's no problem with the bird's eye few of the road ahead and slim stature of the bike. And on the windy roads, the KTM laps up whatever you throw at it with gusto.

As the road opened out into a small straight, I snatched the throttle back in second gear. The needle swung towards the indicated 10,000 red line and the bike promptly punched a KTM shaped hole in the horizon. The front wheel felt suspiciously light as a heady mix of naughty madness engulfed me. My right hand seemed involuntarily glued in the open position, despite the oncoming bend rushing towards me and the tree lined road dissolving into a blur of leafy greens.

But the 990 Supermoto evokes a feeling of total trust. It's like there's nothing it can't or won't do given the correct instructions. A firm dab of Brembo brake and my speed was scrubbed in an instant. A little pressure on the inside bar and the bike responded by devouring the corner as though it'd been living on solid straights for a month.

It is outstandingly agile and equally responsive. And should the corner tighten up on you, changing your line of attack is effortless given the extensive leverage the wide handlebars offer. As for the 191 kg weight ... I'm totally baffled as to where that's been stashed.

Even when hunkered down to a straight-line blat, the 990 Supermoto felt rock solid despite its tall front end. Waggling the bars had no affect whatsoever in prompting a flighty feel and when the pace slows, the bike will turn on a sixpence.

Pros and cons
My only gripe is with the power delivery and it's apparently a KTM characteristic. On the billiard smooth surfaces, it's less noticeable. But on the bumpy single lane track I discovered by mistake, no matter how loosely I held the throttle, the bike insisted on lurching over each surface imperfection in true Super Duke style.

The gearbox is generally good, but the lever is occasionally notchy, especially with clutchless changes. But a firm foot solved that very minor issue. And anyway, it's that hint of rawness, of addictive aggression that makes the 990 Supermoto seem closer to the 990 Super Duke than ever before. Given the choice between these two outstanding KTM's, the Supermoto has an awful lot going for it. It's easier and more comfortable to ride at speed and the larger tank means fewer fuel stops. Plus it can handle gentle off-road sections should your trip take you off the beaten path. It's the thinking rider's choice with all the thrills of a Duke thrown in for good measure.

The styling's also been updated along with the LC8 engine and performance. New plastics and a revised dash give the 990 Supermoto a sharper look. And the clear lensed tail light houses a red pimple of light to add to the racy image. Of course it won't be to everyone's liking with the taller-than-ever seat height, but if you are on the shorter side, it'd be worth getting your boots built up just to grab a test ride!

Bring it dammit...

[Thundergod]

oh....when, oh..when......have to be patient....must not lose control....