2013 KTM 990 SM-T ABS review (Initial impressions and musings)

[Hambonee]

If these guys ever improve their dealer network, I would most definitely want to have another KTM in the garage some day soon.  But, for now, I'm quite enjoying gelling with the BMW boxer motor.  I just wish the BMW had a better chassis.  It's not bad, but it's no KTM.    

I REALLY wanted to go the route of a 1190 adventure..but the dealer network is just so dang sparse

Maybe in 3 or 4 years when I get the itch for a new bike it will have improved and I can pull the trigger on that sweet sweet bike...

[Sport-Touring]

[expatbrit]

 

Finally, on fueling issues, my experiences have been different from most.  I never had any surging issues on any KTM I've spent quality time with.  I never had one problem with the Super Duke or RC8 (well, except that one time I was a little too hamfisted coming out of Rainey Corner   ).  However, on my 990 Adventure, I would occasionally have a "dead spot" when accelerating out of a corner.  I liken the feeling to trying to aggressively accelerate with a diesel car from a rolling start.  There can be a bit of hesitation.  

I resemble that ham-fisted remark. I won't forget in a hurry. Whoooof.

If these guys ever improve their dealer network, I would most definitely want to have another KTM in the garage some day soon.  But, for now, I'm quite enjoying gelling with the BMW boxer motor.  I just wish the BMW had a better chassis.  It's not bad, but it's no KTM.    

They, apparently, have some policy about ratio of dealers to population. The folks I've talked to say they also require a lot of in-stock, and they definitely do separate certs for the twins and the singles. It seems they really want to NOT have a good network.

My local dealer I have a hit and miss relationship with. I'd love to test-ride the 1190 when it comes over here, but I do really like the MTS...

[Windblown]

Did a few more multi surface rides which took it's toll on the tire I had on the rear. Constantly spinning through rocks and gravel is not something  a BT003 appreciates.

Since I do spend a fair amount of time on forest roads I decided to not go with the PR3 and mounted up some D616's instead.




Got the KTM SMR seat in. Thinner, firmer, and allows more front to back movement unlike the sculpted SMT seat.  I like the freedom of movement the SMR seat offers. For back to back days the SMT seat may be more comfy. Hard to say yet.

[Windblown]

Bolted on some lightly used KTM 37 liter Trax luggage to increase storage room for cold weather gear. The following picture is why you rarely see a shot of bolt on luggage from the rear. That's a 40" wide ass!  

Good thing I live in a rural area so I never have the temptation to lane split. LOL

[Hotbrakes]

How do you like the 616's?

[Windblown]

How do you like the 616's?

I'm pleased with their all around good manors. Matches up well with the bikes purpose as I use it.

I only have a bit over 1500 miles on them at this point so it's still early in the game. Running 34/34 cold which is less than I normally run on a street tire but they seem to like it.  Good grip on asphalt, neutral feeling, not squirrely in the rain. The gravel road to my house goes up the side of ridge that makes my truck break traction over the washboard sections no matter how gentle I am yet the bike does well on it with these mounted. So far they have put up with my rather straight commute to work. Wear at this point is not significant at all.

I was a bit concerned by some comments online about odd cornering traits however I haven't had any issues with them on this bike.

I haven't taken them for an extended run through the twisties. From the shorter sections I've done I don't think I'll be unhappy.  If the rear gives me 4000+ good miles I'll consider them a great success.

[Windblown]

My first year anniversary with the SM-T was this month.  Hard to believe it's been a year. Quick run down on the first year.

8300 miles now on the ODO - less than I'd like.  

Still running D616's. I haven't found a better all surface tire yet.  Last weekend I scrubbed a new rear to the edges on a twisty asphalt ride.  This weekend that same rear was pulling duty on fireroads (and scrambled well over a rock ramp I had to build to get over a blow-down).





The Gen1 FZ1 was the best all-arounder I had ever owned before this bike. I still love that bike but it gets ridden rather rarely anymore. The SM-T suits me a bit better for just about any environment.


No issues mechanically with the bike. Everything is working. I've come to grips with the fueling which can still be a bit quirky at times but it never gives me trouble.





  

[AndyW.Inuk]

Great owner review and 'living with it' reports - thanks. Any updates to add from the last few months?

[Windblown]

Great owner review and 'living with it' reports - thanks. Any updates to add from the last few months?

Arrrggg. Glad you posted to this thread. It made me realize my photobucket house keeping had blown up all the picture links. Got that fixed.

As to the bike. It's been keeping busy.  





I've decided that the combo of a sporty front geometry, a 17" wheel, a so-so rider, combined with mud = Supermans Kryptonite however.  Below was the aftermath of losing the front end in some slimey WV mud. This bike does not recover easily in mud.



The Trax case was actually ripped from it's mount and picked up about 20 yards or so behind where the bike came to rest. I had jury rigged it back onto the bike by the time I took out the camera. I was not overly impressed with how the Trax case faired...

Following the above (which was actually the 2nd time I've lost the front in mud and gone splat) I decided it was time to resign myself to putting some sport touring tires on it, give it a good bath, replace the now very dirty air filter,  and let the bike live the easy life at least for a little while. New air filter, oil change, Dunlop Roadsmart II tires.

Getting to the air filter and getting it replaced is decidedly un-dirtbike like.








Just got back in from a ride today to get the new rubber scuffed. I still can't seem to stay on the asphalt at all times.



Was a nice sunset up in the mountains this evening.



It goes off the the dealer on Wednesday for the first time since I bought it. Time for a valve check which I want done by the dealer to ensure no warranty hassles (actually it's a wee bit overdue). I'll update any interesting tidbits from the mechanical side after I get it back.







 

[Blue is Best]

Good pictures. Too bad on the mud event. Your air filter pulls air from the bottom through the chassis and what not?

[Windblown]

Good pictures. Too bad on the mud event. Your air filter pulls air from the bottom through the chassis and what not?

The air path is a bit convoluted. It starts at the rear facing intake snorkel poking up in the first picture at the lead edge of the airbox. From there air is then drawn down into the airbox box, then up thru the filter, and then up and over the edge of the velocity stacks.  I had flipped the stock filter over in the picture to show the dirty side. The filter was doing it's job, the side the intake stacks were on was still clean.

I've read that removing the restrictive stock airbox and getting an aftermarket filter kit is good for another 10hp to the wheel. However the complicated airflow path also makes hard to suck up any water into the intakes and I have been known to take the bike across a stream or two so I' leaving it in place for now.

[mattg]

I'm coming to this a little late, as I just stumbled across this forum while researching a new bike.  It would seem that your story is similar to mine in that you went from a first gen fz1 and went to the same machine that I am looking at.  I have 2 simple questions for you.  How has the reliability been and would you buy it again?

[Windblown]

I'm coming to this a little late, as I just stumbled across this forum while researching a new bike.  It would seem that your story is similar to mine in that you went from a first gen fz1 and went to the same machine that I am looking at.  I have 2 simple questions for you.  How has the reliability been and would you buy it again?

Welcome Matt!

To the first question: Reliability has been fine. Zero issues so far on that front.

The 2nd Question is the million dollar question isn't it... Would I buy this bike again?  Yes and No.

Yes, because it's a great all around grin inducing bike that will hang with any sportbike where the road snakes around a lot yet will eat a 500+ mile day for breakfast. Also parts availability has been generally extremely good. KTM has stepped up their supply chain process in the USA.

No, because the SM-T is a bit better on the street than I actually need and not quite as good off-pavement as I'd like.  Furthermore it's not a cheap bike to dump off-road as that's not it's primary design.  Replacing some plastics and a beat up front rim was very un-dirtbike like cost wise.

After I get the SM-T back from service I'm going to be doing some soul searching as to whether to keep it or sell it for something a bit more off-road worthy but still fun to ride and good for a 350+ mile day.  I guess there is no PERFECT bike when you are asking it to perform in such widely varying roles.

[Blue is Best]

Welcome Matt!

To the first question: Reliability has been fine. Zero issues so far on that front.

The 2nd Question is the million dollar question isn't it... Would I buy this bike again?  Yes and No.

Yes, because it's a great all around grin inducing bike that will hang with any sportbike where the road snakes around a lot yet will eat a 500+ mile day for breakfast. Also parts availability has been generally extremely good. KTM has stepped up their supply chain process in the USA.

No, because the SM-T is a bit better on the street than I actually need and not quite as good off-pavement as I'd like.  Furthermore it's not a cheap bike to dump off-road as that's not it's primary design.  Replacing some plastics and a beat up front rim was very un-dirtbike like cost wise.

After I get the SM-T back from service I'm going to be doing some soul searching as to whether to keep it or sell it for something a bit more off-road worthy but still fun to ride and good for a 350+ mile day.  I guess there is no PERFECT bike when you are asking it to perform in such widely varying roles.

You know, sometimes I scare myself at how smart I am!!!!! I can solve your concern #2 as to dirt worthiness. Simply stay away from mud and rocks. See, did I help you out.  

[mattg]

I have no plans on going off road with it.  The most it would see is the occasional dirt road or fire road.  I'm thinking that I'm on the right track.  Thanks for all the info.

[Windblown]

Got a clean bill of health from the dealer. Full service and valve check done. Valves were in spec and  no other issues found. I took the SMR seat off and put the stocker back on since I'm trying to behave myself and not go off-pavement with it.

Now to Keep or sell it.... Dang it. I really need a bigger garage.

Simply stay away from mud and rocks.

LOL. That's amazingly difficult for me.

[2013ktm990smt]

Thanks for all the great info on your 2013 KTM 990 SMT.  I read this forum many times and just fell in love with your bike.  I eventually found the exact same bike used for a great price.  I since put on Cont TKC 80 tires on it.  They work great, and I can do the same type of forest service roads (in your pics) with the bike.  They also handle good for road work. I have been driving it every day to work, without any troubles.  They seem to be ok up to 90 mph and ride well.  I haven't tried any big lean angles or corners yet, but they seem to do ok on what I have done.   It is extremely hard to wheelie the bike with these tires, which is probably safer for me.  I am looking for another set of rims/wheels so I can have a dirt set and a road set.  I am also looking for a seat like yours for more off road type riding.  I would like to sit back further when riding in the dirt than the stock seat.  I did put crash bars on the bike and a KTM skid plate under it.  It makes it look more off road/tough looking, but helpful.  
Anyhow, thanks for all your photos and input.  You info pushed me to get the KTM 990 SMT over any other bike - and I LOVE IT.  My favorite bike ever, and I have owned/road many.  Thanks again, Robert

[2013ktm990smt]

[2013ktm990smt]

[2013ktm990smt]

I am going to try and make a bracket to bring up front fender.  It is to close if riding in mud.