KTM 990R Supermoto

FUN FACTOR XXL

“R” means racing – and the 990 SM R is the super sport bike among the Supermotos. The 999cc LC8- V2 with 116 hp serves some extra thrust while delivering a remarkably smooth partial load response thanks to its sophisticated electronic fuel injection.

Only the finest components make it to the periphery of the SM R – components like radial Brembo Monoblock four-pot callipers on great 305mm discs, controlled by the state-of-the-art Bosch 9M+ ABS. Or the super sticky OEM Continental SportAttack tires.

Also, 48mm USD forks by WP and a rear shock from the same maker thrill with a razor sharp racing set-up as well as a highly sensitive response. Ingredients that just could not be better matched. Or simply the recipe for one of the most dynamic rides, not just in the Supermoto segment.

Features

- Powerful LC8 4-stroke V-Twin, electronic Keihin fuel injection with two throttle valves, balancer shaft, hydraulic multi-disc wet clutch, 6-speed gearbox

- Max. output: 85 kW/116 hp, emissions: Euro 3

- State-of-the-art Bosch 9M+ ABS

- Rigid, powder coated, chrome-molybdenum steel trellis frame with black aluminium swingarm

- Fully adjustable, 48 mm WP upside-down forks

- Fully adjustable WP monoshock

- New aluminium wheels with Continental hypersport tires

- Radial Brembo monoblock four-pot front callipers on floating brake discs

- Complex KTM R graphics

- Even tighter entry-level pricing thanks to optimised component tuning

Review

Don’t be fooled by the bare-as-bones design of the KTM 990 SM R; it’s got more meat than its look suggests.

Dynamic, powerful, and extremely comfortable, the 990 SM R combines a perfectly balanced chassis with a state-of-the-art V2 engine to create a bike that exudes versatility and all-around awesomeness. So is it safe to say that the 990 SM R is the most radical twin-cylinder Supermoto on the market?

Take into account the bike’s water-cooled V-engine that produces 114 horsepower and an intelligent design principle with multi-function balancer shaft, two qualities that make it one of the lightest and most compact V2s in its class. The engine, by itself, impresses with explosiveness and instantaneous throttle response. Add that to lightweight pistons and connecting rods that bestow the 990 SM R’s V2 engine with reduced reciprocated weight and it translates into instantaneous responsiveness, underlining its extremely sporty engine characteristics and further proving that the 990 SM R is one bike that rides as good as it looks.

Adding to the overall appeal of the 990 SM R is a tubular space frame that’s made from thin-walled chrome-molybdenum steel tubing with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe that only weighs 9.5 kg/21 lbs, yet it impresses with exemplary torsional stiffness. Thanks to multiple setting options, the upside-down telescopic fork and the directly connected shock absorber from WP Suspension allow optimum individual adjustment of the chassis to suit riding style, track, and load.

Engine

The 990 SM R’s water-cooled V-engine with 85 kW (114 hp) sets the benchmark for free-revving twins. Its intelligent design principle with multi-function balancer shaft makes it one of the lightest and most compact V2s in its class. The engine impresses with explosiveness and instantaneous throttle response.

Particularly lightweight pistons and connecting rods bestow the 990 SM R’s V2 engine with reduced reciprocated weight and hence with decidedly instantaneous responsiveness, underlining its extremely sporty engine characteristics.
Frame and Suspension

The 990 SM R’s tubular space frame made from thin-walled chrome-molybdenum steel tubing with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe only weighs 9.5 kg, yet it impresses with exemplary torsional stiffness. The 575 mm long swingarm with conical profiles contributes plenty of mechanical grip.

Thanks to multiple setting options, the upside-down telescopic fork and the directly connected shock absorber from WP Suspension allow optimum individual adjustment of the chassis to suit riding style, track and load.

The recipe for the 990 SM R is based not least on the very finest ingredients, which also delight the eye of the beholder. Take, for example, the powder-coated frame, radial Brembo monoblock brake calipers or the high-quality shock components from WP Suspension.
Brakes

More than adequate deceleration is ensured on the 990 SM R by Brembo brakes with the very finest components. At the front wheel, two radially-mounted four-piston brake calipers bite hard into floating 305 mm discs at the command of the radial master cylinder. So that braking works perfectly even in difficult conditions, a Bosch 9M+‑ABS intervenes in borderline cases to prevent the front wheel from blocking or a nose-over. But don’t worry, the ABS only makes itself felt when things are really getting too hot to handle. Until then, you can apply the deceleration with customary, racing precision.

The switchable dual-circuit ABS system developed in cooperation with Bosch offers total protection against over-braking, while maintaining the full effect and perfect feedback of a genuine sports brake thanks to very fine sensors. Weighing no more than one kilogram, the ABS system therefore allows extremely sporty braking. And prevents nose-overs actively and effectively.
Ergonomics

The 990 SM R’s fuel tank in conjunction with the elongated seat provide the rider with excellent contact points and maximum freedom of movement for hitting the gas with commitment. The double-butted, ideally angled aluminum handlebars aid perfect vehicle control.