KTM 990 Adventure R

KTM likes to diversify their model range so we’re dealing with a base 990 Adventure model and a 990 Adventure R, both bikes being built around the same 999cc, twin-cylinder, four-stroke, V 75-degree engine that is tuned to provide the rider with 104.6 hp at 8,250 rpm and 100 Nm at 6,750 rpm on the standard model while the 113.31 hp at 8,750 rpm and also 100 Nm at 6,750 rpm on the “R” model are claimed to provide a healthier rush all through the rev range.

Apart from being more powerful, the “R” model is also 2 kilograms lighter than the standard one and features an almost 2 inches higher seat so it addresses to taller and more experienced riders who have long expected for a model that would bring riding excitement back on the scene.

The KTM 990 Adventure not only being turned into a more powerful, torquier and slightly heavier motorcycle, but standing as the base for the brand new 2009 KTM 990 Adventure R. The Austrian brand’s R series stands for even more power than on the standard models, lighter weight and distinctive look so it’s almost like sending your bike to the tuner shop and being provided with an all around upgraded package. Still, being a production bike, exclusivity doesn’t fit in this description.

MCN has just ridden the new for 2009 KTM 990 Adventure R for the first time on a 250km on/off road trek in Sardinia.

The new motorcycle takes over from the 990 Adventure S as the top-of-the-range on/off road machine in KTM’s range, and is also the most powerful yet with 115bhp from the Superduke-derived engine, 18bhp more than the older machine.

The suspension also gets 55mm extra suspension travel to give it extra off-road capability, but otherwise the mechanicals are the same as the 2009 990 Adventure (which also gets a small power boost to 106bhp and a smoother-running crank design).

MCN’s Chris Newbigging has been riding the bike and says:

“The Adventure R is notably more punchy than the standard bike, but isn’t ferocious and is easy to ride on an unfamiliar road because of the extra flexibility.

"The taller seat height can make the bike awkWard at a standstill, even though I am six feet tall. It has extra suspension travel compared to standard, firmer settings make it more composed on bumpy roads without compromising the ride quality.

"The only downside is the ABS fitted on the standard model isn’t available on the R model and it would be nice to have the option available.

"The seat is less comfortable; however a gel seat is available as an optional extra. Riding the bike off road the Adventure R proved itself capable but was limited by the standard tyres in wet mud and some novice riders may find the power intimidating.

"Overall the Adventure R is as versatile as the standard bike but with a little bit more ability everywhere.”

Giant adventure tourer showdown

With the release of the 2010 Yamaha Super Tenere and the Ducati Multistrada 1200, there's now five serious adventure tourers competing for your round-the-world budget. We've broken them down by their performance figures to help you decide which one's best.

All these numbers come straight from the manufacturers. We've chosen to use dry instead of wet weights since the relatively large difference in tank sizes would artificially skew the comparisons. While these aren't the weights you'll experience as you try to navigate across a sandy slope, they do lead to the fairest comparison possible. We've italicized what we feel is the winner in each category; in the case of rider aids, this is a bit subjective, feel free to decide which setup works best for you. We've thrown the originator of the current adventure tourer archetype, the 1980 BMW R80G/S into the mix just to give you an idea how far things have come.

As you can see, the new Multistrada comes out on top in terms of performance, but its 17" front wheel, street-biased tires and lack of engine or frame protection means its off-road capability is extremely limited. This comparison is very unflattering for Super Tenere; it's the heaviest bike here by 77lbs and, thanks to the strong Yen, it'll likely be the most expensive too. That weight, combined with the 19" front wheel and non-defeatable ABS is also going to limit its ability off-road.

All that means the BMW R1200GS and KTM 990 Adventure are, in our minds at least, still the leaders in this category. Both are genuinely capable off-road, fast on it and comfortable over long distances. If the high prices put you off, the Suzuki V-Strom looks like a bargain. Sure it'd need a couple grand in modifications before it could hit the dirt, but even with the add-ons, it'd still be the cheapest of this group.

Source Hell For Leather