Introduction to the KTM 990
The KTM 990 is a dual-sport motorcycle that was produced by the Austrian manufacturer, KTM. It was first introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the popular KTM 950 Adventure.
The bike features a powerful LC8 engine, which is a liquid-cooled V-twin that delivers impressive performance both on and off-road. The engine has a displacement of 999cc and produces around 115 horsepower at its peak.
One of the most notable features of the KTM 990 is its suspension system. The bike comes equipped with WP suspension components, including an upside-down fork at the front and a rear shock absorber with adjustable preload and rebound damping.
Another key feature of this motorcycle is its advanced electronics package. The bike features ride-by-wire technology, which allows for precise throttle control, as well as advanced traction control and ABS systems that help keep riders safe in varied riding conditions.
In terms of design, the KTM 990 has an aggressive appearance that reflects its capabilities on rough terrain. It has high ground clearance to navigate obstacles easily, while also providing comfortable ergonomics for long-distance touring on road trips.
Overall, the KTM 990 represents one of the best options available for those seeking adventure motorcycles with superior performance both on- and off-road. Its combination of power, handling, and electronics make it an excellent choice for riders who want to tackle challenging terrain without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Design and Features of the KTM 990
The KTM 990 is a high-performance motorcycle that combines power, agility, and comfort in one machine. Its design is based on racing motorcycles, which makes it an ideal bike for riders who love to push their limits. The following are some of the features that make the KTM 990 stand out from other bikes in its class:
- Engine: The heart of the KTM 990 is a liquid-cooled V-twin engine with a displacement of 999cc. This engine produces up to 115 horsepower and has a maximum torque output of 100 Nm at 7,000 rpm.
- Suspension: The suspension system of the KTM 990 comprises WP Suspension components that offer both comfort and control. It has adjustable rebound damping and compression damping on both front forks and rear shock absorber.
- Brakes: The braking system on the KTM 990 uses Brembo four-piston calipers with twin discs at the front and single disc at back. They provide excellent stopping power even under extreme conditions.
- Tires: For optimal grip on different surfaces, this bike comes equipped with Metzeler Tourance EXP tires (110/80-19 front &150/70-17 rear).
- Ergonomics:The riding position on this bike is upright with slightly forward lean which ensures perfect balance between sportiness and long-distance comfort.
In addition to these features, there are also several design elements that add to its appeal such as sharp lines along its fairing gives it an aggressive look while still maintaining elegance making it overall looks stunning. Its bodywork is made of lightweight materials that contribute to its agility while reducing the overall weight of the bike. There is also a comprehensive instrument panel that provides essential information such as speed, RPM and gear position all displayed on clear digital display.
The KTM 990 is a great choice for riders who want a high-performance motorcycle that offers both power and comfort. Its design combines elements from racing motorcycles with practical features making it easy to use in everyday life.
Engine Performance and Power
The KTM 990 is known for its exceptional engine performance and power. This motorcycle model is equipped with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC V-twin engine that delivers a whopping 118 horsepower at 9,000 RPM and 97 Nm of torque at 7,000 RPM.
One of the key features of this engine is the use of Keihin EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system. This fuel injection system provides precise fuel delivery to the engine resulting in smoother acceleration, improved throttle response and better fuel efficiency. The EFI system also reduces emissions due to more efficient combustion.
Another innovative technology used in this bike’s engine is the LC8 crankshaft design which contributes to its smooth operation even at high speeds. The crankshaft has been designed using advanced engineering techniques that improve balance and reduce vibration while enhancing overall durability.
The KTM 990 also comes with an advanced slipper clutch which provides optimal control during gear shifts by reducing rear-wheel hop under hard braking or downshifting. This feature ensures improved stability during corner entry as well as makes it easier to ride on challenging terrain.
The bike’s transmission system includes a six-speed gearbox which enables riders to achieve top-speeds quickly without sacrificing acceleration or power output. Additionally, the gears have been optimized for better shifting accuracy leading to smoother riding experience.
In summary, the KTM 990 offers outstanding engine performance and power thanks to its cutting-edge technologies such as Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), LC8 crankshaft design, slipper clutch mechanism and six-speed gearbox. These features make it an ideal choice for riders who want superior handling abilities combined with exceptional speed capabilities on both paved roads and off-road terrains alike!
Handling and Suspension of the KTM 990
The KTM 990 is a high-performance motorcycle that is designed to provide exceptional handling and suspension. The bike features a lightweight frame that is constructed from high-strength materials, providing it with excellent rigidity and stability when cornering or accelerating. Additionally, the 990 comes equipped with advanced suspension components that are designed to offer unparalleled control and comfort no matter what terrain you’re riding on.
The front suspension on the KTM 990 consists of a fully adjustable WP USD fork that provides ample travel for absorbing bumps and rough terrain. The fork has adjustable compression damping, rebound damping, and preload settings, allowing riders to fine-tune their ride quality based on their preferences or the conditions they’re riding in. The rear suspension also utilizes a fully adjustable WP shock absorber that offers similar adjustability as the front fork.
In addition to its top-notch suspension components, the KTM 990 also benefits from an agile chassis design that allows it to be incredibly maneuverable at all speeds. The bike’s short wheelbase, combined with its lightweight construction and powerful engine make it easy for riders to change direction quickly or lean into corners without feeling unstable or unwieldy.
Overall, the handling and suspension performance of the KTM 990 are nothing short of exceptional. Whether you’re cruising down smooth highways or tackling rough off-road trails, this bike can handle just about anything you throw at it while still providing an incredibly comfortable ride experience.
Braking System and Safety Features
The KTM 990 boasts an impressive braking system that ensures the rider’s safety, even at high speeds. The bike features dual floating Brembo discs with four-piston, radially mounted calipers in the front, and a single Brembo disc with two-piston caliper at the rear.
The braking system is further enhanced by advanced ABS technology. The bike features a Bosch 9M+ ABS system that provides reliable stopping power while preventing wheel lock-up during emergency stops or low-traction situations. This feature is particularly useful for novice riders who may not be accustomed to sudden stops.
In addition to its robust braking system, the KTM 990 also has several other safety features designed to protect riders. The motorcycle comes equipped with full LED lighting for improved visibility on the road.
It also has a slipper clutch, which helps prevent wheel hop during aggressive downshifting maneuvers. This feature reduces engine braking and enables smoother shifting, improving overall control of the bike.
Another notable safety feature of the KTM 990 is its sturdy frame construction. The bike’s trellis frame provides exceptional rigidity and durability while keeping overall weight low for better handling.
Overall, these various safety features combine to make the KTM 990 one of the most reliable and safe motorcycles on today’s market. Riders can enjoy their ride without worrying about compromising their safety or losing control of their machine when faced with unexpected obstacles or emergencies on the road.
Riding Experience and Comfort
The KTM 990 is designed to provide an outstanding riding experience, with excellent handling and performance that make it a joy to ride. The bike’s powerful engine delivers plenty of torque and acceleration, which makes it ideal for cruising on the open road or tackling challenging terrain.
The suspension system on the KTM 990 is highly advanced, with adjustable damping and preload settings that allow riders to customize their riding experience according to their preferences. With this feature, riders can fine-tune the bike’s handling characteristics to suit their individual needs, whether they are looking for a more comfortable ride or more aggressive handling.
Comfort is also a key consideration when it comes to the KTM 990. The bike features an ergonomic design that ensures riders stay comfortable even during long rides. The seat is wide and well-padded, providing ample support for the rider’s backside while reducing fatigue over long distances.
Another important aspect of comfort on the KTM 990 is its wind protection. The bike features a tall windshield that provides effective protection against wind buffeting at high speeds. This reduces rider fatigue by minimizing head movement caused by turbulent airflows.
Overall, if you’re looking for an excellent riding experience combined with exceptional comfort in a motorcycle, then look no further than the KTM 990. With its powerful engine, advanced suspension system, ergonomic design, and superior wind protection – this bike has everything you need for an unforgettable ride!
Maintenance and Cost of Ownership
Maintaining a KTM 990 is relatively easy compared to other adventure motorcycles in its class, but it still needs regular service intervals to keep it running smoothly. The bike comes with a maintenance schedule that owners need to follow religiously; otherwise, the engine’s performance could suffer.
Some key areas for owners to focus on include changing the oil every 3,000 miles (5,000 km) or so and cleaning/lubricating the chain every 500 miles (800 km). Owners should also check their air filter regularly as dirt buildup can affect engine performance. It’s important to note that KTM recommends using synthetic motorcycle-specific oil as well as non-ethanol gasoline.
The cost of ownership for a KTM 990 varies depending on several factors. One of the biggest expenses involved is replacing tires since they tend to wear out quickly due to the bike’s weight and power output. On average, expect to pay around $300-$400 per set of tires.
Other expenses include routine maintenance such as oil changes and chain adjustments which can vary from $150-$300 per year. Additionally, if something goes wrong with the bike, repairs can be quite costly considering parts are not always readily available locally – this means they may have to be sourced from overseas at higher prices than domestic options.
In terms of fuel economy, riders can expect around 40-45 mpg (17-19 kpl) depending on how aggressively one rides their KTM 990 Adventure. With a fuel tank capacity of just over five gallons (20 liters), this translates into about 200 miles (320 km) before needing another fill-up.
Overall though, despite some high costs associated with owning an adventure motorcycle like the KTM 990 Adventure – upkeep costs are generally reasonable provided scheduled servicing requirements are adhered too.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on the KTM 990
After thoroughly examining the KTM 990, we can confidently say that it is an exceptional motorcycle. Its powerful engine, nimble handling, and impressive versatility make it a top choice for both adventure riders and sport touring enthusiasts.
One of the standout features of the KTM 990 is its LC8 V-twin engine. Producing up to 115 horsepower and 76 lb-ft of torque, this powerplant delivers ample amounts of power across a wide range of RPMs. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or tackling off-road trails, this engine has plenty of grunt to get you where you need to go.
In addition to its impressive performance capabilities, the KTM 990 also boasts excellent handling characteristics. Its lightweight chassis and responsive suspension allow riders to take on tight corners with confidence while maintaining stability at higher speeds. Whether you’re carving through twisty mountain roads or navigating urban traffic, this motorcycle feels sure-footed in any situation.
Another key feature that sets the KTM 990 apart from other motorcycles is its versatility. With adjustable ergonomics and multiple riding modes (including Sport and Rain), this bike can be tailored to suit a wide variety of riding styles and preferences. Additionally, its spacious luggage options make it well-suited for long-distance touring trips as well as day-to-day commuting.
Overall, we highly recommend the KTM 990 for anyone in search of a high-performance motorcycle that can handle anything thrown at it with ease. From weekend adventurers to daily commuters, this bike has something for everyone – making it one of our top picks in its class!