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2008–2010 · Supermoto · Buyer's Guide
Big Twin, Zero Compromise
The 990 Supermoto takes the 999 cc LC8 V-twin, all 115 hp and 72 lb-ft of it, and bolts it into a chassis built on dirt-bike logic. Nothing here got softened on the way to the showroom. The bodywork is minimal, the bars are wide, and the 75° twin sits right under you with almost nothing between your knees and the cases. Fully adjustable suspension holds 6.3 in (160 mm) of travel up front and 7.1 in (180 mm) at the rear, and the 59.3 in wheelbase keeps the mass somewhere you can actually throw it. This is the big-bore supermoto idea taken literally, with no apology attached.
Ridden the way it wants to be ridden, on a road with corners and no traffic, it is one of the most entertaining things KTM has ever sold. It asks for a rider who already has the skills, though. The 34.4 in seat is tall, there is no ABS on this generation, and the 5.0 gal (19 L) tank sets the length of your day before your wrists do. Two known faults matter with age: the oil pressure regulator can let go at higher mileage and needs the engine split to reach, and the water pump shaft seal can fail early and take the whole pump with it. Buy on service history, not on mileage.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 115 hp (85 kW) @ 9,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 72 lb-ft (97 Nm) @ 7,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 999 cc |
| Engine | 75° V-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 305 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 59.3 in (1505 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 7.7 in (195 mm) |
| Front travel | 6.3 in (160 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.1 in (180 mm) |
| Seat height | 34.4 in (875 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal (19 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
You sit on top of this bike, not in it. The seat is high, the bars are wide, and your first slow-speed U-turn tells you everything about how much leverage you have been handed. Then the twin gets loud in the good way. It has a hard, mechanical bark to it that fills the space around you and makes 45 mph feel like an event, and there is enough vibration through the pegs and the tank to keep reminding you what is going on down there. With almost no bodywork, wind hits you square in the chest above 60 mph, so the fun happens on back roads rather than the interstate. In town it threads gaps like a much smaller machine. Lean it hard and there is clearance left over long after your nerve has run out. Nothing about the way it talks to you is muted.
Oil pressure regulator failure
The oil pressure regulator can fail at higher mileage, requiring engine disassembly to access and replace the part.
Water pump seal failure
Premature failure of the water pump shaft seal leads to coolant leaks, often requiring replacement of the entire pump assembly.
Where this KTM 990 Supermoto pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the 990 Supermoto is actually built for.
Angeles Crest is exactly the road this bike was built for. It steers lighter than anything else with this much punch, and the lean clearance is far beyond what a public road will ever ask of you.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
Brilliant on the Twisted Sisters, tiring on the slab that gets you there. With 5.0 gal (19 L) and no wind protection, plan short legs and frequent stops, or pick something calmer for the miles between.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Twisted Sisters · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
On the Dragon and the Cherohala this bike gives you constant feedback and instant direction changes, which is what skill-building actually needs. Just remember there is no ABS when the leaves get wet.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2005–2007
Big Twin, Supermoto Soul
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Competitor · 2008
Italian V-Twin, Sorted Daily
Competitor · 2007–2010
Boxer Torque With No Apologies
Competitor · 2009–2014
Triple Soul, Adventure Suit
Same Platform · 2005–2013
Orange Aggression On A Trellis
Similar Character · 2008–2011
The Original Supermoto Riot