KTM 990 SMT VS 990 SM

[Stevie GooGs]

I have been looking at selling my Kawasaki ZX10R and get a more comfortable 2up bike.

The two bikes I have been looking at are the KTM 990sm no longer manufactured so am told or the newer slightly more long distance but uglier version is the SMT.

Just wondering if anyone on here owns the SMT or SM? Im not looking to do massive distances but live up in the highlands so tank distance is a bit more important.

I’m looking more to the SMT (but prefer the look of the 990sm) due to the luggage on the back as I would like to carry a fair bit of my camera gear etc. There are a lot of write ups saying the KTM 990SMT is the perfect all round bike.

I still want a bike with a bit of punch and not a granddad bike, I love the ZX10R but my legs just cramp up too quickly and not very pillion friendly unless you cut their legs off.
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[G]

I know the SM is designed as a relatively extreme 'fun' bike, however the SMT does seem to fairly match your requirements. But possibly because it's more 'grandad bike' .

[Stevie GooGs]

Thants my issue i want the SM as i want a fun bike that will put a smile on my face, would be happy enough to stick some luggage on the back. Is there any difference in engine? i know the suspension has has been tweeked a bit on the SMT for a more comfortable ride.
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[Dr. DaveJPS]

i've got a 950sm (can't be doing with fuel injection).

fuel range is
hooning ~ 90miles
"normal" riding ~130miles
motorway ~150-170ish miles

as far as i know the engine is the same, i'd only go for the smt if you do motorway as it's the only place i seriously curse the lack of a fairing.

oh and if they still come on the pirelli's scorpion syncs ( at least i think that's what the stock ones were) scrap them and fit 2CT's transforms the bike
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"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[Stevie GooGs]

Cheers for the feedback, i had a look at the SMT today and think am pretty much sold, just need to hold back and sell my bike and wait for a 2nd hand one or trade in and go new.
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[Stevie GooGs]

Change of mind and i went for the SM.

https://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2010%5C05%5C31%5Cbikepics-1986974-full.jpg
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[Mr Nice Guy]

Update yer sig man, it's been days already. FFS show some commitment.
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Suzuki GSX-R750K4 ~ Mivv GP

[Stevie GooGs]

[G]

The screen on my 690 is actually one for the 990s I think - makes more of a difference on motorways than the size suggests:
https://gees.zenfolio.com/img/s5/v4/p485102305-4.jpg

[multijoy]

G, what 690 is that? I can't keep up with the sheer variety of KTM models!
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'11 CBF1000A, '99 C90, '98 CB500
silky666: He rode amazingly well considering his bike is the weight of a small van and had slicks on.

[SamJL]

Lovely, I really fancy a SM style bike for an everyday bike!

G, how much stuff have you got strapped to your bike
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2009 CBR1000RR
2004 KTM 200SX
2004 KTM 65SX

[Stevie GooGs]

[Dr. DaveJPS]

[Stevie GooGs]

It has Pirelli Scorpion tyres and they give loads of confidence, not had it out in the pissing rain but was a bit greasy on the way home and it seemed to grip well.

The screen goes on in two seconds tbh, 4 screws and its on, will take a picture.
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[Dr. DaveJPS]

i just couldn't get on with the Pirelli Scorpion's, they just didn't inspire me (don't think it helped they were squared off within 1K miles of me owning it), i've considered the screen but i like the stock lines.
____________________
"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[Stevie GooGs]

I do prefer the look of the bike without the screen, am off to Aberdeen at the weekend so will see how much the screen helps.
What tyers you using, i had corsa 3s on the zx10r but they dont last long at all up in the highlands.
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[Dr. DaveJPS]

i'm running some Pilot Power 2CT's and they have yet to square after 4kish as i was expecting


oh and you may find this site usefull
https://www.ktm950.info/
____________________
"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[Stevie GooGs]

I have used 2ct on my CBR 600FY and they did not last long at all, will have a go with these and see how i get on.
Cheers for the link btw.
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[SamJL]

Try some Pilot Road 2CT's, they are meant to be reasonably grippy, with a long life

I use the new Pilot Power Pure's, very grippy, but can't see them lasting to long!
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2009 CBR1000RR
2004 KTM 200SX
2004 KTM 65SX

[Stevie GooGs]

I did have a read here about tyre choice.
https://www.canyonchasers.net/reviews/tires/d616vSync.php

Ive got a bit of tread left in the middle of the tyre so will give you's an update after the weekend see how they go to Aberdeen.

I would like to get more than 1.5k from my back tyre, the roads up here are great but surface can cut through the tyres in no time.
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[Dr. DaveJPS]

Might be pilot road, I'll have to look, i just know they are 2CT's but off the top of my head I can't remember what type.

yeah that site is useful it helped me justify why the clutch slave seal had gone, apparently it is completely random some will last for the live of the bike but some will go (and it's very quick when it does)

Edit: when i get home tonight i'll also find the link from the KTM forum for tyre selection.
____________________
"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[G]

[Dr. DaveJPS]

just checked mine pilot power 2ct's and the link was https://www.ktmforum.co.uk/showthread.php?31143-recommend-me-some-rubber-990-950-SM
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"intelligent inattention is preferable to unintelligent tinkering"
www.davejps.com

[Stevie GooGs]

I went to Aberdeen in the dry and stopped over at Inverness and got a new sync back tyre, it was dryish most of the way there and the bike felt good. On the way back it was wet, some heavy rain some damp greasy areas and the bike never slipped once.

I spoke to guy at the bike shop in Inverness and he had a 990sm and he had pilot power 2ct and he said hes going back to sync once the tyres are worn.
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Current: 2019 Yamaha T7 -> 2015 KTM Superduke R | 2000 Yamaha R1 Past -> 2009 KTM 990 SM -> 2005 kawasaki ZX10r -> 2000 Honda CBR 600 FY -> 2002 Honda XLV 125 Varadero
Bike Pics! -> My Photography Website

[Smooth]

I was out with a chap with a 950 SM yesterday.

-I've concluded that I want one.
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TDM850