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KTM 990 SMT

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kgm
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Joined: 04 Jun 2015
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PostPosted: 19:28 - 10 Jan 2022    Post subject: KTM 990 SMT Reply with quote

Decided I'm selling my crossrunner for something different. I fancy something a little more hooligan.

990 SMT fits the bill but they're getting on a little. Being slightly finicky KTMs - are they still worth having? Parts availability ok?

I've got older bikes so don't normally worry but there doesn't seem to be a great deal of these around and KTM seem to discontinue parts somewhat more swiftly than others.

Any owner thoughts? They're in the right place budget wise.
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arry
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Joined: 03 Jan 2009
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PostPosted: 19:45 - 10 Jan 2022    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had mine for 4 years and had a love hate relationship with it.

Firstly, the good:
Arrow Surprisingly fast - faster than the power figures suggest
Arrow Excellent brakes / suspension - superb
Arrow With the Akra cans, it sounded like shaken up thunder
Arrow All day comfortable (had the ergo seat)
Arrow Very practical - good pillion seat/rail, good luggage options
Arrow Sharp AF handling - I mean sportsbike levels of flickability

The bad:


Idea Ate batteries for fun
Idea Never liked to start in cold temps (even with new battery)
Idea Ride it committed, or it felt disjointed / dangerous
Idea Snatchy fuelling - had no manners when just wanting to cruise
Idea Common faults / weak points - clutch slave, an example
Idea Ridiculously expensive servicing (Valve clearance service £750)
Idea Fuel economy is Honda Firestorm bad Laughing 30mpg ish
Idea Didn't feel premium - cheap plastics, no fuel gauge


It spent 4 years trying to kill me. I mean that honestly. So it was great fun. Except when it was wet, and you were cold, and just wanted to get home in one piece, gently Laughing

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49917189531_ff1ddcf323_c.jpg

I more loved it than hated it.
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trevor saxe-coburg-gotha
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PostPosted: 20:20 - 10 Jan 2022    Post subject: Reply with quote

Had a go of my mate's - sounded incredible. But the throttle just didn't inspire any confidence at all. It was on Akras. Felt light but not quite right.
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125
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weasley
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Joined: 16 Oct 2010
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PostPosted: 08:41 - 11 Jan 2022    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had one for a couple of years and, like Arry, loved and hated it. On the right day, under the right conditions, it was a joy. But any other time it was wearing and temperamental. It was like living with a volatile nymphomaniac, great when you were up for it but wouldn’t leave you alone when you weren’t.

Parts are easily available which is useful, because it might need them. Mine went through two MAP sensors, needed a rear brake master cylinder rebuild, had fading segments on the LCD instrument panel, warped a set of front discs in 6,000 miles and blocked it fuel filter in the same time.

Despite having it mapped by a KTM specialist, the throttle was still like a hair trigger.

But as I said, on an empty B road in mid-Wales it was pure joy - the engine would pull any gear at any speed, the brakes were great (when straight) and it would flick around easily. Thirsty though, often only 120 miles to the light if pushing on and rarely more than 140.

Mine was a low mile, non-ABS one and was very clean and nicely built. WP front fork, Marzocchi wheels, Brembo brakes - lots of quality parts.

Ultimately I gave up trying to love it and PXed for a BMW F900XR, which is less frantic and better for it.
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Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT | BMW F900XR TE
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Copycat73
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Joined: 11 Jan 2013
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PostPosted: 17:03 - 11 Jan 2022    Post subject: Reply with quote

probably better as a second bike ... the 701 .. yes its a Husqvarna in name .. takes more lookin after than the yamaha and honda put together..
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kgm
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Joined: 04 Jun 2015
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PostPosted: 00:20 - 16 Jan 2022    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hmm l, interesting. I'd expected more overall praise for them. Perhaps it's one of those they should really be ridden first. Cheers for the feedback folks, appreciate it.
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