Has anyone ridden a KTM 990?
03-22-2014, 03:09 PM
#2
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SuperBike
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New South Wales Australia
Posts: 1,544
Some time ago before I had the Honda I rode one. It was a Super Duke!
Plenty of grunt, however it felt strange because at the time I had a Yamaha Trx 850.
I seem to recall it felt like a big trail bike due to the seating position.
A couple of guys I know have them and one has had a great run and the other has not been so fortunate.
They both complain that parts are expensive!!
Plenty of grunt, however it felt strange because at the time I had a Yamaha Trx 850.
I seem to recall it felt like a big trail bike due to the seating position.
A couple of guys I know have them and one has had a great run and the other has not been so fortunate.
They both complain that parts are expensive!!
03-22-2014, 04:36 PM
#3
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Western NY
Posts: 347
I rode the 990 super duke (and rc8) at mid-ohio for a ktm arrive and ride day. I actually had more fun and spent more time on the super duke compared to the rc8. I found the power addictive and it was just easy to ride fast. The lack of wind protection made me feel like I was going one meeeeelion miles per hour!! I'll own one some day. Here's a pic
03-23-2014, 07:08 AM
#9
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MotoGP
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Montreal
Posts: 5,631
I would really like a 990 SMT as it hits so many nails right on the head for me (including the fact that I have seen threads where guys get them up over 130 hp at the rear wheel relatively easily, ie. without any internal mods....) but the questionable reliability puts a big question mark on it......
03-23-2014, 10:45 AM
#11
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Back Marker
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Alto, N.M.
Posts: 153
I own a '98 SuperHawk and a '08 SuperDuke(not the "R" model). SD has much better quality WP suspension and Brembo brakes. Stronger engine in the SD also. More comfy ergos. Styling is an acquired taste with the SD. The new 1290 still hasn't reached the US dealers yet. Rumors indicate KTM underestimated the demand for the Beast and is filling orders in smaller markets first.
03-23-2014, 11:12 AM
#12
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Superstock
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Rome, GA
Posts: 458
[threadjack]
I don't care for the SD style wise, but I LOVE the RC8. I'd lub me a test ride on one and to make one my track/canyon bitch.
VTRDarren, what didn't you like about it? or did you like it fine and just prefer the SD? [/threadjack]
I don't care for the SD style wise, but I LOVE the RC8. I'd lub me a test ride on one and to make one my track/canyon bitch.
VTRDarren, what didn't you like about it? or did you like it fine and just prefer the SD? [/threadjack]
03-23-2014, 11:58 AM
#13
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Squid
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 68
They do have more issues than a VTR but they are well documented issues. Not like a BMW where anything and everything can go wrong.
I was looking at dumping 4K into a Superhawk to make it a tourbike, but this seems so much more fun to ride and will have far better range.
The Hawk was fast enough so more power would just be gravy, I hear the handling is simply awesome.
I was looking at dumping 4K into a Superhawk to make it a tourbike, but this seems so much more fun to ride and will have far better range.
The Hawk was fast enough so more power would just be gravy, I hear the handling is simply awesome.
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