KTM 990 SUPERMOTO TOURING (2009 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £250
Power: 115 bhp
Seat height: Tall (33.7 in / 855 mm)
Weight: Medium (432 lbs / 196 kg)

Prices

New £9,645
Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
5 out of 5 (5/5)

The KTM 990 SMT is a new take on the adventure bike theme that manages to combine all the mental fun of a supermoto with the comfort, practicality and ability to cover miles of an adventure bike. It’s being hailed as the current all-rounder King offering all things to all riders. Of more interest to more people is the fact that it’s bloody good fun and way faster than you’d think for a 115bhp V-twin.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

KTM has taken the 990 Supermoto WP suspension but modified the internals of the forks to take out some travel so the SMT is a bit more composed on the road. The quality of the suspension is first rate but it does get a bit light at the front when the speeds increase. The light steering never gets alarming and the payback is the way the SMT soaks up scabby British roads like it was fine-tuned here rather than Austria. The only slight issue is with the feedback from the standard-fit Continental tyres which isn’t a patch on some rival tyres.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

This is far from the most powerful V-twin on the planet but it does have more than enough grunt to turn the KTM SMT into a rapid bit of kit. It can get a little bit lumpy down low but there’s a nicely judged throttle response that makes low speed work easy. Turn up the speed and the big 999cc lump keeps on revving. Enough power for a 140mph top speed. 

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

KTM reliability is pretty good but the V-twins are known to like a drop of oil and need some fairly close attention to make sure the level doesn’t drop too low. Fit and finish isn’t up to BMW standards but it’s still very good. Quality of the components means a high overall standard.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Whichever way you look at it, the asking price of £9595 for the KTM is a lot of money. Sadly, the exchange rate between the Pound and the Euro means there have been some hefty price rises. When you compare the KTM against something like a £9750 BMW R1200GS with ABS then it doesn’t look so bad. Find a KTM 990 SMT for sale.

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

Comprehensive instruments (only missing a fuel gauge), handguards, luggage rack, tall screen, race-spec Brembo brakes, top-line WP suspension, Marcheshini wheels…the list goes on. The panniers are an accessory and aren’t massive or waterproof (but do come with waterproof liners) and there is also a top rack and small bag as well as other accessories like a tankbag. The only thing missing are heated grips, which for nigh-on £10,000 new, the SMT really should have as standard. Compare and buy parts for the KTM SMT in the MCN Shop.

Specs

Engine size 999cc
Engine type 8 valve, 75 degree V-twin
Frame type Steel trellis
Fuel capacity 19 litres
Seat height 855mm
Bike weight 196kg
Front suspension Fully adjustable
Rear suspension Fully adjustable
Front brake 2 x 305mm discs
Rear brake 240mm single disc
Front tyre size 120/70 17in
Rear tyre size 180/55 17in

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 48 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £250
New price £9,645
Used price -
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 115 bhp
Max torque 71 ft-lb
Top speed 140 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 11.03 secs
Tank range 150 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2009 – 990 SMT launched as new model

Other versions

None

Owners' reviews for the KTM 990 SUPERMOTO TOURING (2009 - on)

21 owners have reviewed their KTM 990 SUPERMOTO TOURING (2009 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your KTM 990 SUPERMOTO TOURING (2009 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Engine: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Value vs rivals: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Equipment: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £250
4 out of 5 Long term owner
12 December 2023 by Phil

Year: 2009

It’s light and it handles really well and i would recommend it to a friend

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

is a great all rounder and this i rode back from Scotland to Norfolk only stopping for petrol ⛽️ 517 miles

Engine 4 out of 5

The engine is great but a bit sharp on the throttle when going slow

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Well built I’ve had this bike from new no corrosion anywhere and the only problem I’ve had is the battery failed after 6 years

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

i service it my self

Equipment 4 out of 5

Side bags and top box all good

Buying experience: Dealer and i got saddle bags free

4 out of 5 14 years with ktm
19 June 2023 by Philip Blake

Year: 2009

Fantastic handling

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The furthest I’ve ridden in one go is 517 miles

Engine 4 out of 5

The throttle is a bit off and on at low speed’s

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Service it myself

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Dealer 9,400 and got saddle bags free

4 out of 5
20 March 2023 by Phil

Year: 2009

It’s all good just a bit snatchy on the throttle

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

i live in Norfolk and it perfect for the coast road

Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No corrosion the only time it let me down was the battery give up

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

i service my self

Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: i think it was £9,300 I’ve had it from new i didn’t get money off but i the panniers free

4 out of 5
11 December 2020 by Biz

Year: 2011

Lightweight, nimble handling, manageable power, naughty streak

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Great comfort, can ride for three hours or more without discomfort. Brakes are phenomenal for its age. Loves to scratch B-roads and A-road sweepers.

Engine 4 out of 5

Can get a bit clattery if too high a gear otherwise fantastic spread of power, flat torque delivery

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

No failures / problems so far in 33,000mls

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Valve clearance check was quoted at £700! Not great fuel economy, burns a 18L tank in 140miles

Equipment 3 out of 5

No fuel gauge! Tall screen is good, KTM heated grips are so hot. Ally panniers big but have leaked a couple of times. Pirelli Angel GTs are great so far

Buying experience: Bought from a dealer for £5k. Touring screen, heated grips, full hard luggage

5 out of 5 Good times!
04 November 2020 by Scotty

Version: Abs version

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £300

What's not to like here seriously? complaints about petty and easily rectified issues are pathetic. This thing will blow your hair back and then some. It's a real motorbike with real presence BECAUSE of its character not despite it. With an engine that loves being reved and quality cycle components the bike is a revelation. Set suspension to sport and hang on! Or soften everything up and go touring abroad in perfect comfort. I've done both regularly and it WILL NOT disappoint.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

For what it is this bike is outstanding. What do we ride for? Fun right? Quality suspension and race spec brakes guarantee that in spades.

Engine 5 out of 5

Super torquey and loves to rev out. All the positive reviews on here are from people who've done the obvious and fixed the fueling......duh! The engine is a peach make no mistake . 115 horses is enough to keep you smiling and let this thing hang with the best of them in the twistys. My previous bike was a K5 gixer which I loved, the SMT if anything makes me smile even more.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Bought second hand, I've kept it serviced and had zero problems.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The big valve clearance service is a sore one but what can you say other than the bike is worth it. The good news is if it's that's too rich you can easily do it yourself or you can always buy a Honda.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Agree it needs a fuel gauge and for the original price should have come with heated grips also. On the plus side you get top notch brakes, lightweight wheels and quality suspension.

Buying experience: Bought privately. Test rode for 15 minutes then pushed the button on the bank transfer.....simples!

5 out of 5 KTM 990 SMT experiences
17 October 2020 by Under-rated 990 fan

Year: 2012

The quality of components is first class, from the fully adjustable WP suspension to the Akropovic exhaust, Marchesini wheels and Brembo brakes. The torque of the engine unit is exhilarating and the comparative lightness of the bike leads to flickable cornering and an overall “I want more” feeling every time I ride the bike. The slow speed slight unevenness of the engine, that disappears completely when you get above 3k revs, only adds character to the bike, as far as I’m concerned (something very few bikes have nowadays). I’d certainly recommend it to any friend. It’s comfortable and very capable, even on long journeys and European tours, with fully laden KTM luggage.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

It’s a brilliant all-round bike. Comfortable for >400 miles a day with only breaks for fuel and food, with no aches and pains at the end of the day. The brakes give confidence - the name says it all.

Engine 5 out of 5

Slow running unevenness adds character

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I’ve owned it from new and never had a problem.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

KTM luggage is voluminous, robust and simple to attach to and remove from the bike, including the mounting brackets - just a quarter turn at each point and the supplied key to lock on.

Buying experience: First class info and help from the KTM dealer.

5 out of 5 2013 KTM 990 smt
28 March 2020 by Gordon

Version: 2013

Year: 2013

Annual servicing cost: £250

Handling, light weight, comfort, May be a little tall for some & tank range max 150 miles

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Standard suspension settings slightly over sprung & under damped for my 70 Kg, once adjusted big improvement, all the brake you could ever want

Engine 5 out of 5

Very flat torque curve which makes a great road bike, 113 HP & 67 Ft/lb measured,

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No major criticism, does most things very well, handles superbly once suspension set up, powerful brakes with lots of feel, all day comfort, excellent build quality.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Just had major service approx £550 minor service half that, not cheap.

Equipment 3 out of 5

Does have ABS but equipment typical of KTM of that era, sparse.

Buying experience: Part from quite expensive servicing no complaints over 20,000 miles, I keep looking at new bikes but still haven’t seen anything that offers the same combination of performance, light weight & all day comfort & looks

5 out of 5 Superb Mode of Transport (SMT)
27 April 2019 by Buzzard Biker

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £300

A do-it-all bike with character. The motor is flexible, punchy and will get you anywhere you want to go as slow or as fast as you want. The seat is comfortable for all day riding, the upright position is natural and with a screen and hand guards you have adequate wind protection. Excellent brakes and fully adjustable WP suspension mean you can fine tune the bike to your needs. Get a remap done to smooth out the snatchy throttle; soften up the suspension and you will have a bike that you feel totally connected with and confident in its handling. It really is a great 'do-it-all' bike.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

The race spec Brembos are perfect. Get the suspension set up right for balance and this will help. I can ride this bike all day and it will easily do two-up touring if needed. The bike loves twisty A and B-roads where the torque delivery means you can easily control the speed and accelerate out of the corners with a big grin on your face.

Engine 5 out of 5

I got my bike remapped at BSD Performance. I already had the secondary air system (SAS) removed, had serviced the bike and added a K&N panel filter plus a previous owner had fitted Wings cans. So after BSD did the remap and after I had softened up the suspension the bike was superb. Mark and Andy at BSD know their stuff and were bang on with their advise. The power is now delivered so smoothly that you'd think you were on a brand new 1090/1290.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

The only corrosion I have seen is on the two little bolts where the rear hugger joins the frame but it brushes off easily and comes up as new. Other than that, build quality is very good. For a 2010, 19,500-mile bike my example is immaculate. It's not failed to start. Only just had the original chain and sprockets replaced.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

A KTM main dealer will always charge maximum for the service. I would choose to service the bike myself and there are plenty of Youtube videos to help. Anything I couldn't do would go to an independent specialist. 10w50 or 10w60 fully synthetic oil is best on these bikes. Buy the genuine filters from KTM. Brake pads can easily be replaced/upgraded.

Equipment 4 out of 5

The SMT comes with decent spec brakes, suspension and wheels as standard plus the hand guards and screen. Heated grips are an optional extra, which thankfully a previous owner had fitted already. Plus there is the option of jazzing up the bike with KTM bling for that anodised orange look! Metzeler Roadtec tyres are great on this bike as fitted by a previous owner. I cut off the original pannier frames so that I could retain the exhaust mounts. I have the original KTM top box which is handy and so with a bag across the rear seat, back pack and tank bag, you could carry all you ever needed.

Buying experience: I bought my bike used from an independent dealer that is local to me. I actually traded in a KTM 1090 Adventure for it as I wanted a smaller KTM V-Twin and a bit of cash my way. I got a great deal and so snapped the bike up.

3 out of 5 Great bike, snatchy throttle.
02 September 2016 by mike25432

Year: 2012

Comfortable, quick enough and great suspension. The V twin engine is very 'agricultural' and feels unrefined, especially if you are used to an inline 4. The main problem was the snatchy throttle response. It makes smooth riding very difficult, and it is very hard to get into a rhythm on the twisties. The engine braking is excessive and you get full torque as soon as you touch the throttle. I tried everything to sort it, removed all emissions controls, fitted decat exhausts, paid over £300.00 for a remap but the problem could not be solved. I did over 4000 miles in 9 months but try as I may I could not get on with it. A great bike ruined by ridiculously sensitive throttle response.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 2 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Amazing V twin which needs some fettling to bring out the best in it!
21 December 2015 by JB8

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £300

Great fun to ride if you are on a bit of a mission! Very playful and easy to hustle, always gives me a BIG grin on twisty A & B roads. Suspension is great and the Brembos are awesome! Negatives are fuelling on stock bike is not perfect (Akros, DNA Mk3 air filter & remap will sort most of it). When stock the throttle is a bit of a bugger to keep smooth in town in amidst traffic, seems a bit too on or off. Having said the above if you've never ridden one you are missing out. Whilst there are compromises it is one of the best bikes I've ever ridden.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Brembos are awesome. WP suspension is good too!

Engine 4 out of 5

Punchy V-twin with a lovely note. Just a bit snatchy at low revs/low speed, you end up floating the clutch a lot to control it. The mods listed above stop this.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Never had a fault with mine. Well built! Only negs are: That the engine bolts tend to rust. The headlight access panel is a joke and changing a bulb requires lifting the front fairing off to get to the light!

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Does like a drink if you are winding it up but in cruise mode is perfectly acceptable. On a recent trip to Europe I was getting 245Km to a tank on the autoroutes and about 180Km in the twists.

Equipment 3 out of 5

No Fuel gauge or gear indicator which on a bike of this original value I think was a bit of a farce. Standard tyres were OK PR3's woke the bike up.

Buying experience: Bought from Fowlers in Bristol. Seemed very good and welcoming. Bike was serviced at Colwyn Bay Motorcycles who are excellent!

3 out of 5 Boring compared to a Superduke
01 November 2015 by jon verdi

Year: 2012

Annual servicing cost: £230

Best: Engine response, engineering quality, ease of maintenance, comfort, pillion comfort, SMT community Worst: Boring and bad handling compared to the Superduke, Fuel range, lack of excitement, rough low speed running, fuel consumption, prices of parts (some!)

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes excellent Long travel suspension is ok if you are ultra smooth but as soon as the traffic gets tight and you need to change line sharply it is vague

Engine 4 out of 5

Brilliant above 3000 rpm Nice and responsive (but a bit flat compared to the Superduke) clattery below it - main problem is actually noisy vicious chain slap when it gets rough

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Very well made. Even plastic parts came of easily and went back for servicing or replacement. The only thing that broke was the side-stand cut out and I was expecting that so I had the replacement module on board!

Value vs rivals 2 out of 5

Cost of fuel is the main problem here - it is too thirsty for the level of enjoyment

Equipment 3 out of 5

Buying experience: From a dealer so expensive but convenient

5 out of 5 Game Changer - still holds up against anything since
17 September 2015 by AKRS

Year: 2010

Annual servicing cost: £100

This bike defined a whole new category for me - the blend of supermoto handling and weight combined with reasonable comfort, luggage and wind protection is better than the sum of its parts. Makes an Adventure 990/1290 or a GS1200 feel like an old couch - big and soft. If you like sharp edges and aren't still believing in the 500lb "enduro" concept pick one of these up

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Amazing ride, this bike requires old school clickers on the suspension, no handlebar mounted farkles, but man this thing is dialed. Probably competing with the LC8 for the spotlight on this bike - Its great in comfort mode, but go to sport and leave it was what I came to - very little to pay for sportsbike handling

Engine 5 out of 5

One of the best lumps ever made - very versatile and rideable - perfect amount of power for fun with no scary moments. Nothing new here. This engine will be remembered in history

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very good build, no problems except gauges leaked - replaced under warranty

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Normal

Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Sports bike to ktm 990
12 July 2015 by Woody

Year: 2010

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Chalk and cheese
10 October 2014 by apriliarsv100

I bought one of these with full luggage, sat nav, heated grips, leo vince exhausts, scottoiler and only 2500 miles. Soon realised if you want to chuck it around you need to put the suspension on sport setting which makes it VERY good. Takes the dive out of the forks and everything is that bit sharper. I was over the moon with my purchase until fuel started spewing from the airbox drain, which I had to fix due to the fuel feed to the injectors coming loose. I then installed a Rottweiler intake system, blocked off the sas system disabled the o2 sensors and remapped it. Now although it makes better power and noise it is still snatchy on the throttle. And I find it uncomfortable. I wanted a bike with supermoto fun but the ability to do distance. This bike ticks the first box but so far comfort is disappointing to say the least. 100 miles and I am shifting all over the seat like I have piles. And the fuel filler cap broke. 50/50 at the moment wether to get rid or persevere.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Nice one...
14 November 2012 by PaulDutch

Well,what a bike...! Truely a great allrounder. Good fun for a weekend blast. Been touring on it 2 up and solo, round northern Europe and northern England,very comfy position also got 43-53mpg... I'm impressed,definitly a keeper...

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 KTM...mmm
27 April 2011 by tman39a

Had mine almost a year and inquired with the KTM dealer about trading in...no problem he says and then Bammmmmmmmm...£6200 with all its extras or £5500 stock.... £4500 drop in under a year...great bike but once you buy one your stuck with it or be prepared to loose a fortune. Won't buy a new KTM ever again...whoever sets the used values is biased towards some Jap bikes and living in the past with regards quality etc. The SMT is a great bike but when depreciation is so steep its seriously putting buyers of new bikes off....non KTM dealers don't even want to touch one. So i'll keep this one til it falls apart etc and fat chance of looking after it properly with dealer servicing which is already expensive. They need to put ' BUYER BE WARE ' on KTM's with them loosing value soo quickly.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 3 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 1 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
4 out of 5 wolf in sheeps clothing
24 April 2010 by katumsmt

've been riding for 40 years and I think i have finally found a true "all-rounder" Had mine for two weeks now, a slightly higher screen, fuel gauge and self canceling indicators should be standard, engine can be a bit lumpy in the mid range. Great fun, easy wheelies, and handles like its on rails. Three bikes in the garage but I always end up taking this one out.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 the ride that make me smile
12 March 2010 by Adhasky

2 weeks now and I am still smiling every time I parked my SMT at the garage. More than enough power for highway and city riding. Brakes are awesome, cornering is firm and very comfortable. It does and have what I had in mind for a bike. It handles well at 180km/h considering it is a tall bike. Now I can concentrate on my journeys knowing I have a bike that does it all.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 amazing bike
29 July 2009 by groeneveld

after riding all sort of motorbikes for the last 30 years the KTM 990 SMT surprised me in a way i could not understand. What a funbike to ride on. Yes in ain't sheap but when you want to have some great time even when your in a bad mood, try this bike.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 SUPER Moto Travel
14 July 2009 by Fixer

I've only had mine 3 weeks but my previous bikes were the amazing 950 Adventure and then the RC8. This bike is a combination of the two. The comfort of the Adventure with the speed and handling of the RC8. Capable of going places the RC8 would never get to - the middle of Dartmoor through the lanes for instance - with less buffetting than the Adventure and a huge smile on my face. Yes, it doesn't come with a full load of extras but I didn't want that. I wanted a bike to play on but that would take me to the Alps 'at the drop of a hat'! One amazing motorbike. I honestly think the SM-T will be the bench mark by which all other bikes that are considered as long distance, fun, machines will be judged. My only gripe at the moment is the rain spoiling my fun. Well done to KTM!

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 Could be better
13 July 2009 by rgv666

Took a test ride of the SMT - made my R1200GS feel like a barge - very torquey engine but wind blast seemed to lighten the front end up above 100 mph - nimble, quick but poorly equipped. Never worth the 10k they want for it - will be keeping my BM.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
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