Don’t be fooled by the bare-as-bones design of the KTM 990 SM R; it’s got more meat than its look suggests.
Dynamic, powerful, and extremely comfortable, the 990 SM R combines a perfectly balanced chassis with a state-of-the-art V2 engine to create a bike that exudes versatility and all-around awesomeness. So is it safe to say that the 990 SM R is the most radical twin-cylinder Supermoto on the market?
Take into account the bike’s water-cooled V-engine that produces 114 horsepower and an intelligent design principle with multi-function balancer shaft, two qualities that make it one of the lightest and most compact V2s in its class. The engine, by itself, impresses with explosiveness and instantaneous throttle response. Add that to lightweight pistons and connecting rods that bestow the 990 SM R’s V2 engine with reduced reciprocated weight and it translates into instantaneous responsiveness, underlining its extremely sporty engine characteristics and further proving that the 990 SM R is one bike that rides as good as it looks.
Adding to the overall appeal of the 990 SM R is a tubular space frame that’s made from thin-walled chrome-molybdenum steel tubing with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe that only weighs 9.5 kg/21 lbs, yet it impresses with exemplary torsional stiffness. Thanks to multiple setting options, the upside-down telescopic fork and the directly connected shock absorber from WP Suspension allow optimum individual adjustment of the chassis to suit riding style, track, and load.
Find out more about the KTM 990 SM R after the jump.
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We are anxiously waiting to find out at the EICMA show in Milan, but there have already been enough “leaks” on the internet so that we can put together this short anticipation news.
For starters, there is the all-new KTM Supermoto 990 R, which has just been derived from the already fabulous Supermoto 950, and if it all goes as planned you will be booking yours in March 2009.
Lots of changes are expected to characterize the model, among which we’d like to mention the Super Duke R 999cc LC8 engine and high-performance Brembo brakes featuring monoblock radial-mount calipers as well as the fully-adjustable front and rear suspension systems. Stylistically, a larger gas tank is worth being pointed out.
KTM future plans also include the RC8 1190R, an immediate effect of the original bike’s success. This one is expected to be packed with high-end racing features.
And, last but not least is the Venom, a KTM concept that has been around from 2004. Also expected to be presented as ready for production at Milan, the naked bike is a close cousin of the RC8.
It seems that the Austrian bike manufacturer didn’t rest on its laurels, especially after RC8’s launch and these three bikes will be all-new special additions to an already highly-expanded motorcycle offering.
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KTM plans on leading the S2 Supermoto class by delivering an ultra-light racing machine fitted with all the goodies of such a bike: Supermoto chassis, Brembo brakes and plenty of engine performance.
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