Time and again, there have been questions that continue to baffle us. With motorcycles, finding the right answer to these questions are made easier when you can point to something that has all the right elements to be considered one of the best in the market. That, in a nutshell, is what the KTM 990 Adventure R->ke3022 is all about.

With a formula that involves more power plus a lower center of gravity, and a tauter chassis set-up, KTM->ke1954 has found the perfect recipe to build the 990 Adventure R.

A supreme sports model for power travelers that cuts just as good a figure on a long trip as it does winding through the curves, the Adventure R becomes an even bigger scourge of the superbikes without relinquishing its fundamental tourer qualities.

Keeping up with its offroad styling, the Adventure R's perfectly padded sports seat ensures suitable long-distance comfort for both rider and pillion, while also providing freedom of movement and crystal-clear feedback for a sportier pace.

Meanwhile, The Adventure R's water-cooled, 85 kW (114 hp) V-engine impresses with powerful acceleration, superb performance, and spontaneous throttle response thanks to state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder heads, each with flow-optimized ducts, two overhead camshafts, and an electronic Keihin engine management system that regulates the modern fuel injection system on the 990 Adventure R. This focuses on optimum behavior under partial load and spontaneous responsiveness.

Find out more about the KTM 990 Adventure R after the jump.

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R
  • Engine/Motor: V2, four-stroke
  • Transmission: 6-speed, claw shifted
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

The Adventure R's water-cooled, 85 kW (114 hp) V-engine impresses with powerful acceleration, superb performance and spontaneous throttle response.

Aside from optimum combustion chamber design, the major factors behind the outstanding performance of the 990 Adventure R's V-twin with 75° cylinder angle are the state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder heads, each with flow-optimized ducts and two overhead camshafts.

The electronic Keihin engine management system regulates the modern fuel injection system on the 990 Adventure R, focusing on optimum behavior under partial load and spontaneous responsiveness. In this way, KTM engineers were able to harmonize raw power with optimum rideability.

Chassis and Suspension

The 990 Adventure R's tubular space frame made from thin-walled chrome-molybdenum steel tubing with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe only weighs 10.5 kg, yet it impresses with exemplary torsional stiffness. The long swingarm with conical profiles contributes plenty of mechanical grip.

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 the respective operational use of the versatile Adventure R.

Brakes and Wheels

More than adequate deceleration is ensured in the Adventure R by Brembo brakes featuring the very finest components, such as two floating 300 mm front brake discs. Stable wire-spoked wheels with knobbly tires guarantee full offroad potential.

Features

The large fairing on the Adventure R provides effective protection from the wind and weather and accommodates the clearly structured multi-function cockpit that supplies the rider with all essential information. The fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 19.5 l ensure a long useful working range.

here is no shortage of details on the Adventure R that distinguish it as a genuine travel enduro: from the easily operated center stand, the lockable stowage compartment between the tanks and the on-board electrical socket, to the robust engine guard and stable hand guards.

At the rear end, the Adventure R is fitted with an integrated luggage mounting system, to which bags or panniers and top case can be securely fastened, with sufficient capacity for all the equipment to take on that long desert tour.

Specifications

Design

2-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, 75° V arrangement, liquid-cooled

Displacement

999 cm³

Bore

101 mm

Stroke

62.4 mm

Performance

84.5 kW (113.3 hp)

Starting aid

Electric starter

Transmission

6-speed, claw shifted

Engine lubrication

Dry-sump lubrication with 2 rotor pumps

Primary gear ratio

35:67

Secondary gear ratio

16:42

Cooling system

Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump

Clutch

Wet multi-disc clutch / hydraulically operated

Ignition system

Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment

Frame

Tubular space frame made from chrome molybdenum steel, powder-coated

Forks

WP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA PA

Shock absorber

WP Suspension PDS 5018 DCC PA

Suspension travel front

245 mm

Suspension travel rear

245 mm

Brake system front

Twin-disc brake with floating brake calipers and brake discs

Brake system rear

Single-disc brake with floating brake caliper and brake disc

Brake system

Two independent brake circuits without ABS (antilock brake system)

Brake discs - diameter front

300 mm

Brake discs - diameter rear

240 mm

Chain

5/8 x 5/16” X‑Ring

Steering head angle

63.4°

Wheel base

1,570 mm

Ground clearance (unloaded)

301 mm

Seat height (unloaded)

905 mm

Total fuel tank capacity approx.

20 l

Unleaded premium fuel (95 RON)

Weight without fuel approx.

207 kg


Quotes

Ultimate Motorcycling----"Perhaps the most off-road oriented of the large adventure bikes,the KTM 990 Adventure has a dirt bike simplicity that keeps its weight and width under control. WP suspension is long travel-9.65 inches at both ends- so rugged single-track trails are not out of the question, especially if more aggressive aftermarket knobbies are installed."

Total Motorcycle----"Easily recognized by its orange powder coated frame, the 990 Adventure R has been one of the major highlights of the KTM line-up as of MY2009. Its LC8 V2, as powerful as it is compact, delivers a whopping 115 PS. Welded from chrome-molybdenum steel sections, the extremely rigid chassis is equipped with high quality, fully adjustable and carefully tuned suspension components “made by WP in Austria“. Numerous practical solutions like the lockable compartment between the tanks, the immobilizer and the hazard

warning lights make clear that even the representative of the sporty KTM “R” fraction is at heart a true member of the Adventure family. The low weight as well as a design that maximizes ruggedness and reliability manage to convince even the most demanding longdistance riders."