Ktm Sm 990
The Ktm Sm 990 has a top speed of 220 km/h (estimated; note: limited real-world data available), produces 113 hp and weighs 198 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.2/10.
The KTM 990 Supermoto was introduced in 2008 as a street-legal supermoto variant of the adventure-oriented 990 Super Duke/Adventure platform, sharing its LC8 V-twin engine. It was designed to bring aggressive supermoto styling and handling to a larger-displacement machine, bridging the gap between pure track-focused supermotos and road-going performance bikes. Production continued until around 2013, when KTM's focus shifted toward the newer Duke and Adventure lineups, making the 990 SM a relatively rare and sought-after machine among supermoto enthusiasts.
113 hp
Power
100 Nm
Torque
198 kg
Weight
220 km/h (estimated; note: limited real-world data available)
Top Speed
7.5 L/100km (estimated real-world average; note: varies significantly with riding style)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
LC8 Engine Quirks
The 75-degree V-twin LC8 engine is powerful but known for running hot in slow traffic, often causing discomfort for the rider. Ensure the cooling system and thermostat are in good condition before buying.
Watch the Valve Intervals
Valve clearance checks are required every 6,000 miles and are labor-intensive, making them expensive at a dealership. Always ask for service history to confirm these were not skipped by a previous owner.
Strong Resale Value
The SM 990 holds its value well due to its cult following and limited production numbers, making it a smart buy if purchased at the right price. Low-mileage, well-maintained examples are particularly sought after.
Generations & Specs by Year
Initial launch based on 990 Super Duke platform, 75-degree LC8 V-twin, WP suspension, Brembo brakes.
"Supermoto madness with genuine road-eating capability."
The SM 990 takes the Super Duke's thumping LC8 twin and wraps it in proper supermoto proportions — that 900mm seat height and 17-inch wheels make it feel like a razor-sharp weapon the moment you tip into a corner. The torque hits hard around 4,500 rpm and absolutely shoves you forward by 7,000, and on a tight B-road it'll humiliate sportsbikes that look faster on paper. Living with it is another story though: heat management is brutal in traffic, the seat is a punishment device past two hours, and early ECUs threw occasional fueling hiccups that KTM quietly addressed mid-production. It's not a touring bike, it's not trying to be, but nothing else scratches this particular itch.
Pros
Cons
Revised fuel injection mapping, updated graphics, minor ergonomic refinements before model discontinuation.
Used Buyer Review
"A brilliant, high-maintenance lunatic that rewards prepared, attentive owners."
$6,500-$10,500 usedThe SM 990 is the supermoto that rewired my brain about what a big single-cylinder machine could do. That LC8 V-twin pulls hard from nothing and screams past 9,000rpm like it's personally offended by speed limits. It's genuinely fast, absurdly flickable, and sounds absolutely mental. When it's working, nothing touches it for urban aggression or canyon-carving entertainment. Here's the honest part nobody tells you: these bikes eat money when neglected. Check the valve clearances obsessively — they go out of spec and previous owners routinely ignore it. The throttle bodies need syncing, the subframes crack, and KTM's orange paint chips if you breathe near it. Always pull the maintenance history and budget $500-800 immediately for a proper service regardless. Buy one that's been genuinely maintained, not just washed before sale. Find a bike from an enthusiast rather than someone who bought it impulsively and discovered 900cc supermoto wasn't their personality after all. They're out there, and when you find the right one, it's one of the most rewarding bikes you'll ever own.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Ktm Sm 990 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALCheck oil level, look for residue around head gasket
Cold start rattle, listen for ticking at idle
Idle quality, surging at low RPM, throttle response
Inspect welds around subframe, look for cracks visually
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Decent if maintained, neglected examples get expensive fast
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Ktm Sm 990
Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Ducati Hypermotard 1100
Ktm Supermoto 990
Ktm Adventure 990 Smt
Bmw Hp2 Megamoto
Compare Ktm Sm 990 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Ktm Sm 990 vs Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ktm Sm 990 vs Ducati Hypermotard 1100
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ktm Sm 990 vs Ktm Supermoto 990
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ktm Sm 990 vs Ktm Adventure 990 Smt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ktm Sm 990 vs Bmw Hp2 Megamoto
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Ktm Sm 990 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Ktm Sm 990? +
Oil consumption and leaking from cylinder head: Check oil level, look for residue around head gasket (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner failure causing engine rattle: Cold start rattle, listen for ticking at idle (serious) | Throttle body sync issues causing rough idle: Idle quality, surging at low RPM, throttle response (moderate)
Is the Ktm Sm 990 a good motorcycle? +
A brilliant, high-maintenance lunatic that rewards prepared, attentive owners. Rating: 8.2/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting maximum urban and canyon excitement. Avoid if: You want cheap reliable commuting without mechanical involvement.
What is the horsepower of the Ktm Sm 990? +
The Ktm Sm 990 produces 113 hp @ 9,000 rpm, with 100 Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 220 km/h (estimated; note: limited real-world data available).
Is the Ktm Sm 990 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Ktm Sm 990 is better for experienced riders (113 hp can be intimidating). Experienced riders wanting maximum urban and canyon excitement Avoid if: You want cheap reliable commuting without mechanical involvement
Is the Ktm Sm 990 reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Ktm Sm 990, notably: Cam chain tensioner failure causing engine rattle (Cold start rattle, listen for ticking at idle). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Ktm Sm 990 good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting maximum urban and canyon excitement Fuel: 7.5 L/100km (estimated real-world average; note: varies significantly with riding style).
How fast is the Ktm Sm 990? +
The Ktm Sm 990 reaches a top speed of 220 km/h (estimated; note: limited real-world data available), producing 113 hp at 198 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Ktm Sm 990? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Ktm Sm 990, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/ktm/sm-990/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
