Ktm Supermoto 990
The Ktm Supermoto 990 has a top speed of 210 km/h, produces 113 hp and weighs 198 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The KTM 990 Supermoto was introduced in 2007 as a street-legal supermoto derivative of the adventure-oriented 990 Super Duke platform, featuring KTM's LC8 V-twin engine in a lightweight supermoto chassis with 17-inch wheels. It was produced until around 2012 and was notable for bringing serious large-displacement supermoto performance to the street, appealing to riders who wanted aggressive urban riding dynamics with genuine highway capability. It stood out in the market for pairing a high-torque 999cc twin-cylinder engine with supermoto ergonomics, making it one of the most powerful production supermotos available at the time.
113 hp
Power
100 Nm
Torque
198 kg
Weight
210 km/h
Top Speed
7.5–9.5 L/100km (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
LC8 Engine Quirks
The 999cc LC8 V-twin is a powerhouse but known for running hot in slow traffic — check for proper cooling system maintenance and ensure the coolant has been regularly changed. Overheating can accelerate head gasket wear.
Strong Resale Value
The 990 SMT holds its value well due to its cult following and limited production run, which ended in 2013. A well-maintained example commands a premium, making it a solid used buy if priced fairly.
Watch the Throttle Bodies
Throttle body synchronization is a common maintenance item that's often neglected, causing rough idle and poor low-speed fueling. Always ask for service history and budget for a throttle body sync if buying used.
Generations & Specs by Year
Initial launch; 999cc LC8 V-twin, tubular steel frame, WP suspension, single-sided swingarm.
"Lunatic supermoto energy barely contained in road clothing."
KTM took their LC8 adventure engine, strapped it into a supermoto chassis, and somehow made something that feels simultaneously too much and exactly right. The 999cc V-twin doesn't just pull — it shoves you forward with a mechanical urgency that makes sport bikes feel polite, and that single-sided swingarm looks genuinely menacing squatting at traffic lights. Reliability was the dark cloud: early examples ate valve shims, ran hot in stop-go traffic, and the electrics had the temperament of a sulking Austrian uncle. But when the road opened up and you let the LC8 breathe past 5,000 rpm, the whole ridiculous package suddenly made complete sense.
Pros
Cons
Updated fuel injection mapping, revised ergonomics, improved braking system, minor cosmetic and component refinements.
Used Buyer Review
"Brilliant, characterful machine that demands a disciplined pre-purchase inspection."
$5,500-$9,500 usedThe 990 SMT is genuinely one of the most entertaining motorcycles ever bolted together, and that LC8 V-twin sounds absolutely savage at full chat. It'll rip your arms off if you're not paying attention, and the supermoto geometry makes it feel telepathic through tight corners. This thing was built when KTM still had a reputation for lunatic engineering decisions, which is both the appeal and the problem. Here's the honest bit: these bikes eat money. Budget for a fresh set of throttle bodies, check the frame for cracks around the steering head, and pray the previous owner serviced the valve clearances. Many didn't. The fuel pump is a known weak point, and the chain and sprockets on used examples are often embarrassingly worn. Expect to spend £800-1,200 sorting one out properly before you trust it on a long run. Buy the best example you can find, get a full service history, and resist anything suspiciously cheap. When it's sorted, nothing at this price point feels this alive.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Ktm Supermoto 990 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 2 CRITICALInspect welds around swingarm and frame junction closely
Listen for rough idle, check TPS and sync balance
Test charging voltage, look for melted stator wiring
Cold start rattling, check service history for tensioner replacement
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Good bike, maintenance-heavy, buy with full history
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Ktm Supermoto 990
Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Ducati Hypermotard 1100
Ktm Adventure 990 Smt
Ktm Sm 990
Bmw Hp2 Megamoto
Compare Ktm Supermoto 990 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Ktm Supermoto 990 vs Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ktm Supermoto 990 vs Ducati Hypermotard 1100
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ktm Supermoto 990 vs Ktm Adventure 990 Smt
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ktm Supermoto 990 vs Ktm Sm 990
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Ktm Supermoto 990 vs Bmw Hp2 Megamoto
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Ktm Supermoto 990 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Ktm Supermoto 990? +
Frame cracking near swingarm pivot: Inspect welds around swingarm and frame junction closely (serious) | Throttle body sync and idle issues: Listen for rough idle, check TPS and sync balance (moderate) | Stator and charging system failure: Test charging voltage, look for melted stator wiring (serious)
Is the Ktm Supermoto 990 a good motorcycle? +
Brilliant, characterful machine that demands a disciplined pre-purchase inspection. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting thrilling, unique dual-purpose performance. Avoid if: You want cheap, reliable, low-maintenance commuting transport.
What is the horsepower of the Ktm Supermoto 990? +
The Ktm Supermoto 990 produces 113 hp @ 9,000 rpm, with 100 Nm @ 7,000 rpm of torque. Top speed: 210 km/h.
Is the Ktm Supermoto 990 good for beginners? +
Not really — the Ktm Supermoto 990 is better for experienced riders (113 hp can be intimidating). Experienced riders wanting thrilling, unique dual-purpose performance Avoid if: You want cheap, reliable, low-maintenance commuting transport
Is the Ktm Supermoto 990 reliable? +
Owners report 2 critical issues to watch for on the Ktm Supermoto 990, notably: Frame cracking near swingarm pivot (Inspect welds around swingarm and frame junction closely). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Ktm Supermoto 990 good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting thrilling, unique dual-purpose performance Fuel: 7.5–9.5 L/100km (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Ktm Supermoto 990? +
The Ktm Supermoto 990 reaches a top speed of 210 km/h, 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 Supermoto 990? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Ktm Supermoto 990, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/ktm/supermoto-990/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
