Motorcycle KTM Adventure 990: specifications

Creating a motorcycle KTM 990 Adventure, the manufacturer intended to give the driver to feel what the rider feels during the grueling race "Paris - Dakar". The Austrian company has perfectly proved its worth, winning the rally for many years, where it is necessary to travel through the streets and the desert, so its goal to get into the motorcycle lovers' garage does not seem really complicated.

History of creation

For the first time introduced in 2003, the KTM 950 Adventure S model (originally the name S, but later the manufacturer got rid of it, releasing two modifications in parallel) was incredible - it combined the reliability, power and style of racing bikes that inspired designers to create it. V-shaped LC8 engine, installed from the very beginning, had a volume of 950 cubic meters. See Adventure 950 was a real road and off-road motorcycle, the engine of which developed an impressive 98 hp. from. (71.5 kW) at 8000 rpm with a maximum torque of 95 Nm at a speed of 6000 rpm. The color of KTM was orange.

The 2004 model was distinguished by the addition of silver and black colors, which were not preserved in the following years. Since in 2005, the S version became a replica of the Dakar Rally motorcycle, while the standard version was black.

In 2007, the volume of the cylinder was increased to 999 cubic meters. See engine V-twin got fuel injection and adjustable catalytic converter, which allowed to meet the requirements of "Euro 3". ABS came naturally, just as it is a pleasure to set a kilometer when riding this motorcycle.

In 2011, the Dakar model was added, and in 2013 Baja.

Adventure 990 vs Suzuki V-Strom 1000

Definitely, the motorcycle has few competitors, but sometimes one of them is enough to make everything go in the opposite direction to what the manufacturer expects. Even in spite of the great pleasure, amazing ride and focus on style and comfort, the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 failed to overthrow the KTM Adventure 990. This would mean a victory in the game, the rules of which were invented by KTM itself.

Suzy is incredibly versatile and adapts to any style of riding, so there will be no problems with the motorcycle while traveling through the city or across the desert. It's just a matter of taste and ambition. In any case, the four-stroke engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection, a 90-degree V-twin with four valves per cylinder and a volume of 996 cu. Cm are ideal for performing such tasks and do it perfectly.

It outperforms KTM when it comes to comfort, since its seat is as if removed from a tourist bike, and the height-adjustable windshield is constantly well protected. Suspension and chassis provide an easy ride. Off-road motorcycles V-Strom and 990 Adventure can often be found side by side both on the highway and off-road, and this speaks volumes.

Aggressive appearance

Typically, when presenting a dual-use model, they tend to overlook the streamlined exterior design, which in this case is the defining one. But the brain seems to refuse to accept the presence of plastic coating, which looks poured specifically to give an aggressive and fashionable appearance. This is the only way to explain the presence of sharp design lines, found only on the motorcycles KTM Adventure 990 and Adventure S.

The design of the machine is continuous geometry and similarity. For example, the combination of the front view of a motorcycle, especially the shape of the fairing, when it moves in the direction of the observer, and the shape of the headlights, in spite of the difference in size, simply can not be overlooked. The windshield is ideally located, almost at an angle of 90 degrees, so that it protects well from the wind even when the driver gets to his feet.

Completely streamlined and excellent appearance KTM proves that the designers have coped with their work. Regardless of the color (orange, black or blue), the lower part of the fairing is not painted, but is made of durable material that will be difficult to scratch when crossing rivers and branches of trees or anything that might require a trip to the paint shop.

Check in the city

Road and off-road characteristics of the KTM 990 Adventure customer reviews are called impressive, because the sensations that the motorcycle gives are truly unique and worthy of boasting. Those who wanted their iron horse to remain as clean and shiny as when buying, and preferred to drive as long as possible along paved roads, noticed that it is quite effective even when used in the city. The 98 "horses" of the LC8 engine allow you to drive without much effort, while leaving it balanced even at low speeds. But when it comes to maneuvering, a problem arises here, since it leads to a loss of stability. KTM created a motorcycle for heavy use in any conditions, so high growth and overstated requirements will not help. But fortunately, the driver can choose his own style of riding, whether in a residential neighborhood or in desert areas of the outskirts.

Behavior on the highway

Tired of slow maneuvering, you can go to the tests on the freeway to get a sense of how it operates with a sharp acceleration at a relatively high speed. Excellent! Regardless of which gear is involved, or the number of revolutions per minute at a given time, the engine produced the necessary power, which allowed KTM to easily overtake cars without any problems, accelerating to 210 km / h. The fuel injection system provides greater acceleration, and the bike will tear forward, surprising with each turn of the throttle.

Native roadlessness

But do not stop there. The absence of a road is the place where the KTM Adventure 990 feels like a fish in the water. With him, motocross becomes a child's play, and racers do not find flaws in the ability of a motorcycle to overcome obstacles. The bike relies on its racing character to save the situation, and it turns out every time.

According to drivers, they like to get out of the turns, losing traction, because you can make a good figure. However, you should not try to level the bike with your feet. You just need to get used, and the maneuver will be easy and at ease.

Those who have always dreamed of cutting the wave in half the front wheel of a motorcycle, a more suitable car simply can not be found. The gearbox works easily and accurately over the entire range of six gears, and a smooth grip makes life much easier for the adventurer. A big plus is a windshield, which reliably protects the driver.

Brakes with ABS are standard, and they are confidently doing their job. When braking, even when the clutch is very weak, the motorcycle stops dead in order to then go into battle again.

The transition from street driving to hard terrain has never been more beautiful than the 990, and other such off-road motorcycles will not appear soon. The arguments are simple and obvious: no other manufacturer has the capacity or experience to surpass the performance indicators (in this category) of Adventure, and no one (except V-Strom) even attempts to do so. So do not bother searching for the best. You just need to take the best - KTM 990 Adventure, the price of which is $ 14,899.

Design Features

Built with the thought of adventure, the KTM 990 is an excellent partner for riding, as it can cope with any task required of it. Due to its dual nature, the motorcycle feels equally comfortable on asphalt and on rough terrain.

The secret of his first-class ride is a reliable tubular frame made of fine chrome-molybdenum steel with a subframe attached to it and a light alloy weighing 10.5 kg. The frame is equipped with a two-cylinder four-stroke engine with positive ignition and 75-degree V-layout, liquid cooling and a volume of 999 cm ³ . The engine provides a maximum power of 84.5 kW (113.3 hp), which pacifies the six-speed transmission.

Among other features of the KTM Adventure 990 is a clearly structured multifunctional cockpit, a 19.5-liter fuel tank, a motor shield, an electrical connector and a storage compartment.

There are many tourist enduros. But when the asphalt comes to an end, the journey on a motorcycle often also ends. On the other hand, due to its authentic racing origins, it is unlikely that the KTM 990 will avoid long journeys through the deserts, possessing the power of V2, stable protective frames and a sports seat. With a stable chassis, ABS disabled and with a lot of accommodation for tourists, from the fairing attached to the frame to the closed luggage compartment, the bike is the most off-road tourist enduro in the world.

Frame

In KTM Adventure 990, the characteristics of the tubular space frame are due to the fact that it is made of thin chrome-molybdenum steel with a screwed subframe made of light alloy weighing 10.5 kg, which impresses with its rigidity. A pendulum with a conical profile improves mechanical grip.

Suspension

Several options, a telescopic fork and a directly connected shock absorber allow you to optimally adjust the chassis, taking into account the individual characteristics of each driver.

Wheels and brake system

More than enough work of Brembo brakes is provided by using the best components, including 2 floating front brake discs with a diameter of 300 mm. Stable wheels guarantee an excellent ride and have a great off-road potential.

ABS

A two-circuit ABS system that can be switched off is designed in conjunction with Bosch and fully protects from excessive braking in all sports and tourist situations, whilst retaining efficiency and thanks to very sensitive sensors providing an ideal feedback to a truly sporty brake.

Engine

The V-shaped water-cooled motor produces 114 hp. from. (85 kW) - just as much as necessary on fast freeways or in deep sands. Impressive powerful acceleration, excellent engine performance and its instantaneous sensitivity to the opening of the throttle.

Cylinder Heads

In addition to the optimized design of the combustion chamber, the main factors that determine the excellent performance of a motorcycle engine with an angle between 75 ° cylinders are the best-of-its-kind four-valve heads, each with optimized channels, and two camshafts.

Pistons

Particularly light connecting rods and pistons provide a reduced weight of the motor and, therefore, its quick response, which emphasizes its extreme sports parameters.

Motor control system

The Keihin electronic engine management system regulates the modern fuel injection system, focusing on quick response and partial load operation. This allowed the engineers of the manufacturer to coordinate the rough power with the best driving qualities of the motorcycle.

Windscreen and tank

The fairing protects effectively against wind and weather conditions and accommodates a clearly structured multifunctional cockpit that provides the driver with all the necessary information. Fuel tanks with a total volume of almost 20 liters guarantee a long useful working range.

Comfort landing

The perfectly arranged two-level rally seat ensures a stable contact with the ground and a comfortable journey on the motorcycle for long distances to both the driver and the passenger in the back seat. At the same time, with rapid movement, it provides a clear feedback. The large surface of the fuel tank is ideal for contact with feet when driving standing.

Attention to detail

The motorcycle has no shortage of details, which distinguishes it as a genuine tourist enduro: from a practical, easily manageable central pillar, a lockable luggage compartment between tanks and a power outlet to a reliable motor protector, sturdy protective arches and hand protectors.

Protective arcs

In addition to the standard motor protector, the motorcycle is also equipped with orange powder coated, extra-stable tubular protective arches, so the case is not damaged as quickly.

"Sores" and problems of KTM 990 Adventure

When buying, pay attention to the following faults:

• Insufficient seal of the water pump shaft causes contamination of the engine oil by the coolant. Although this was the case only in the early models, KTM recommended replacing the water pump shaft seals as part of scheduled maintenance on all-year emissions. Contaminated oil becomes milky white or discolored.
• The cylinder head gasket flows in the models of 2003 and 2004. You should look for oil stains at the base of the cylinder. The fault is eliminated by replacing the head nuts.
• Bubble sticker on the fuel tank at 950.
• Malfunction of the clutch cylinder on all motorcycles.
• Badly tightened bolts clutch pressure plate in the models of 2006 and 2007. They can destroy the clutch cover.
• The fuel pump may not work on carburetted modifications from 2003 to 2006.
• Twitching, uneven acceleration in models with fuel injection, issued from 2007 to 2009.