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KTM 990 questions....

Beauregard

Beauregard

Aut Agere Aut Mori
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Trust me, I'm the first to slag KTM for their pain in the ass maintenance but nonetheless I find myself considering a used 2011 990 SMT with 11k miles. Before I make up my mind I'd like to know what known issues I'll be dealing with and your experience with the 990 motor and its quirks.

Thanks.
 
Mine has a hesitation going from closed throttle to cracked throttle. It happens at all engine speeds and the dealer has not been able to do anything to fix it. I don't want to start reprogramming the fuel injection, so I've learned to live with it. That means using the clutch on slow first-gear turns to smooth it out.

The V-twin is not as smooth as a Ducati motor so I find myself trying to get the engine down around 4000 rpms where I would be keeping a Ducati up in the 6000-7000 range.

Yes, maintenance is a pain, so I just pay the dealer to do it because I don't like working on bikes as much as I used to, especially when it's real involved.


I can't think of anything else to complain about. Whenever I think of selling it, I just need to go out on a long ride on it and I wonder why I would ever want to get rid of it. Mine is great in the twisties, great on dirt roads, and good enough for freeway riding. It's a genuine do-anything bike.

Oh, the Adventure model has air flow issues that cause buffeting at the helmet, but you won't have to deal with that if you get an SMT. Good earplugs make it a non-issue.
 
Water pumps were a known weakness of the 950 motors, don't know about the 990s.

The one 990 Adventure I rode had terrible fuel mapping, but it had been tinkered with due to exhaust upgrades.

KTM makes snorting fun bikes, and the SMT is supposed to be one of the most fun.
 
As far as the throttle hesitation and/or "hunting" issue, just get the O2 sensor eliminators! My SD is stock and that's all I've done in terms of modifications. Once I put on the O2 sensor eliminators, the throttle issues have all gone away. :)
 
squidworth said:
As far as the throttle hesitation and/or "hunting" issue, just get the O2 sensor eliminators! My SD is stock and that's all I've done in terms of modifications. Once I put on the O2 sensor eliminators, the throttle issues have all gone away. :)
Click to expand...

This. Definitely do this. World of difference.

Shameless plug: There's a 2011 KTM 990 SMR in the Classified sections right now hint hint nudge nudge
 
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squidworth said:
As far as the throttle hesitation and/or "hunting" issue, just get the O2 sensor eliminators! My SD is stock and that's all I've done in terms of modifications. Once I put on the O2 sensor eliminators, the throttle issues have all gone away. :)
Click to expand...

this is all you need.

or get a cable and download tuneecu and disable it. no need to touch the sensors.


I really dont get what the fuss is about in regards to maintenance. on all other than 990adv you just drain and replace filter. no baby bottle needed to fill the frame, nothing to remove except for SD (chin scoop). a couple of screens to remove and blow clean. valve adjust is easy. no need to r/r timing chain

rebuild the pump every 20k. 2008+ pumps have updates seal and shaft they will go over 20k


as far as vibes you need some weights in the bar. not as smooth as 90 deg twin.

990smt is a fantastic all purpose machine. they got the suspension PERFECT for once. I look for curbs to jump and speed up over speedbumps. excellent and confidence inspiring in the canyons. really shines whe the pavement turns to shit


forgot to add....you will need to mod or get aftermarket screens depending on rider height. there is some buffeting around rider's head above 75
 
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Water pump shaft is not an issue on the newer 990 engine (OEM is hardened now). There have been side stand position sensor failures that can leave you stranded, but it's a warranty issue you should be able to confirm has been repaired at a dealer.
 
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990 SMT is a practical version of the awesome 990 SMR. Same bike dressed for light ADV/sport touring. Not an "appliance" bike but close enough to make the tradeoffs come out positive.
 
Well.. hoping to see a Beau review of the SMT.. it's pretty high my list of daily rider want bikes.
 
I have a 990 SMR. it is awesome. the SMT is the same minus a few bits of farckle and a bigger tank.

I have not had any major issues with mine and I have 44000 miles on it. (knocks on wood)

the on/off throttle issue is a annoyance. I put the G2 throttle tammer on it and it helped a bit. I just learned to live with it. It sucks for slow stop and go city traffic. I commute on mine and also ride it like i stole it so I burn up tires every 1800 to 2000 miles. the only down side is the cost of ownership -- valve adjustments run 600-700 and it eats tires. If you use the motorex oil all the time, an oil change will run you 80 bucks with filter.

get the SMT, you will not be disappointed. It rocks. Its a hooligan bike with luggage.
 
valve adjustments run 600-700
Click to expand...

valve adjustments run 600-700
Click to expand...

holy shit!

I had to pay for one 4 years ago and it was $350. Thought it would be free or reduced since I had a cam's coating wear off. I've done 3 myself. they are not difficult but will take an afternoon.
 
I've got a 950 SM. Ate the water pump shaft at 15,000 miles. The engine is awesome. Let me know, you can take mine for a putt, it is a hooligans bike like you wouldn't believe. My oil changes are a piece of cake.

My mechanic is $300 for a valve adjustment.
 
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I'm actually thinking of putting my 2008 SD up for sale... white.. 12k-ish miles.. stock except for fork speed bleeders and O2 sensor eliminators.. $6k OBO...
 
I wouldn't call the Austrian purses that come with the SMT "luggage" exactly. I looked hard at these and test rode one for a bit. Nice power, rough fueling down low but that is a problem with all the 990s out of the box from what I read. Decent wind protection for being naked, good ergos, suspension felt OK. I was put off by the range. Even with a larger tank than the SMR, I like 150+ miles per tank for my commuters. As a canyon/hooligan, it is OK range.
I don't see enough difference between this and my tricked out old monster to warrant the $5k upgrade for what I would use it for.
 
I getting ready to check my valves this weekend.
If you're expecting sport bike feel it can be set up that way.
I run pilot powers and spent some time setting up the suspension.
The result? A totally ass-kicking ride every time!
Amazing handling...
 
bunnygoat said:
I getting ready to check my valves this weekend.
If you're expecting sport bike feel it can be set up that way.
I run pilot powers and spent some time setting up the suspension.
The result? A totally ass-kicking ride every time!
Amazing handling...
Click to expand...

No kidding. Mine has an awesome feel, you can feel a tick turd through the handlebars if you run one over. Although I've got an SM, they are pretty close, really good suspension and brakes, about a 100 mile range, wheelies at will, stoppies too.
 
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