KTM has unveiled the company's 2011 990 SMT at this year's Cologne Motorcycle Show.
The SMT also boasts Brembo radial four pot callipers which, KTM claim, 'results is a sensitive ABS braking system that lets the 990 SMT stop safely and with pinpoint accuracy on any surface and from any speed.'
KTM introduced the KTM 990 SM T with the addition of dual-channel ABS system engineered by Bosch at the INTERMOT show this week. The ABS system keeps KTM big-bore motard riders a little safer as they try to slow down this wild beast. KTM calls its new SM T the “Queen of negative acceleration.” Radial four-piston Brembo calipers squeeze dual 305mm discs up front. Hooligans will appreciate the 7.7 inches of ground clearance and a wheelie-poppin’ 115 claimed horsepower. Fed by a 48mm throttle body Keihin EFI, the liquid-cooled, DOHC 75-degree V-Twin engine hangs exposed from a chromoly trellis frame suspended by WP suspension components.
Cramped riding positions and stiff suspension are just two issues that can reduce their everyday practicality. The KTM is one of my all-time favourite motorcycles. The ride in question involved a 125-mile run along my preferred test route through the Shires of Oxford and Gloucester, a journey encompassing virtually every type of road. Bumpy and twisting B roads, challenging speedy and swooping major roads, mind-numbingly boring dual-carriageways, and congested town traffic were all encountered during the journey. The SMT fits that bill very nicely.
Bar getting onto the slightly lofty and supportive, yet not too firm seat, the KTM is an extremely accessible and manageable machine. Any move, in any direction, is light and simple work on this bike.
The chassis is one of those numerous plus points, and perhaps the most impressive feature of the bike overall. One, if not the key reason why you can fully ‘activate’ the KTM, is because of the superb action of the forks and shock. Softly sprung and with longer travel than most road bikes, the fine control provided by the damping means lots of feel, feedback and control. It anyone ever wants to learn about the benefits of high quality suspension then they only need to ride this bike to find out. Much more of the bike can be used effectively because the tyres remain mated to the road so well. As a very potent, but rarely intimidating motor, its character sums up the whole bike really. The KTM may well have lots of performance to offer, but it’s very predictable and undemanding to access.
Longer runs are easily possible on the 990SMT too. The screen is large enough to hide behind and endure sustained periods at higher pace, and the afore-mentioned seat and riding position add to the capability. Those features helped me to enjoy a safe and spirited day on the 990SMT. It’s a bike that purists will enjoy.