KTM SMT (SuperMotard Touring) 990.
The year 2010 seems to be a good year for KTM Malaysia as sales surged from strong demands especially towards the SMT model. In Malaysia, KTM SMT comes in 3 models, namely the SMT, SMT Limited Cruiser, and Limited Sport.
A standard SMT model was arranged for my test ride courtesy of Welly World Cycle Sungai Buloh. The seat is a bit hard but nevertheless comfortable for short and hard riding. However over a consistent speed on a long distance travel, it isn’t very comfortable.
Handle bar is wide and makes maneuverability easy especially with the 200mm long travel from the WP adjustable front fork. Simplistic instrument panel consisting of: analog rev meter (hitting red at 9,500), digital speedometer, 2 adjustable trip gauge, temperature and clock. What’s missing and I am sure a lot of bikers have been hoping for is the fuel gauge. There is however a light indication low fuel with a claimed 68 kilometers (with an average speed of 110 – 120km/h) more before you starts pushing your bike.
The acclaimed 999cc, liquid cooled, 8 valves, 75 degree V-Twin DOHC LC8 engine churning out 116 bhp is all muscles in the low and mid range and great for twisty roads but not a joy for highway speed demons as the wind shield is a bit small to fend off front wind effectively. A top speed of around 220 km/h is hardly “satisfactory” for seasoned sport bikers but more than enough to get you speeding tickets. Ride comfort is best at 140 – 160 km/h and anything more than that you will find yourself “fighting” to hang on rather than enjoying your ride. Add a pillion behind and hit high speed, you wouldn’t need to pop those nasty pills for serious head swinging.
Gear changing is smooth both up-shift and down-shift and clutch is soft. Popping wheelie is a breeze and so is doing a stoppie, thanks to the tremendous stopping power of the double 305mm disc, 4 piston calipers front Brembo brakes.
The steel trellis frame of the SMT makes handling great. Owners just need to tweak the front and rear suspension to its individual weight and riding style.
The SMT is great for town and daily use, power is superb for overtaking and whizzing through traffic. The downside is, you have to upshift and downshift more often than in-lines. However for V-twin lovers, it is the fun factor and it keeps you on your toes, pun intended, at all times.
The SMT has a 19 liters fuel tank and is not known for fantastic fuel range but then again, who would complain when you are having loads of fun riding a high torque bike? It is like driving a Ferrari and complains that it is a fuel guzzler.
KTM SMT Limited Cruiser comes with:
– ABS
– Double Stand.
– Side Panniers.
– Soft top box.
– Higher wind shield.
– Engine guard.
– GPS Bracket.
– And comes in white color.
KTM SMT Sports comes with:
– Slipper clutch.
– Slipper clutch cover.
– Engine guard.
– Belly Pan.
– FMF exhaust.
– Body slider. (Front & Back)
– Soft panniers.
All KTM SMT models come with steel braided brake hose, Brembo brakes and Marchesini Rims and are available in Welly Sg. Buloh. Drop in for a test ride and feast your eyes on the wide range of models there.
Specifications:
Make Model
KTM 990 Supermoto T
Year
2009-10
Engine
Liquid cooling, four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity
999.8 Bore x Stroke 101 x 62.4mm Compression Ratio 11.5; 1
Induction
Keihin EMS with FPT fuel injection
Ignition
Electric
Max Power
116 hp 85 KW @ 9000 pm
Max Torque
97 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed / chain Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch operated hydraulically Frame Tubular Chromoly space frame powered coated.
Front Suspension
48mm WP USD adjustable, 200mm wheel travel
Rear Suspension
WP shock, fully adjustable, 210mm wheel travel
Front Brakes
2x 305mm discs 4 piston callipers
Rear Brakes
Single 240mm disc 2 piston callipers
Front Tyre
120/70 ZR17
Rear Tyre
180/55 ZR17
Seat Height
855 mm
Dry-Weight
191 kg
Fuel Capacity
19 Litres
Top Speed
222.0 km/h
Text & Photos by: Justin Hong
