For several years there has been talk of the return to the KTM range of the acronym 990 Adventure. Now it seems that the wait could be about to end, based on the latest images published by several international media of several test mules of the aforementioned model. In them you can see how advanced the project is, thanks to showing a general configuration very close to those of the future street model.
990 Adventure 2027: a rally-style “crossover enduro”
Although at the time the KTM 990 represented what we know today as “maxitrail”, the 2027 model that will once again bear these acronyms comes to cover the space between the current 790 Adventure and 1390 Super Adventure. This would confirm the commercial retirement of the current 890. Therefore, we could classify the new KTM mount as a “light trail with high off-road capabilities and solid performance out of the mud.”
Furthermore, everything indicates that the brand will offer different finish and equipment versions, with a clear focus on use. That is why there is already open talk about S, X and/or R versions and coupled with these the equipment elements that currently characterize the models that carry these commercial names. All this marinated with the well-known parallel twin engine that powers the 990 Duke.
A technical part that we already know (halfway)
Last April, some images were leaked of what clearly looks like the new KTM 990 SMT, “the almost definitive version with more power and Sport-Touring Fun spirit.” Already then we could confirm some technical aspects that it will almost certainly share with this 990 Adventure. Mainly its engine, the well-known 947cc LC8c parallel twinthe same one that rides on the 990 Duke 2026.
However, as we already pointed out at that time, it is possible that the KTM development team adjusts some parameters of this mechanics in order to adapt its qualities to the future use that users of the model would give to a mount with these characteristics. Therefore, It is expected that maximum power will be reduced and torque delivery will be improved, especially at low and medium speeds.
Let us remember that at this time KTM declares for the 990 Duke 123 HP at 9,500 rpm and 103 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. Both in the case of the SMT, and in this 990 Adventure The final figures could be around 120 HP and a maximum torque around 100 Nm. Other notable technical details that the future ADV model of the European brand will have would be:
- 21 and 18 inch radial tires
- Mixed steel and aluminum subframe
- Completely redesigned exhaust system
- “Banana type” swingarm to adapt to the shapes of the exhaust
- All-new front, including a minimalist-style LED projector
- Double fuel tank
- Different finish and performance versions
When will the 990 Adventure be presented
Taking into account the current phase in its development, the official presentation of the new generation of 990 Adventure seems imminent. As is usual at KTM, the standard version of the model would first be announced and then do the same with the rest of the variants equipped with specific equipment.
With EICMA 2026 around the corner, like the one who says, we are not very clear if this will be the place chosen for the long-awaited staging. Regardless of whether this is the case, it will not be until well into the next season when the marketing of the model would begin, with a starting price that we assume will be around just over 15,000 euros What the current 890 Adventure R costs.
