In recent years, there have been several times that we have been aware of the development process of the long-awaited KTM 990 SMT. Now, after leaking some images of a test mule, we can say, almost without fear of being wrong, that the Austrian brand has its new sport-touring frame almost ready. The question is: will it be officially launched before the end of the year?
KTM 990 SMT: “Sport-Touring Fun”
If we look back in time, we can see KTM’s drive to recover an acronym as famous as SMT. It was exactly three years ago when the Austrian brand announced the return of its Supermoto Travel model, represented in its current range with the 890 SMT.
However, with the new 990 SMT, the orange firm goes one step further in all aspects. Both at a mechanical and equipment level, as well as in terms of design, the model evolves towards a concept “Sport-Touring Fun” very marked. This is helped by the addition of 17” wheels on both axles, as well as the tires used to fit them, clearly oriented towards its more tourist side.
In the cycle part, a conglomerate of components signed by WP is expected. Both the front inverted fork, as well as the rear monoshock or the braking system, would be supplied by this brand. At this point we must remember how recently the suspension specialist announced its arrival in the braking systems segment with up to 19 initial accessories ready to equip motorcycles of all types.
Returning to the configuration of the future 990 SMT, it is clear that the brand is committed to adding extra technology, including a renewed lighting system and most likely a front radar system, with what this entails in terms of driving functionalities: adaptive cruise control and collision warning functions would be among them.
Finally, regarding the mechanical section, it would be the well-known parallel twin-cylinder engine. 947cc LC8cthe same one that powers the current 990 Duke, the one in charge of adding that spicy touch that is expected in a motorcycle with this philosophy. With a final power of about 120 HP and a maximum torque around 100 Nmwe are looking at the ideal figures for the 990 SMT to attract the attention of those fans of Sport-Touring and Mototourism in general.
But let’s not forget one thing: KTM is not going to give up offering that sporty touch that is apparent in a model of these conditions. A fundamental aspect to validate the idea that we are facing the “Sport-Touring Fun” of reference within the category where it is included. In short, an extremely versatile frame… and fun
