All-rounder with an in-line twin from Mattighofen: KTM’s new 990 Adventure

Many a SPEEDWEEK reader will still remember: it was barely more than 20 years ago that KTM unveiled the first 990 Adventure. It was powered by the Mattighofen-built V2 engine, known as the LC8, which in its basic 999 cc version produced 98 PS at 8,500 rpm and 95 Nm at 6,500 rpm. At the time, it represented what the Mattighofen-based manufacturer envisaged as its best possible touring enduro.

In 2013, it was replaced by the 1190 Adventure, which later became the 1290 Super Adventure – whose successor, the 1390 Super Adventure, is currently KTM’s flagship touring model. However, for many customers, such a top-of-the-range adventure bike now operates in a realm of performance, weight and price that is out of reach. There is room in KTM’s model range for these potential buyers, and for them, the 990 Adventure model designation is set to be revived shortly. The new generation, which will also succeed the current 890 Adventure, will in future bridge the gap between the 1390 Super Adventure and the 790 Adventure, which is also due for a revamp.

The little sister with the 799 twin and the 990 Adventure will, as with the current generation of 790 and 890 Adventure models, bear a visual resemblance to one another. This is suggested by a first look at near-production prototypes, which we were able to photograph during test rides in Upper Austria.

Schlankes Heckteil aus Gitterrohr- und Aluguss-Verbund

Foto: BMHoehne

Like its future smaller sister, the 990 Adventure features a steeply raked front end that draws inspiration from KTM’s rallying heritage. Unlike the recently unveiled 690 Rally and its front fairing and control unit – known as the ‘Rally Tower’ – this means that both of these more road-oriented models feature a front end that, whilst towering, is nevertheless harmoniously designed, with a small LED projection lens serving as the main headlight.

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In front of the rider on the 990 Adventure is a twin fuel tank with two separate filler necks, which extends almost to the rider’s feet, offers a generous capacity and should ensure a correspondingly long range. Unlike the current 790 Adventure, where the fuel tank’s volume is also positioned low down on the motorbike, on the 990 Adventure it is concentrated higher up – the main reason why the fairing cover is less bulging at this point. This makes the fairing itself wider, allowing it to incorporate the two-part radiator.

KTM 990 Adventure: Steil aufragende, schmale Front im Rallye-Stil

Foto: BMHoehne

The new radiator is necessary to maintain the 990 in-line twin at its ideal operating temperature. This 947 cc twin-cylinder engine is also used in the 990 Duke and, in the standard version, delivers 123 PS at 9,500 rpm and 103 Nm at 6,750 rpm. However, the engine is likely to be given its own tuning for the 990 Adventure. It is conceivable that, as a result, a few horsepower may be sacrificed in favour of a more robust torque curve.

As with the Duke, the exhaust manifold leads into an exhaust system that has been redesigned compared to the 890 Adventure, featuring a larger-diameter header and a lower-mounted, slimmer-profile rear silencer. As a result, the 990 Adventure also features a banana-shaped swingarm that wraps round the manifold. A new feature is the design of the rear subframe, where the steel-tube rear section merges into a cast aluminium component. As a result, the rear end of the 990 Adventure is considerably slimmer and is also likely to save weight.

During test rides, two different versions of the 990 Adventure were spotted, distinguished by different front forks and windscreens of varying heights. It is conceivable that we were able to photograph prototypes of different specification variants, just as there are S, X and R versions of the sister models. All 990 Adventure models will share impressive suspension travel – the Mattighofen-based manufacturer is likely to design the model for touring and all types of terrain. Both versions will feature a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel – the classic off-road dimensions. It is unclear when the Austrian manufacturer will unveil the model, but it is certain that development has long since entered the home straight. The 990 Adventure is therefore likely to be available at dealerships in time for the 2027 season.