Click to read: KTM 990 Adventure owners reviews, KTM 990 Adventure specs and to see the KTM 990 Adventure image gallery.
What makes a good adventure bike? Does it have to be a perfect blend of on and off-road performance? KTM’s philosophy with its new-for- 2009 version of the Adventure is aimed squarely at fun on the tarmac with a minor sprinkling of off-road ability. Could it really be the case that KTM are hoping to create a new generation of two-wheeled Chelsea tractor drivers?
Unlikely. KTM are world leaders on the dirt and the Adventure models have always reflected the firm’s involvement in off-road racing, most visibly in the Dakar rally. Their bikes have long ruled the dunes, and it seems KTM are now comfortable in this market and want to diversify their range to offer a more refined ride for the everyday road rider. The re-engineering of the firm’s product line to offer more road-focussed bikes appears to be working for the Austrians, and certainly shows no sign of slowing down – the RC8R, 990SMT and 990SMR all join the range this year. And all that off-road heritage doesn’t go to waste. KTM’s machines have the potential to offer a winning combination of serious performance and great rider feedback.
The Italian island of Sardinia was the location for the recent launch of two new Adventures; an updated version of the standard machine and the new R, a high performance version that takes the place of the old S.
As for Sardinia, what a place. The island is beautiful, with the kind of roads to bring on some huge smiles. Great surfaces and every kind of bend imaginable, with just a little sprinkling of dirt track chucked into the mix – the perfect test venue for these machines.
Click next to continue
