Does the KTM 990 SMT make a good tourer?
The KTM 990 SMT takes an interesting spot between sport bikes and adventure tourers. It’s not the most upright or wind-protected riding position of pure sport bikes, but it certainly isn’t as purpose-built for long-distance comfort as dedicated touring machines. At the risk of dating myself, some owners swear by it for getting in the miles, saying the ergonomics are comfortable and the engine smooth. Some people complain of a hard seat, short fuel range, and highway speed vibrations. Considering the rise in popularity of sport tourers and adventure bikes, we thought we’d see if the 990 SMT can really cut it as a long-distance mount or if it’s more suited to shorter blasts and sporty jaunts.
I’ve done multiple 500+ mile days on my SMT with no problems. Its upright riding position and fair wind protection make for surprisingly comfortable long hauls.
Good, not great for touring. The fuel range isn’t great, and the seat could do with an upgrade. With a few mods, such as a better seat and larger tank, it is a solid tourer.
The SMT does not compare well to a dedicated touring bike. It's not bad for a sporty all-rounder. It's comfortable enough for weekend trips, but I wouldn't want to cross the country on one.
It is comfortable enough for long rides, I find. The trick is to get up and take a break often and maybe buy a good aftermarket seat. Any minor comfort shortcomings of the bike are compensated by its versatility.
It really all just depends on the rider. Some guys tour on their SMTs all the time; some think they are too uncomfortable to use after a few hours. I personally believe that it finds a good balance between performance and comfort.
The SMT is perfect for sport touring for me. The ride is comfortable enough for all-day rides but still fun in the twisties. It's not as plush as a Gold Wing, but that's not what it's supposed to be.
The stock setup is pretty decent, but a few tweaks, such as bar risers, a better windscreen, and perhaps some foam grips, would make this a good long-distance bike. It's smooth enough to cruise on the highway.
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Does the KTM 990 SMT make a good tourer?
14 January 2025 08:05
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