The new Supermoto T is a distinctly different kind of machine from KTM, so different that marketing chief Thomas Kuttruf describes it as the biggest step in supermoto development since the advent of the breed. The "T" stands for travel (not touring), and while supermoto development has trended toward aggressive performance, this bike represents a move into the sport-touring zone, slotting between KTM's standard Supermoto and dual-purpose Adventure.
The T is based on the standard Supermoto, with the same 999cc engine, fuel injection and high-level, twin-pipe exhaust. The claimed output of 115 bhp at 9000 rpm is also unchanged. The 75-degree V-twin accelerates instantaneously, with enough grunt even at low rpm to send the bike thrapping forward eagerly with minimal stirring of the six-speed gearbox. Injection response is slightly snatchy at low revs, but not annoyingly so.
Bigger fairing and softer seat make the Supermoto T perfect for exploring Europe. That's g
KTM's traditional chromoly steel frame is also retained, but the bodywork is almost completely redesigned, starting with the bigger, beak-like half-fairing. A small, near-vertical windscreen does an admirable job of diverting air from the rider's chest, albeit with a bit of turbulence. A new dual seat is broader, thicker and almost an inch nearer to terra firma, thanks to reduced-travel WP suspension. The slightly raised one-piece alloy handlebar gives a roomy, upright riding position, and the hand guards will no doubt be useful on a cold day, though they weren't needed on our test ride in southern Portugal.
Heading north toward the foothills saw us negotiating bends of every size and shape, over surfaces that were mostly good but had occasional damp or gravelly sections. The SM-T coped with everything nonchalantly, its shorter WP suspension offering distinctly tauter handling than the standard SM, while still having enough compliance to float over the bumps. At a claimed 432 pounds without fuel the SM-T is respectably light, too-though it's 11 lbs. heavier than the standard SM.
The Brembo braking components are unchanged from Supermoto spec, and these powerful stoppers helped exercise the suspension, especially after lunch when technicians dialed in the firmer "sport" settings. Even very hard braking was possible without the front end diving dramatically, or the rear squatting as I got back on the gas. Though lower, the T still offers generous ground clearance. The only real drawback, handling-wise, was lack of grip from the ContiSportAttack tires, designed more for long life than grip.
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The WP suspension has been shortened slightly, but otherwise the chassis is identical to t
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Brembo brake components-a twin-piston caliper in the rear and a pair of four-piston radial
Heading out for a second lap of the route, I was glad to be sitting on a gel seat that was infinitely more luxurious than the thin slice of foam typically provided by KTM. The fairing helped make the ride effortless, too, especially when the digital speedo reached 145 mph. My T remained impressively stable at that speed, though an identical bike with a smaller, lighter rider got into a weave above about 135 mph. High cruising speeds will inevitably drop the fuel range, but that should be less of an issue on this bike with its expanded, 5-gallon tank.
Several practical features add to the T's appeal. Along with a luggage rack with built-in passenger grab handles, the bike has mounts built into its silencer heat-shields for a pair of purpose-built accessory saddlebags, and tank and tail packs are also available. The 990 Supermoto T does a fine job of enhancing KTM's traditional attributes with increased versatility. In fact, this bike works so well that the Austrian company might consider altering its corporate slogan, "Ready to Race." This KTM is just plain "Ready to Ride."
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With the new Supermoto T taking the concept in a more versatile direction, KTM made its fl
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Traditional, round-faced analog tach is easy to read-a good thing, as this fast-revving tw
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The skidplate on the 990 Supermoto is mostly cosmetic, to conceal unattractive plumbing an
KTM will build 2500 Supermoto Ts this year, compared to 1200 for the standard Supermoto an
Tech Spec
Evolution
KTM's 990 Supermoto gets lower suspension, a bigger fairing, softer seat and increased fuel capacity to enhance its traveling aptitude.
Rivals
Benelli TreK, BMW R1200GS, Buell Ulysses XB12X, Ducati Multistrada, Suzuki V-Strom 1000, Triumph Tiger
Tech
| Price | na |
| Engine type | l-c 75-deg. V-twin |
| Valve train | DOHC, 8v |
| Displacement | 999cc |
| Bore x stroke | 101.0 x 62.4mm |
| Compression | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel system | Keihin EFI |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Claimed horsepower | 115 bhp @ 9000 rpm |
| Claimed torque | 72 lb.-ft. @ 7000 rpm |
| Frame | Tubular-steel trellis |
| Front suspension | WP 48mm inverted fork with adjustable spring preload, compression and rebound damping |
| Rear suspension | WP shock with adjustable spring preload, high/low-speed compression and rebound damping |
| Front brake | Four-piston Brembo radial calipers, 305mm discs |
| Rear brake | Two-piston Brembo caliper, 240mm disc |
| Front tire | 120/70ZR-17 Continental ContiSportAttack |
| Rear tire | 180/55ZR-17 Continental ContiSportAttack |
| Rake/trail | 25.4/4.3 in. |
| Seat height | 33.7 in. |
| Wheelbase | 59.3 in. |
| Fuel capacity | 5.0 gal. |
| Claimed dry weight | 432 lbs. |
| Colors | Black/silver, black/orange |
| Available | na |
| Warranty | 36 mo., 36,000 mi. |
Contact
KTM North America, Inc.
1119 Milan Ave.
Amherst, OH 44001
440.985.3553
www.ktmusa.com
Verdict
KTM's Traveler is the perfect compromise between a minimalist supermoto and overburdened adventure-tourer. Too bad you can't buy one here.