Great review ! Fun fact, I bought a 2013 US model with 750 miles. I'd been riding for almost 50 years, raced amateur pretty much every type and had owned probably 40 to 50 bikes mostly late 1960s to 80s. From 50cc to 1100s. After years of not riding but following the sport I did my research and bought the 990smt. A few days Motorcyclist magazine had a comparison test with a Ducati and then Marc Cook the editor did a long term review and liked it so much he bought it. A rather glowing endorsement ! I still own it and love it. It's analog not digital. The design of the front and tank is actually a fairing. The tank is really interesting and a monster. It has fuel really low on each side for a lower center of gravity. In my view an extremely well engineered bike by riders for riders. By the way I'm 73 now and still riding it. So much Fun.
After I closed 100k km on my Orange one(2012) I think about that this one will be with me to the end. P.S. Oil filter you can buy separately and screens can just clean with kerosene. O-rings I change after 15k(buy them separate too)
I really struggled with my 09 until I loaded a fuel map that had been created recently. All suspension set to stock and now it's perfect (apart from a custom dyno). There was so much engine braking it was so punishing to ride. Very happy now.
I have a 2010 just like this. Its the best bike i've ever had. Punchy and unrefined, but still has enough manners for all day riding. Never letting it go.
Thank you, im glad it resonates with people. In truth I sold it about a year after this was made, and I miss it and regret getting rid of it. Thanks for watching! - Nate
Loved the video, you manage to write/narrate just as good as og Top Gear!Having just bought a 990 SD after nothing but JP bikes, I began to look at aftermarket upgrades and within a few day’s I went to from feeling excited to concerned…on how to financially plan and commit to this endeavor.
Having been a dedicated follower of everyday driver for years, and having got through about 75% of the podcast episodes I’m just now realising you guys do bikes too 😂 Thanks for the great video buddy I appreciate everything you guys do, gotta get Paul and Todd on some bikes, probably a ktm smcr or smt for Todd and something like a bmw r1250gs for Paul? 😂
Really well done video👍 Couldn't agree more with you. I owned one for a few years and enjoyed every ride, now 4 years later, I'm looking to buy another one.
How many kilometers or miles can the engine do? What do you think about 5k for a 2012 smt abs Akrapovic and many Tools buuuut 70.000 kilometers and no servicebook…. Thanks
I bought a Honda Shadow Spirit as my first bike. A local dealer has a 2010 in stocks, and after watching this I'm going to go for it. I want something fun to cruise on, and at the same time be able to commute to work.
How many kilometers or miles can the engine do? What do you think about 5k for a 2012 smt abs Akrapovic and many Tools buuuut 70.000 kilometers and no servicebook…. Thanks
I’m not convinced that it has ever really been bettered. Sure, more electronics and more power, but essentially one is trying to tame the other. 200hp is better than 100hp, but if you can’t actually use more than 100hp it’s really wasted. Every year I think about getting something new, but so far, zilch.
I have since sold it and moved onto another experience but I mostly agree - the 90-125hp seems to be the sweet spot for accessible and usable performance for 90% of situations! Thanks for watching! -Nate
Hello Sir TestDrive actually i own one of this unit but i have some problem with my speedometer may i ask you if you can help where i can purchase please🙏
I think the reason for not selling well is the look of the front. That’s the only thing that annoying me. It looks like a moose. All other angles are grate. But I’m buying this anyways because of all the benefits.
How many kilometers or miles can the engine do? What do you think about 5k for a 2012 smt abs Akrapovic and many Tools buuuut 70.000 kilometers and no servicebook…. Thanks
I feel its much more about quality of ownership vs mileage. There is a lot of little things these bikes need and if neglected can make them less than great ownership experiences.
So I heard about the throttle 'issues' reviewers mentioned and was expecting the worst. The day I bought it I noticed it being a bit... eager... now fueling/delivery is perfect but its just that the throttle is very sensitive. I expected to buy a fix. But after a week or two of riding it, my wrist got used to it and it was absolutely a non issue. I think reviewers dont get enough time to get used to it, but owners have the chance to adjust. I actually loved the eagerness of it after the first week. Thanks for watching! - Nate
I have not spent much time on abs equipped bikes so its not something I missed. KtM did add it to this model during its 4-year run though. I would always welcome a defeatable abs system on a motorcycle though, very little drawbacks and safer is good. Thanks for watching! - Nate
Great review ! Fun fact, I bought a 2013 US model with 750 miles. I'd been riding for almost 50 years, raced amateur pretty much every type and had owned probably 40 to 50 bikes mostly late 1960s to 80s. From 50cc to 1100s. After years of not riding but following the sport I did my research and bought the 990smt. A few days Motorcyclist magazine had a comparison test with a Ducati and then Marc Cook the editor did a long term review and liked it so much he bought it. A rather glowing endorsement ! I still own it and love it. It's analog not digital. The design of the front and tank is actually a fairing. The tank is really interesting and a monster. It has fuel really low on each side for a lower center of gravity. In my view an extremely well engineered bike by riders for riders. By the way I'm 73 now and still riding it. So much Fun.
A 2013 with that low mileage??? That's an instant-buy
After I closed 100k km on my Orange one(2012) I think about that this one will be with me to the end.
P.S. Oil filter you can buy separately and screens can just clean with kerosene. O-rings I change after 15k(buy them separate too)
I really struggled with my 09 until I loaded a fuel map that had been created recently. All suspension set to stock and now it's perfect (apart from a custom dyno). There was so much engine braking it was so punishing to ride. Very happy now.
Own exactly same model,
Always a smile everytime I ride it..
Same here. I love mine.
I have a 2010 just like this. Its the best bike i've ever had. Punchy and unrefined, but still has enough manners for all day riding. Never letting it go.
KTM - Keeps Taking Money :) I have a '11, still love it. Even with an ABS fault.
Just really loved that you are/were in love with this bike: "...it doesn't know it isn't a race bike..."
Thank you, im glad it resonates with people. In truth I sold it about a year after this was made, and I miss it and regret getting rid of it.
Thanks for watching!
- Nate
I have one, '11 model, amazing!!! The sound🤩, one wheelies easy, desing it's a beauty, for the ages
Loved the video, you manage to write/narrate just as good as og Top Gear!Having just bought a 990 SD after nothing but JP bikes, I began to look at aftermarket upgrades and within a few day’s I went to from feeling excited to concerned…on how to financially plan and commit to this endeavor.
Having been a dedicated follower of everyday driver for years, and having got through about 75% of the podcast episodes I’m just now realising you guys do bikes too 😂
Thanks for the great video buddy I appreciate everything you guys do, gotta get Paul and Todd on some bikes, probably a ktm smcr or smt for Todd and something like a bmw r1250gs for Paul? 😂
Really well done video👍 Couldn't agree more with you. I owned one for a few years and enjoyed every ride, now 4 years later, I'm looking to buy another one.
Thank you for watching! They're certainly special thats for sure.
- Nate
I can’t agree with you more! I owned KTM 990 SMT about 5 years but still can’t find any bike to replace it!
Try a 1290 :D
How many kilometers or miles can the engine do? What do you think about 5k for a 2012 smt abs Akrapovic and many Tools buuuut 70.000 kilometers and no servicebook…. Thanks
I bought a Honda Shadow Spirit as my first bike. A local dealer has a 2010 in stocks, and after watching this I'm going to go for it. I want something fun to cruise on, and at the same time be able to commute to work.
Excellent review mate thank you, was debating superduke, adventure and the SMT, you have truly made my mind up now thanks.
Great video. I own the SD and Adv, thinking of a SMT now. It really is a well balanced, awesome bike.
Great review! I fully agree with You regarding electronic aids, ABS is helpful in occasional stress situations, despite that buy what you can handle.
I love my 2012.
yes. KTM 990!!!
Fully agree!
Great review, helped a future potential 990 owner 🤔👏
I have a 2013 model and I can relate to everything you said. It is a beast and a beauty! Nice review.
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
- Nate
Do you know if exhaust is causing discomfort for pillion? I have Shiver 750 and it's burning on back :D
How many kilometers or miles can the engine do? What do you think about 5k for a 2012 smt abs Akrapovic and many Tools buuuut 70.000 kilometers and no servicebook…. Thanks
Agree. Cracking bike
They took cues from it and included them in the later adventure. Junk the standard cans for more midrange and sound
Thanks for watching! This bike got new exhaust shortly after this was filmed to much improvement indeed. Made it even more fun for sure. -Nate
@@theCycleReport Got a 2012 to putt around
Very good review! Stay safe
Thank you and thanks for watching! - Nate
I have this bike to excecly what he shad it's te most fun bike in the world
Thanks for watching!
-Nate
Good review!
Thanks bro for the nice review. Actually I'm intended to buy this motorcycle.
Did you buy it?
@@JCBigCat nope.. have changed my decission to vstrom 650xt due to some reason... but my heart still on this smt990 machine..🥲
Great review, keep it up! Do a xb9s next and compare to this. Thx!
Rode one a long time ago. Doesn't compare, the KTM kills it.
One correction.. its 999cc. The 990 nameplate is misleading.
I’m not convinced that it has ever really been bettered. Sure, more electronics and more power, but essentially one is trying to tame the other. 200hp is better than 100hp, but if you can’t actually use more than 100hp it’s really wasted. Every year I think about getting something new, but so far, zilch.
I have since sold it and moved onto another experience but I mostly agree - the 90-125hp seems to be the sweet spot for accessible and usable performance for 90% of situations!
Thanks for watching!
-Nate
Hello Sir TestDrive actually i own one of this unit but i have some problem with my speedometer may i ask you if you can help where i can purchase please🙏
I think the reason for not selling well is the look of the front. That’s the only thing that annoying me. It looks like a moose. All other angles are grate.
But I’m buying this anyways because of all the benefits.
Yeah, I never really thought it was great looking but obviously bought it and loved it anyways. Thanks for watching!
- Nate
I WANT ONE
This exact one was for sale over the summer! They're a bit hard to find but a really cool bike when you do.
Thanks for watching!
More motorcycle reviews!
hi, how tall are you is it a good bike for a tall men?
Very good! It's larger than it looks, and I'm 6'2" and it's not at all small on me. Look at 3:50-4:10 in the video
Thanks for watching. -Nate
whats your helmet sir? Its great looking.
Aww thank you! Its a scorpion exo AT950
Thanks for watching as well! - Nate
Ready to buy slogans...
How many kilometers or miles can the engine do? What do you think about 5k for a 2012 smt abs Akrapovic and many Tools buuuut 70.000 kilometers and no servicebook…. Thanks
I bought a 2011 with 40K KM for 5000 euro (Italy)
@@unbreakable5026 in Austria they are expensive. With 40 they costs about 6 Till 7k without akrapovic
With abs !
I feel its much more about quality of ownership vs mileage. There is a lot of little things these bikes need and if neglected can make them less than great ownership experiences.
Have you addressed the snatchy low rpm throttle with a throttle tamer or else?
So I heard about the throttle 'issues' reviewers mentioned and was expecting the worst.
The day I bought it I noticed it being a bit... eager... now fueling/delivery is perfect but its just that the throttle is very sensitive. I expected to buy a fix.
But after a week or two of riding it, my wrist got used to it and it was absolutely a non issue.
I think reviewers dont get enough time to get used to it, but owners have the chance to adjust. I actually loved the eagerness of it after the first week.
Thanks for watching!
- Nate
As Nate said, I was also going to either install a throttle tamer or mess with maps, but I got used to it and wouldn't change it now.
Did you ever need abs while riding? This 2010 model has no abs.
I have not spent much time on abs equipped bikes so its not something I missed. KtM did add it to this model during its 4-year run though.
I would always welcome a defeatable abs system on a motorcycle though, very little drawbacks and safer is good.
Thanks for watching!
- Nate
A mullet cycle 😂😂
what's your height?
6'2"
- Nate
why u put a camera on u face?????????????????????????
You’re getting your high speed and low speed damping confused.