So, the KTM SMT990 been around for a week or so now and I'm still a happy chappy.

If you want to see all the pics check them out here.

Last week we put a shout out (on our Facebook page) for any questions you guys might have. I'll cover them one by one.......starting with the most commonly asked.

Can it wheelie 'mister?

Yes, it'll power wheelie-ing in second gear, clutching in third. It's not particularly easy to launch IMO.

How fast does it go'mister?

130mph (apparently:)

At cruising speed the motor feels like your laboring it if you sit above 85mph. Obviously it'll do more but it feels cruel.

Is it comfortable?

Yes, given that my last bike was a Fireblade anything other than a pogo stick would be comfortable.

Seriously though, I covered roughly 300 miles in one day, with a pillion, and, fully loaded with 3 luggage boxes and both of us felt fairly fresh afterwards. I've got a banjaxed body with smashed knees, ankles and one smashed hip - I'm the first to complain about comfort - the SMT is exceptionally comfortable.

One small thing, and it's a v-twin thing, is my fingers 'tingle' after big mileage. However, any single or twin will do this to me.

The pipes look much better without the heat shields.

Is it well built?

The short answer is yes. I've spent years taking the mick out of the orange bikes but the fact is that the Austrians know how to build quality. After all, they've cut their cloth making some of the toughest MX and enduro bikes that money can buy.

The finish on casings is good. Matt paint seems flawless. Controls feel exceptional (hydraulic clutch and monster front stoppers).

The luggage (which is genuine/OEM KTM) feels great.

Anything you don't like?

There's a few gripes:

• it attracts a lot of attention....more of a feature than a gripe. I'm a low key kinda-guy and this is essentially a bling-blingy bike.
• we lost an engine mount nut on the way home the first day. It was one that was fitted with the aftermarket bellypan, most likely not torqued correctly. No reflection on the quality IMO.
• the tank range is a bit short. Yes, it's getting a thrashing that all new toys should get but it feels a bit short. 140 miles I think.
• if I wanted to be picky I would prefer a digi gear indicator. I had one on my GSXRs and I don't understand why all roadbikes don't come with one. I'm constantly looking for 7th gear.

What extras are you going to fit?

Well, the bike came with a ton of spec so there's not much left to fit. It came with:

• 3 large touring boxes,
• tall screen,
• carbon JEC exhausts,
• fender extender,
• rear hugger,
• accessory socket.

If it didn't come with the above I'd recommend all of these bar the accessory socket.

Here's what I might fit:

• Rekluse auto clutch. It would mean I could put it in 3rd and drive it everywhere around town like a scooter (queue the slagging!). If you don't know what this is check out our video.
• maybe a set of orange rad hoses....yes, yes I know, completely unnecessary but I don't care. There must be something about KTMs that make you want to stick some unnecessary orange parts on them!

What are you going to do with it?

• look at it mostly.
• I'll tip in and out of the office in town a few days a week.
• a few weekends away.
• oh, and I've a week trip planned for July (destination currently undecided but possibly Welsh coastline).

Anything else to know about the KTM SMT990?

Not really. If you're considering buying one - do it - I did. For anyone on the fence and thinking buying/staying safe (BMW 1200GS) - don't. Test ride one of these back-to-back against the BMW and you'll make the right decision.

........it's a pity I don't sell KTMs

Any more questions? Just comment below and I'll answer them.

Derek.

The boxes are MONSTERS!