Project KTM 990 Adventure: Rescuing & Reviving An Iconic ADV Bike

Jun 17, 2023

What's amazing about these bikes is to-date there are upgrades still being offered by loyalists… like the billet water pump impeller kits ( heating issues plagued them but swapping aftermarket radiator shrouds/ cooler thermo switch/ poly coolant/ 2nd fan were the solutions

. These bikes can be lightened up like going single front disk with the 950 SE brake reservoir, single exhaust, LiPo battery, removal of rear pegs-bracket/ rear top rack&side handles/ smog stuff/ going single exhaust with larger diameter 2 into 1 output/ tubeless tires… (approx 25lbs. or so). The first S model was assembled in separate area then the non "S" and was released mid year in ‘04 which I was told included both US and EUR release. Some frame tabs for ignition and ECU were different oddly.

I bought my ‘04 1/2 S blue Go model new in ‘05 and have all the savvy upgrades. And I’m amazed at how well it still translates today. Well designed wraps look great to update these bikes… just perforate the pieces covering the tanks to avoid the fumes leaching out causing bubbles. Adding a second set of 19"x17" wheels transforms the street/ canyon carving offering two bikes into 1. The windscreen upgrades are also final touches that transform them into modernity.