At the EICMA Motorcycle Show earlier this week, KTM unveiled a new, more powerful 1190 RC8 R version of the superbike introduced just a year ago and, perhaps more significantly, a softer, more touring-oriented supermoto known as the 990 Supermoto T. The details are provided in the following press release from KTM.
KTM is presenting its new model year motorcycles for 2009 at the EICMA, the world’s largest motorcycle trade fair. Next to the exclusive Superbike 1190 RC8 R, the attraction of the new sports motorcycle pallet is the 990 Supermoto T.
On the occasion of EICMA, the most important motorcycle fair worldwide held in the Italian metropolis, the Austrian sports motorcycle manufacturer presents the official KTM Model Year 2009 to the international media and the motorcycle-enthusiastic general public. The range is more comprehensive, has a higher quality and is sportier than ever before thanks to complex new development and a consequent model update.
Whether it is the 50 cc offroad mini-cycle for the youngest motorcycle enthusiast or the massive displacement of the street Superbike, every KTM developed and produced in Mattighofen in 2009 stands more than ever for the deployment of the combined engineering skills that match the company’s “Ready to Race” philosophy.
The newly developed 1190 RC8 R, as the motor sports-oriented variation of the 1190 RC8, the first ever KTM Superbike presented just 12 months ago, is the spearhead of the latest model generation and represents spectacular data, the most elegant fittings and design right down to the last detail. With 1195 cc displacement, an increased top performance of 165 hp as well as the enormous maximum torque of 123 nm, the ultramodern two-cylinder construction is best suited for sporting activities on closed racing circuits. An optional sport kit is available that lifts the engine performance to 180 hp to produce the most powerful KTM series model of all times.
High quality equipment like forged light alloy wheels and suspension components specially developed for motorsports use, compress the weight and sharpen the lap time potential of the 1190 RC8 R. The Superbike, with the characteristic orange-coloured tubular steel frame, will be available from the spring of 2009 and therefore just in time for the new motor racing season.
The new 990 Supermoto T also with significantly sporty characteristics but at the same time there has never been such versatility concerning a targeted application. The new 990 Supermoto T is a product that enriches the market with the first ever Supermoto suitable for extended touring. The result is unlimited riding fun even on longer or touring stretches and that is the clear message of this new street bike also available from the spring of 2009.
Based on the 990 Supermoto that was successfully introduced at the beginning of 2008, the 115 hp strong Travel Version features a modified chassis construction for increased use application – among which is the efficient, newly designed cladding with integrated multifunctional cockpit. Thanks to consequent development work and despite the equipment that makes it suitable for long distance use, the KTM technicians have still managed to keep the ready to ride weight of the 990 Supermoto T under the magic 200 kilo limit.
As an overall expression of the KTM model philosophy and as a signal of the clear market leadership in the Supermoto area, the new 990 Supermoto R is both the apex of the SM family and it’s most sporty example. From the well known 450 SMR, recently awarded with the world championship title, over the strongest mono-cylinders 690 LC4 Supermotos, right up to the travel ready two-cylinder, KTM is more intensively committed to the Supermoto segment than any other manufacturer.
And to preserve its reputation as the most active manufacturer of sports motorcycles, the brand is also present with other innovations in the form of successful, added value Adventure models and the purist, sports 690 Enduro R. Whereas the Hard Enduro, powered by the highly praised LC4 engine demonstrates the entire sporting know-how of the world’s leading brand of sports motorcycles, the much loved LC8-two cylinder travel Enduros come with more power and improved equipment in 2009. The sporting and optical highlights are unmistakable in the KTM-typical R optics of the specially kitted out Adventure R. Around 20 percent more powerful that its successful pioneer, the 990 Adventure S, the “R” from 2009, and only available without ABS, gives sports-oriented two-wheel adventurers 115 hp at their disposal while the 990 Adventure with power increased to 106 hp also underscores the undisputed sporting competence of the KTM company.
Europe’s second largest motorcycle manufacture is present at the EICMA Motor Show in Milan to present its new innovations and with the model year 2009 offers the most attractive pallet of sports-oriented offroad and street motorcycles in the company’s history.
