How a Tall Rider Can Tame the KTM 990 SMT Motorcycle

There’s something undeniably thrilling about slipping onto a KTM 990 SMT and feeling its V‑twin growl beneath you. Yet for riders who sit closer to the roof of the world, the bike can feel a little cramped, especially around the seat, footpegs, and handlebars. Below is a practical look at the quirks, adjustments, and riding habits that let taller riders enjoy the 990 SMT without constantly checking the rear‑view mirror for a limp wrist.

Why Height Matters on the 990 SMT

The 990 SMT was originally engineered with a compact riding position that favors aggressive cornering. Its seat height sits at roughly 840 mm (33 in), while the foot controls are tucked under the rider’s knees. For someone over 185 cm (6 ft) this geometry can force:

• Limited leg extension, leading to cramped knees on longer rides.
• Reduced leverage on the brakes, which can feel “floaty” when you need confidence.
• A tendency to hunch forward, putting extra strain on the lower back.

The good news? Most of these issues can be mitigated with inexpensive tweaks and a bit of riding‑position awareness.

Seat Modifications That Make a Difference

Replacing the stock seat with a lower‑profile option is the most common first step. Look for a seat that:

• Reduces overall height by 10‑20 mm.
• Offers a split‑padding design, giving extra support under the hips.
• Is made of durable foam that won’t compress too quickly.

Many aftermarket manufacturers also offer a “rider‑adjustable” seat where you can add or remove shims. That flexibility means you can fine‑tune the height for highway cruising versus twist‑y back‑road fun.

Footpeg Choices: Comfort Without Compromise

Standard footpegs on the 990 SMT are positioned for a tucked‑in stance. Tall riders often benefit from “wide” or “adjustable” footpegs that push the platform outward a few centimeters. Benefits include:

• More natural knee bend, reducing fatigue on longer rides.
• Improved leverage when applying front and rear brake pressure.
• Easier foot placement during aggressive corner entry.

If you’re not ready to swap pegs permanently, a simple set of rubber spacers can give you a temporary lift. Just make sure the hardware remains tight after each ride.

Handlebar Tweaks for a More Upright Posture

The stock 990 SMT handlebars sit low and wide, encouraging a forward‑leaning stance. A subtle change—raising the bars by 10‑15 mm—can instantly open up the chest and give a taller rider a more comfortable, upright feel. Options include:

• Adjustable risers that bolt onto the triple clamp.
• Aftermarket “twin‑claw” clamps that let you angle the bars slightly upward.

Remember, raising the bars will slightly alter the steering geometry, so start with the smallest lift possible and test ride before committing to a larger change.

Suspension Setup: Balancing Comfort and Performance

Even with a lower seat, the 990 SMT’s rear suspension can feel stiff for a tall rider’s weight distribution. A few simple steps can smooth out the ride:

• Adjust the rear shock preload to accommodate a heavier rider weight—usually an extra 5‑10 clicks.
• Soften the front fork spring rate by swapping to a lighter‑spring cartridge.
• Fine‑tune the preload on the front forks to avoid “bottom‑out” feeling in hard braking.

The goal isn’t to turn the bike into a cruiser; rather, you want a suspension that lets you stay planted without feeling like you’re being squeezed into a vise.

Riding Technique Adjustments

Some challenges simply come down to habits. Tall riders can take advantage of their natural leverage by:

• Keeping the elbows slightly bent, which helps avoid shoulder fatigue on twisty sections.
• Using a slight “leg‑out” posture in corners, allowing the knees to act as natural guides for the bike’s line.
• Shifting weight forward when braking hard, which compensates for a higher center of gravity and improves front‑wheel grip.

These techniques feel a bit odd at first—especially if you’re used to a more aggressive ridge‑line—but they become second nature after a few laps.

Practical Tips for Everyday Use

Beyond the big changes, a handful of everyday tricks can make the 990 SMT more approachable:

• Wear boots with a slight heel. The extra height can give you those few millimeters needed for a more relaxed foot placement.
• Check tire pressure before each ride. A slightly lower pressure (by 1‑2 psi) can add a touch of compliance, easing the strain on the knees.
• Use the bike’s quick‑shifter sparingly on first‑gear climbs; giving the clutch a brief moment to settle reduces the abrupt jerk that can jar a tall rider’s back.

Is the KTM 990 SMT Worth the Effort?

For many tall riders, the answer is a confident “yes.” The bike’s V‑twin character, lightweight chassis, and razor‑sharp handling make it a joy on winding roads. With the right seat, footpeg, and handlebar adjustments—plus a bit of fine‑tuning on the suspension—the 990 SMT can feel as comfortable as any middle‑size sport‑bike, while still delivering that raw KTM spirit.

Bottom line: you don’t need to surrender to a smaller motorcycle just because you’re tall. A few deliberate modifications and a willingness to adapt your riding style can turn the KTM 990 SMT into a truly personal machine, letting you enjoy every twist, turn, and straightaway without the constant reminder that the bike was built for someone else.