How to Turn the KTM 990 SMT Into the Ultimate Supermoto Touring Bike

When the KTM 990 SMT first rolled out, most riders imagined it tearing around city streets, hopping from pavement to dirt with equal gusto. Yet a growing community has begun to treat it as a genuine touring machine—capable of covering hundreds of kilometres without sacrificing the raw, “supermoto‑spirit” that made the bike famous. If you’re curious about how to bridge that gap, read on. We’ll look at the essential upgrades, practical tweaks, and riding habits that transform the 990 SMT from weekend fun‑bike to cross‑country companion.

Why the 990 SMT Deserves a Touring Makeover

At its core, the 990 SMT is a 955 cc inline‑four that delivers a peaky 150 hp and a chassis tuned for rapid direction changes. Those attributes sound more like a track‑day contender than a long‑haul cruiser. The truth is, the bike already offers a comfortable riding position, a sturdy frame, and a respectable fuel tank (about 20 L). With a few thoughtful modifications, its range, comfort, and luggage capacity can rival purpose‑built adventure twins.

Key Areas to Upgrade

1. Seating Comfort

• Gel‑filled seat pads: Swapping the stock foam for a gel cushion reduces pressure points on long rides.
• Adjustable rear footpegs: Slightly higher pegs give a more relaxed leg angle, especially when the bike is loaded.

2. Wind Protection

The stock windshield is minimal—great for city sprints, not for standing wind on the highway. Consider a t‑shape windscreen or an aftermarket adjustable bar‑end shroud. Both add a noticeable reduction in fatigue without compromising the bike’s iconic silhouette.

3. Luggage Solutions

Hard luggage is often overkill for a supermoto, but a sleek pannier set or rear hook‑on case can hold a spare set of clothes, tools, and a compact sleeping bag. Look for options that bolt directly to the swingarm to keep the bike’s balance intact.

4. Fuel Range Enhancements

• Install a high‑flow fuel pump to ensure consistent delivery when the tank runs low.
• Carry a removable 5‑L auxiliary fuel cell; it mounts under the seat and adds a safety margin on remote roads.

5. Suspension Tuning

Supermoto setups typically favor stiff front forks for quick turn‑in. For touring, soften the rear shock a notch and add a preload adjuster to handle extra luggage weight. A quick‑adjust cartridge fork can let you switch between “sport” and “tour” settings on the fly.

Practical Tips for the Road

Beyond hardware, how you ride makes a world of difference. Here are habits seasoned riders swear by:

• Plan rest stops: Even a brief 10‑minute break every 80–100 km lets muscles relax and the bike breathe.
• Manage tire pressure: Slightly lower pressure (by about 2–3 psi) improves comfort on uneven surfaces without sacrificing handling.
• Use the “peel‑out” throttle technique: Instead of a hard twist, gradually open the throttle to keep the engine in its sweet spot, reducing fuel consumption.

Balancing Performance and Comfort

It’s tempting to keep the bike’s race‑ready settings, but a few compromises pay off in mileage. For instance, swapping the aggressive exhaust for a slightly quieter, mid‑range focused pipe reduces noise fatigue and improves fuel efficiency. The trade‑off is a modest dip in peak horsepower—hardly noticeable once you’re cruising at 80‑90 km/h.

Maintenance Must‑Knows for Long Trips

Supermoto engines run hot, especially when you’re pushing them through mountains. Prior to a long trip, perform these checks:

• Verify coolant level and replace the antifreeze if it’s older than a year.
• Inspect the chain for stretch; a well‑lubricated chain maintains power delivery and reduces wear.
• Clean the air filter—dusty roads can clog it quickly, hurting both performance and fuel consumption.

If any of these items look worn, address them before you hit the highway. A small preventive fix now prevents a roadside breakdown later.

Real‑World Example: A 1200‑km Loop Through the Alps

Last summer, a group of KTM enthusiasts tackled a 1,200 km circuit across the Alpine passes. Their bikes were equipped with the upgrades listed above: gel seats, a 30 cm t‑screen, and rear panniers holding just enough gear for two nights. The result?

• Average fuel consumption: 5.2 L/100 km.
• Comfort rating (subjective, but shared by all riders): 8/10.
• Zero mechanical failures, thanks to pre‑trip maintenance.

What stood out was the bike’s ability to “snap” out of tight corners on twisty mountain roads, then settle into a smooth, wind‑shielded cruise on the straights. That dual personality is the essence of the ultimate supermoto touring experience.

Final Thoughts on Making It Yours

Turning the KTM 990 SMT into a touring workhorse isn’t about stripping its character; it’s about adding layers that let you enjoy longer journeys without losing the adrenaline‑fuelled edge. Start with the basics—seat, windscreen, luggage—then fine‑tune suspension and fuel range as your mileage grows. With a bit of care, the 990 SMT can become the bike that takes you from city streets to remote mountain passes, all while keeping that unmistakable supermoto grin on your face.