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2012 KTM 990 Adventure Overview
For 2012, KTM offers the 990 Adventure as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 999.8 cc on tap. The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure is built around a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.5;1. Out on the road, the 990 Adventure delivers 113.3 hp @ 8750 rpm of peak power and 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2012 990 Adventure tips the scales at 209 kg, carries a 19.5-litre fuel tank and offers a seat height of 860 mm. That's roughly 10.2 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2012 KTM 990 Adventure spec sheet below.
2012 990 Adventure - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the 990 Adventure is 113.3 hp @ 8750 rpm and 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
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Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
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Large fuel range: With a 19.5-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 860 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
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Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooling, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the 990 Adventure comes from Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 48mm WP USD forks up front and WP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the 990 Adventure means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Tubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
990 Adventure - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 990 Adventure settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a 990 Adventure's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the 990 Adventure's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2012 KTM 990 Adventure - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure have?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure uses a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 999.8 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooling.
How much does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure weigh?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure weighs 209 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure make?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure produces 113.3 hp @ 8750 rpm of power and 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure has a 19.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 325-390 km between stops.
Is the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure has a seat height of 860 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure have?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure uses 2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers at the front and Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure use?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure runs 90/90 -21 front and 150/70 -R18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure have?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
KTM 990 Adventure Spec Evolution
The KTM 990 Adventure was produced across 8 model years (2006-2013). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
| Max Power |
96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm |
96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm |
96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm |
104.6 hp / 78 kW @ 8250 rpm |
104.6 hp / 78 kW @ 8250 rpm |
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm |
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm |
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm |
| Max Torque |
95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm
Torque
100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
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Full 2012 KTM 990 Adventure Specifications
Year
2012
Make Model
KTM 990 Adventure
Seat Height
860 mm / 33.8 in
Ground Clearance
261 mm / 9.0 in
Dry Weight
209 kg / 460.7 lbs
Fuel Capacity
19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Displacement
999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio
11.5;1
Cooling System
Liquid cooling
Engine Oil Specification
Motorex, SAE 10W-50
Exhaust
Twin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel Induction
Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
Ignition
Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V/11.2 Ah
Clutch
Wet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,
Final Drive
Chain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Final Drive Ratio
16:42
Primary Drive
35:67
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Tubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - Front
48mm WP USD forks
Suspension - Rear
WP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload
Handlebar
Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Wheel Travel - Front
190 mm / 7.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
190 mm / 7.5 in
Brakes - Front
2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 240mm disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
90/90 -21
Tyres - Rear
150/70 -R18
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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