Any 990 SD owners/former owners make the switch?

3877 Views 13 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Hawkerjet, Mar 16, 2022

eb125

Discussion Starter · Feb 1, 2019

The 790 Duke seems like KTM listened to the thoughts inside my head about wanting something as comfortable as their 990 SD but with fewer vibes and less weight. I haven't had a chance to demo one yet and I would like to hear any feedback from riders with 990 experience that have ridden the 790.

There is a local (SF bay area) demo ride scheduled for the end of March but that's a bit of a ways out. If anyone can chime in with their comparisons it would be appreciated.

Almost all of my riding these days is either commuting or the odd fun ride through the east bay hills (tight and twisty) with track days a thing of the past so the lack of suspension adjustability isn't much of a sacrifice. And I've never even ridden, much less owned, anything with traction control or the other electronic stuff. Curious how all of it adds up.

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weaksy

· #2 · Feb 1, 2019

Onwed several 990SDs, the 790 couldn't be less like a 990 if it were a goldfish. They share the fact they're both motorbikes, both KTMs, but apart from that they have NOTHING even remotely the same about them.

Well, apart from both being brilliant.

the 990SD is tall, raw, agressive. The 790 is shorter, longer, smooth and easy

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Bugz

· #3 · Feb 1, 2019

I have had a 990 Superduke and changed both my 990 SMT & 690 Duke for the 790.
The 790 is different in a better way, and without the notorious snatchiness low down throttle of the 990, and way better mpg.
The lightness is more like the 690 and the lack of adjustable suspension is not a problem as it is so well set up as it is.
The electronics are a good thing and don’t take away from the riding experience.
Don’t take my word for it get yourself a test ride (if the weather is okay).

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bigtree

· #4 · Feb 2, 2019

I traded my 990 SD for a 790, as @weeksy says , totally different bike. Miss my SD.

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eb125

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 5, 2019

bigtree said:
I traded my 990 SD for a 790, as @weeksy says , totally different bike. Miss my SD.

Thanks for the reply BigTree. Curious just what it is about the 990 that you miss? Just the raw nature of it? I can't imagine the 790 doesn't feel just as fast if not faster than the 990.

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weaksy

· #6 · Feb 6, 2019

eb125 said:
Thanks for the reply BigTree. Curious just what it is about the 990 that you miss? Just the raw nature of it? I can't imagine the 790 doesn't feel just as fast if not faster than the 990.

I think that sums it up yeah. The 990SD is raw... it has only 1 function, 1 purpose, to terrify you and everyone around you. It has a sense of presence with it's size, stature and shape, it just looks and feels agressive.

Speed wise, there's very little in it, the stock SD and stock 790 are not far apart... but the 790 gets there with less RARRRGGGGHHHHHH and more swoosh....

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bigtree

· #7 · Feb 6, 2019

Yes every bit as fast ,one silky smooth and the other rugged and raw. I can always take out the wee Duke (690) for a milder experience.

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anotheronetoday

· #8 · Feb 9, 2019

eb125 said:
The 790 Duke seems like KTM listened to the thoughts inside my head about wanting something as comfortable as their 990 SD but with fewer vibes and less weight. I haven't had a chance to demo one yet and I would like to hear any feedback from riders with 990 experience that have ridden the 790.

There is a local (SF bay area) demo ride scheduled for the end of March but that's a bit of a ways out. If anyone can chime in with their comparisons it would be appreciated.

Almost all of my riding these days is either commuting or the odd fun ride through the east bay hills (tight and twisty) with track days a thing of the past so the lack of suspension adjustability isn't much of a sacrifice. And I've never even ridden, much less owned, anything with traction control or the other electronic stuff. Curious how all of it adds up.

I have ridden but not owned a 990

go for an hours test ride on a 790, probably within 15 minutes you will have decided to buy one

I would say better in everyway way

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eb125

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 5, 2019

This feedback kind of confirms what I already thought about the differences between the two bikes. I'll try to make some coherent comments on my demo ride if and when it takes place. Should happen in a few weeks.

Ed

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Chicky

· #10 · Jul 19, 2019

As above, ridden but not owned the 990. Did a couple of trackdays on one but couldn’t have chosen it as a road bike as far too tall and heavy for me. Was very happy when the 790 came out and I could just about get the very tip of my toes on the floor! That’s enough!
I would say the 790 is perhaps more forgiving, more versatile, less of an outright hooligan bike.

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Conair

· #11 · Jan 3, 2021

old thread but for what its worth i px my 950sm for the 790 duke and after 3-4 months of having the 790 i still miss my 950 so much ! the sound of the 960 is just unreal with open akras ! pops bangs and spits 2ft flames out of the back on the over run ! and the torque is way way up on the 790 ! speed wise yer they are about the same the 950 much smoother thru the rev range being a carbed bike and the 950 so much better suspension and it wheelied so easy and more controlled than the 790, i had a lot of money spent on my 950 and it was finally dynoed at 117bhp with 98ftlb torque ! a proper tool and oh i miss it, the 950 is still sat at my dealer now 3-4months on and if he said he would do a straight swop 950sm for me 790 i would ride away on the 950 ! i do like the lack of weight of the 790 and the lower seat height but there is just something about the 950 big V twin the 790 cannot replace ! rode the 990 once found the throttle a bit on off at low revs and that was why i went for the 950 carbed version and glad i did.

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bigtree

· #12 · Mar 14, 2022

Sold my 790 in September '20 and bought a Gen3 Superduke,I then changed to an RR and just bought my wife an 890r which I will ride too.

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Conair

· #13 · Mar 15, 2022

I just px my 790 Duke for a 990 Super Duke R 3 weeks ago, finally back home on the big V Twin and loving it.

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Hawkerjet

· #14 · Mar 16, 2022

anotheronetoday said:
go for an hours test ride on a 790, probably within 15 minutes you will have decided to buy one

15 minutes??? Only took me 1/2 a mile to decide on the test ride.. I was an owner 2 days later.

The only reason for the 2 days later was the dealer I bought it from was 4 hours away. He is a good friend and sold me a new 2020 for his cost.

It's not what ya know but who ya know.

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