The battle for number one in the Supermoto class is getting intense by the day. With competition from motorcycles like the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200, Ducati Hypermotard and Nuda Husqvarna 990 R, KTM the current segment leader definitely cannot take it easy.
The 2012 KTM 990 Supermoto R, which the Austrian company claims is ‘the most radical twin-cylinder Supermoto on the market,’ now gets Bosch 9M+‑ABS. With its 114bhp fuel-injected liquid-cooled 999cc V-twin, we suppose the Supermoto R is still as much fun to sling around corners as it ever was, but now when it’s time to throw out the anchors with full force, the new Bosch system is likely to keep you from ending up in a ditch.
As with all KTM bikes, the chassis and suspension on the 2012 Supermoto R are top-notch. The tubular space frame made of chrome-molybdenum steel, WP 4860 ROMA USD front fork (160mm travel), WP 4618 BAVP DCC monoshock (180mm travel) and twin floating 305mm brake discs up front with radial-mount four-piston calipers, the whole package is fully optimized to go fast not just in a straight line, but also around corners. With the back wheel always drifting sideways, if you wish. The bike weighs 192kg dry, which does seem to be a bit heavy, but at least the 15-litre fuel tank should provide some decent range, should you choose to go touring on the Supermoto R.
