Adventure Motorcycles

2008KTM 990 Adventure

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The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure is a capable dual-sport tourer designed for adventure riders seeking serious off-road performance with touring capability. Powered by a 999cc V-twin engine producing nearly 97 horsepower, it excels on mixed terrain and long-distance exploration. Known for its lightweight construction and aggressive styling, it established KTM's reputation in the adventure bike segment.

Capacity: 999.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 199.0 kg
Seat height: 880 mm
Power: 96.6 HP (71.0 kW) @ 8500 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure

vs the 2007

Spec	2007	2008
Seat height	860 mm (33.9 inches)	880 mm (34.6 inches)
Front suspension	WP USD 48 mm (1.89	WP USD, 48 mm
Front brakes	Double disc	Double disc. ABS
Rear brakes	Single disc	Single disc. ABS

Other years 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail75%

Cornering78%

City riding55%

Daily riding60%

Touring72%

Two-up60%

Track45%

Best for: Designed as a versatile V-twin adventure machine that handles fast tarmac roads, mountain passes, and moderate off-road tracks with equal confidence.
Built for: A torquey, muscular V-twin adventure bike that rewards assertive riding with strong midrange power and agile, long-travel suspension for tackling varied terrain.
Not ideal for: Not ideal for shorter riders, absolute beginners, or anyone seeking a lightweight, low-maintenance commuter.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 880mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure, with a moderate knee angle of around 95 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 821-900 mm — Long Legs →

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Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 999.0 ccm
Power: 96.6 HP (71.0 kW) @ 8500 RPM
EPA Certificate No.: 8KTXC.999SPR-002-R01
EPA CO Emissions: 8.3 CO g/km
Torque: 95.0 Nm (9.7 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.4854 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 101.0 x 62.4 mm
Compression: 11.5:1
Cooling system: Liquid
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Ignition: Denso battery ignition
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Pressure lubrication

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1570 mm
Seat height: 880 mm
Dry weight: 199.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.00 litres
Ground clearance: 261 mm

Chassis & suspension

Frame: Tubular chromoly space frame, powder-coated
Front suspension: WP USD, 48 mm
Rear suspension: WP monoshock PDS with hydr. spring preload
Front wheel travel: 250 mm
Rear wheel travel: 255 mm
Rake (fork angle): 26.6°
Trail: 119 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS
Front brakes diameter: 300 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS
Rear brakes diameter: 240 mm
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 90/90-21
Rear tyre: 150/70-18

Other

Color options: Orange/black, black
Fuel Tank Material: Plastic

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2007	2008	2009	2010	2012	2013
Capacity	999 cc	999 cc	999 cc	999 cc	999 cc	999 cc
Dry weight	199 kg	199 kg	209 kg	209 kg	210 kg	210 kg
Seat height	860 mm	880 mm	860 mm	860 mm	880 mm	880 mm
Fuel capacity	22 L	22 L	19.5 L	19.5 L	19.5 L	20 L