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Adventure Motorcycles

2008KTM 990 Adventure S

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The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S is a full-featured adventure touring motorcycle designed for experienced riders seeking genuine off-road capability combined with long-distance comfort. Powered by a 999cc V-twin engine producing 97 horsepower and 95 Nm of torque, it excels at tackling challenging terrain while remaining highway-capable. This model is best known for its excellent balance of performance, versatility, and KTM's renowned dirt bike engineering heritage.

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

What’s new for the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S

vs the 2007
Spec20072008
Front brakes Double disc Double disc. ABS
Rear brakes Single disc Single disc. ABS
Other years 2006 2007 2008

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 68Agility 78Comfort 75Off-road 82Touring 80Road manners 70
Off-road & trail82%
Cornering72%
City riding55%
Daily riding60%
Touring82%
Two-up65%
Track40%
Best for
Designed for long-distance adventure touring with genuine off-road capability, blending highway comfort with rugged versatility.
Built for
A muscular V-twin adventure machine that rewards a relaxed, commanding riding style over both tarmac and gravel.
Not ideal for
Not ideal for short riders, absolute beginners, or those seeking a light, flickable city 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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 920mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will not reach the ground comfortably on the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S, with a moderate knee angle of around 100 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 over 900 mm — Sky High →

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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
Kokusan digital DC-CDI
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
Overall width
990 mm
Seat height
920 mm
Dry weight
199.0 kg
Fuel capacity
22.00 litres
Ground clearance
316 mm
Chassis & suspension
Frame
Tubular chromoly space frame, powder-coated
Front suspension
WP USD
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
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 200620072008
Capacity 999 cc 999 cc 999 cc
Dry weight 199 kg 199 kg 199 kg
Seat height 895 mm 915 mm 920 mm
Fuel capacity 22 L 22 L 22 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the KTM 990 Adventure S?

The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S has a Capacity of 999.0 ccm (60.96 cubic inches).

What engine power does the KTM 990 Adventure S have?

The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S has a Power of 96.6 HP (71.0 kW) @ 8500 RPM.

How many gears does the KTM 990 Adventure S have?

The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S has a Gearbox of 6-speed.

What is the torque of the KTM 990 Adventure S?

The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S has a Torque of 95.0 Nm (9.7 kgf-m or 70.1 ft.lbs).

How much does the KTM 990 Adventure S weigh?

The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure S has a Dry weight of 199.0 kg (438.7 pounds).

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