MotoSpecs

2008 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 KTM 990 Adventure 2008 KTM 990 Adventure

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
211.0 km/h
Weight
209 kg / 460.7 lbs
2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Top Speed
207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Weight
236 Kg / 520 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20082008 - 09
Make ModelKTM 990 AdventureSuzuki DL 1000 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Height860 mm / 33.8 in840 mm / 33.1 in
Wheelbase-1535 mm / 60.4 in
Ground Clearance261 mm / 9.0 in165 mm / 6.5 in
Height-1335 mm / 52.5 in
Length-2285 mm / 89.9 in
Width-910 mm / 37.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight209 kg / 460.7 lbs-
Fuel Capacity19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal22 Litres / 5.8 US gal / 4.8 Imp gal
Wet Weight-236 Kg / 520 lbs
Performance
Top Speed211.0 km/h 207.5 km/h / 128.9 mph
Max Power96.5 hp / 70.5 kW @ 8500 rpm72 kW / 98 hp @ 7400 rpm
Max Torque95 Nm / 70.1 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm101 Nm / 10.3 kg-m / 74.5 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
Standing Start 0-1000 m-23.3 sec / 199 km/h / 123.7 mph
Standing Start ¼ Mile11.7 sec12.2 sec / 181 km/h / 112.5 mph
Engine
Displacement999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in996 cc / 60.8 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke101 x 62.4mm98 X 66 mm
Compression Ratio11.5;111.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid coolingLiquid cooled
Engine Oil SpecificationMotorex, SAE 10W-50-
ExhaustTwin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter-
Fuel Consumption15.2 km/lit-
Fuel InductionKeihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMSFuel injection with 45mm throttle bodies
IgnitionContactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustmentElectronic ignition
Spark Plug-NGK, CR8EK
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12 V/11.2 Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchWet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,Wet, multiple discs, hydraulic
Final DriveChain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"Chain
Final Drive Ratio16:42-
Primary Drive35:67-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coatedAluminium, twin spar
Suspension - Front48mm WP USD forksTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped, 43mm forks
Suspension - RearWP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preloadSwingarm, coil spring, oil damped, adjustable for preload and rebound damping
HandlebarAluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm-
Trail-110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in160 mm / 6.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear190 mm / 7.5 in162 mm / 6.4 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front2x 300mm discs 2 piston calipers2 x 310mm discs, 2 piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper.
Tyres - Front90/90 -21110/80 R19
Tyres - Rear150/70 -R18150/70 R17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 KTM 990 Adventure

The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure edges out the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom thanks to its lighter kerb weight, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 KTM 990 Adventure - Advantages

  • Lighter: 209 kg vs 236 Kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More ground clearance: 261 mm vs 165 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 190 mm vs 162 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 190 mm vs 160 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 101 Nm vs 95 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Lower seat height: 840 mm vs 860 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2008 KTM 990 Adventure vs 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure and 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure uses Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom is powered by Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure is lighter at 209 kg compared to 236 Kg for the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom - a difference of 27 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
The 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom has the lower seat at 840 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 KTM 990 Adventure or the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 KTM 990 Adventure has the edge in lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance, while the 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom stands out for higher torque and lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

Related Comparisons

All KTM 990 Adventure years All Suzuki DL 1000 V-Strom years
Build your own comparison →