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2012 KTM 990 Adventure R Overview
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 999.8 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.5;1. 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R delivers 116 hp @ 9000 pm of peak power and 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 210.7 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 990 Adventure R tips the scales at 207 kg, carries a 19.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 895 mm and spans a 1570 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 990 Adventure R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R makes 116 hp @ 9000 pm with 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 895 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
General ownership notes
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R has built a reputation for solid everyday reliability when serviced to schedule. As with any motorcycle of this era, documented service history is the single biggest indicator of long-term reliability when buying used.
990 Adventure R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 990 Adventure R should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any 990 Adventure R. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
2012 KTM 990 Adventure R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R have?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R uses a Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 999.8 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooling.
What is the top speed of the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R has a factory-quoted top speed of 210.7 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R weigh?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R weighs 207 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R make?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R produces 116 hp @ 9000 pm of power and 100 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R has a 19.5-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R has a seat height of 895 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R have?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R uses 2x 300mm Brembo discs 2 piston calipers at the front and Single 240mm Brembo disc 1 piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R use?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R runs 90/90 -21 front and 150/70 -R18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R have?
The 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.
KTM 990 Adventure R Spec Evolution
The KTM 990 Adventure R was produced across 4 model years (2009-2012). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
| Max Power |
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm |
113.3 hp / 84.5 kW @ 8750 rpm |
116 hp / 85 kW @ 9000 pm |
116 hp / 85 kW @ 9000 pm |
| Seat Height |
915 mm / 36. in |
915 mm / 36. in |
905 mm / 35.6 in |
895 mm / 35.2 in |
| Ground Clearance |
316 mm / 12.4 in |
316 mm / 12.4 in |
301 mm / 11.85 in |
296 mm / 11.6 in |
| Wheels - Front |
2.15 x 21''; |
2.15 x 21 |
2.15 x 21''; |
2.15 x 21''; |
| Wheels - Rear |
4.25 x 18'' |
4.25 x 18 |
4.25 x 18'' |
4.25 x 18'' |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
116 hp / 85 kW @ 9000 pm
Torque
100 Nm / 73.8 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Weight
207 kg / 456.34 lbs
Fuel Capacity
19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
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Full 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R Specifications
Year
2012
Make Model
KTM 990 Adventure R
Seat Height
895 mm / 35.2 in
Wheelbase
1570 mm / 61.8 in
Ground Clearance
296 mm / 11.6 in
Dry Weight
207 kg / 456.34 lbs
Fuel Capacity
19.5 Litres / 5.1 gal
Displacement
999.8 cc / 60.9 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
101 x 62.4mm
Compression Ratio
11.5;1
Cooling System
Liquid cooling
Engine Oil Specification
Motorex, SAE 10W-50
Exhaust
Twin stainless steel silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Fuel Consumption
17.2 km/lit
Fuel Induction
Keihin Electronic Fuel Injection EMS
Ignition
Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12 V/11.2 Ah
Clutch
Wet Multi-disc hydraulically operated,
Final Drive
Chain, X-Ring 5/8 x 5/16"
Final Drive Ratio
16:42
Primary Drive
35:67
Transmission / Drive
6 Speed
Frame Type
Tubular cromoly spaced frame. powered coated
Suspension - Front
48mm WP USD forks
Suspension - Rear
WP-PDS rear shock, hydraulic spring preload
Handlebar
Aluminium, tapered, Ø 28/22 mm
Rake
26.6°
Steering Head Angle
63.4°
Trail
119 mm / 4.68 in
Wheel Travel - Front
248 mm / 9.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
248 mm / 9.7 in
Brakes - Front
2x 300mm Brembo discs 2 piston calipers
Brakes - Rear
Single 240mm Brembo disc 1 piston caliper
Tyres - Front
90/90 -21
Tyres - Rear
150/70 -R18
Wheels - Front
2.15 x 21'';
Wheels - Rear
4.25 x 18''
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