2012 KTM 990 Adventure R Dakar Edition

Built to commemorate both 30 years of the Paris-Dakar race and the Austrian firm’s 10th successive victory in the desert classic, the new version blends the standard KTM 990 Adventure R chassis with the uprated Adventure R’s 115bhp engine plus a range of cosmetic updates including orange engine bars, Dakar-style velour seat and special Dakar-inspired blue/orange paintjob. It’s priced midway between the standard and R versions, too at £9745 compared to the stocker’s £9545 and the KTM 990 Adventure R’s £9995.

2012-KTM-990-Adventure-R

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

The 990 Adventure R water-cooled V-engine produces 84.5 kW (113.3 hp) and therefore around 7 kW (9 hp) more than its Adventure sister model precisely the shot of power required to live up to the "R" suffix. The engine impresses with powerful acceleration, superb performance and spontaneous throttle response. Aside from optimum combustion chamber design, the major factors behind the outstanding performance of the 990 Adventure R's V-twin with 75° cylinder angle are the state-of-the-art four-valve cylinder heads, each with flow-optimised ducts and two overhead camshafts. Particularly lightweight pistons and connecting rods bestow the 990 Adventure R's V2 engine with reduced reciprocating weight and hence a decidedly spontaneous responsiveness, underlining its extremely sporty engine characteristics.

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

The large fairing on the KTM 990 Adventure R provides effective protection from the wind and weather and accommodates the clearly structured multi-function cockpit that supplies the rider with all essential information. The fuel tanks with a capacity of 19.5 l (20.6 qt.) ensure a long useful working range. The 990 Advendure R's totally offroad-style padded sports seat ensures suitable long-distance comfort for both rider and pillion, while also providing freedom of movement and crystal-clear feedback for a sportier pace.

2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

The large fuel tank surfaces ensure perfect leg contact for riding standing up. There are no shortage of details on the 990 Adventure R that distinguish it as a genuine travel enduro - from the practical centre stand, the lockable stowage compartment between the tanks and the on-board electrical socket, to the robust engine guard and stable hand guards.

The 990 Adventure R's tubular space frame made from thin-walled chrome-molybdenum steel tubing with a bolted-on, light alloy subframe only weighs 10.5 kg (23.1 lb.), yet it impresses with exemplary torsional stiffness. The long swingarm with conical profiles contributes plenty of mechanical grip. More than adequate deceleration is ensured in the Adventure R by Brembo® brakes with the very finest components, such as two floating 300 mm (11.81 in) brake discs. Stable wire-spoked wheels with knobbly tyres guarantee full offroad potential.