MCN this week still rates the old 990 up at the top of the KTM pile

They say the new 1290 is blighted by high cost, over complicated, over intrusive rider aids, and although it's a great bike question marks remain.

IMO the one thing that the 1290 cannot replicate over the 990 is the sweet sound of twin pipes.

I still like the looks of the 990 much better than the 1290.

When I look at a 1290 I want to like it, better performance and all the rest of the improvements KTM has made, but it does not stir my soul like the 990 does. Sorry.

I agree. I keep on walking past 1290s in the local showroom and I just can't get enthusiastic about the design or the way they are built. My 990, like all KTMs made last decade, is pretty brutal and agricultural - but in a good way. It's made to not break like an off-road bike. The new 1290 is all plastic and cheap feeling with over-styled parts that just seem a bit tacky to me. Undoubtably a better performing bike than the old 990 but it doesn't make me want to own one and there is more to owning a bike than performance statistics.

Anyway, I'm not having a go at 1290s just glad to see that the 990 is still recognised as a great, iconic bike and I somehow doubt that the 1290 will be held in as high regard in 15 years time.

Typical hate from 990 owners. HAHAHAHAHA. jump on a 1290 and you will be like (What 990?)

You guys are only looking at it from a aesthetic point of view.
I owned both for 12 months and figures speak for themselves.
1290, 6000km
990, 500km
The 1290 does everything better, as it should but like the 990 in standard form it feels a bit lame.
Open pipe, Rotty PCV like the 990 transforms it into the hooligan bike we all love. Just don't expect that from a bike off the showroom floor.
Anyway you look at it, it is a far better looking bike than that ugly orange thing at the top of the page.
And Bic I think you are right, nothing after the 990 will be as iconic as that is.

Might be time for Linga to make those aluminium 990 tanks, but retrofit them to the 1290 frame then hang the tank panels on it.

I don't mind that render at all. I think it's the headlight assembly that has kept me from loving the 1290. Same sort of thing with how Ducati ruined the Monster line in my opinion.

Living in HK, maybe moving again, so have my 990 in storage. I miss it.

I rode the 1290 though and didn't have 3 times the price more fun. Maybe not even more fun even.

If KTM didn't refresh the 990 for 07+ I wouldn't have purchased one.

I'd be over at the AF1 forum talking about a Rotax 990 instead

I have my eyes upon a SD990R in mint condition, it's from 2011 with low millage.
Any problems with those bikez, known in this community?