The 990 is a little bit special, due mainly to it only selling in small numbers but also due to it's styling, ability, sound etc.
Most avid bikers here in the UK know about them and react a certain way when you mention you have one, as bikes go it is a little bit different, or at least was when launched.

They are harder to find used and cost more than an equivalent aged/sized jap bike.
Would you say they are on a par with, or better than Ducati's of similar age/type?

The 1290 is frankly a production line bike now as it sells well.... but there are much fewer 990's around.. will this alone make it a bike to hang on to?

I went to a large bike meeting last week, there were a few KTM's there, mainly bigger stuff like the ADV's.
I saw a couple of 1290 SD's but only one 990 SD (1st shape), I didn't have mine there sadly.

Incidentally before buying mine (last September) I test road a CB1000r, which was nice but the SD got my money... yesterday I noticed the CB is still at the dealers, obviously it was over priced then, and has since been reduced but it just goes to show, we're almost 1/2 way into our riding season. That CB should have sold in April.

Not a classic already but a future classic indeed. Not many sold and good reviews allround help to that feeling

Maybe like we like old time norton's?

I don't think so.

The bike has got a very personal design, 10 years and doesn't look old for me.

For sure that you love your bike but for me classic at the future should be bikes like a Ducati Desmosedici (another level)

Comrades: I think the 990 will become (is) a classic for the period. It is well known as the hoon's bike and the weapon of choice for those engaged in robbing jewelery shops. Further, I think the slabby nosed originals will become the real collectors items despite the fact that that headlight is a bit ugly compared to the 2007+ models. Small production numbers always adds to the attraction. Buy um while you can...

If I could have afforded to keep my old 990 I surely would. Always stood out amongst many bikes and being the rare white model it for some reason drew a crowd. In my opinion it will definitely be something to watch and if pampered will not lose any money. The RC8 is already meant to be a future investment. Just check out some prices of bikes you might have owned 20 plus years ago....... Frightening.

Saw the 990 appear on a list of future collectables recently for all of the reasons stated above.
Most bikes seem to take 30 years to hit the point where they will make money.
So the real issue is that the "future" for them will be in about 2035. Can you afford to keep one for another 20 years and not ride it to make it an worthwhile investment.
Probably not.