I've not found a lot of info either way although what I have found would suggest that the OEM coolant hoses for the 990 aren't all that great.

That said, for the past 2 years at least 2 of my hoses have been seeping / wicking coolant out so I'm changing them out this winter mod season.

The Samco silicone ones are reported to be vastly better, but expensive. Any opinions on them and suggested dealers in North America (there doesn't seem to be much in Canada)?

Cheers

I found nothing wrong with the OE hoses, it's the hose clamps that are shit.
I replaced them with decent stainless ones on the 990 and I never had a coolant leak anywhere.

On the other hand the samco hoses are excellent quality and look good too. (and probably cheaper too than OEM)

One of the hoses that is seeping has had the clamps replaced with SS worm gear clamps. Further, the seepage appears to be through the fibres in the hose, not the seal itself... more of a wicking action.

Samco it is then!

I had a coolant leak in one of mine, And since they are all the same age and starting to look swelled/ratty I decided to just replace them all. New OEM with clamps priced out at $220! ktmtwins.com has the samcos with clamps for $240. Highway robbery for 7 little hoses either way but what are you going to do? I haven't received them yet but silicone seems to be pretty much universally regarded as better and Samco looks reputable. I'm sure you know this but just in case you haven't heard flush the system as well as you can. Mine had a ridiculous amount of sand in it.