2025 990 RC R

Ktm ugliness on steroid's, might be the bee's knee's to ride, but can't they make something that looks half decent too ? Maybe a more stylised paint job might improve things.
 
That is one fugly creation. When will KTM ditch their design studio in favour of one that doesn't put potential owners off what is probably a decent bike. They certainly have a brand image, unfortunately it's not one that buyers can stomach :sick:. Can anyone name a good looking KTM of the last few years? No wonder they struggling to sell any bikes. Presumably this bike will compete in WSS, success there (difficult) might tempt a few buyers who don't care what it looks like.
 
Looks good to me , especially after the latest bmw abortions

Obviously some will like it but KTM sales figures vs BMW will tell you what most think. KTM looks have got more 'challenging' over the years. The headlight cluster (not on the 990RC) and angular 'looks like it's been crashed already' Transformer toy looks definitely put most off what are probably OK bikes. I nearly bought a 990 SMT when they came out but even then the looks put me off and the looks have got more challenging since. What proportion of adults will want an orange bike?
 
… the looks have got more challenging since.
I don’t mind KTM looks, not all of the bikes make me feel enamoured, but not all of them are terrible looking.
What proportion of adults will want an orange bike?
I equally don’t mind a loud coloured bike.
I have always been quite reserved with my colour choices, be that clothing, shoes, vehicles, etc, but as I get older, I find colour makes me feel much better and more confident in myself. In fact since around 2014 Orange has somewhat become one of my liked colours.

As for owning another KTM, I am certainly weary of what their financial story yet has to unfold.

This 990 however, as it is the case with many other “race or sport” inspired bikes, hardly makes me feel aroused.
I’d label as, a machine with no purpose.
 
I quite liked the RC8. Nearly bought a white one years back when they were selling them off with massive discounts. The last white one had just been sold though and I didn't like the orange much.
Reality is I'd find a modern sport bike too uncomfortable now although I have no doubt I'd be amazed by the performance.
The point about KTM design made above is spot on though. I have had a couple , 950SMR and a 690SMR.
Now though I look in the local dealership that has loads and nothing appeals. Its orange or go home, broken lego styling or nowt. The graphics even look dull.
No variation for anyone not looking for exactly that.
They seriously limit their own market.
 
Yeah, I agree about the limited colour choice. My 1190adv and 790 Duke were only bought new bought as they were silver.
I had a 790ADV in orange but the novelty wore off pretty quickly
 
Yeah, I agree about the limited colour choice. My 1190adv and 790 Duke were only bought new bought as they were silver.
I had a 790ADV in orange but the novelty wore off pretty quickly

I bet if they did a limited edition 890 Duke with a round headlamp and sober paint scheme and graphics, it would sell like hot cakes. KTM really are missing a trick, it wouldn't cost them much to offer an alternative look that didn't make the eyes bleed, and would open up their range to loads more prospective buyers. Maybe that's what KTM were trying to do with the Husqvarna versions, but they weren't exactly conventional looking
 
That aero on the front is horrible and won't do anything for handling. They should have saved that for the RC track version.
 


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