KTM made their bones with dirt bikes, but these days they’re just as well known for their wild street bikes. Their hit list includes models like the KTM 990 Supermoto?a 999.8 cc v-twin motard with aggressive lines and decent components.
First released in 2008, it came in two variants: the purist 990 SMR, and later the more touring-focused 990 SMT. The SMT was still a goer, but weighed more and looked weird, thanks to its deeply stepped seat and its nose fairing. But hobby builder Nick Murray’s fixed all that.

Based in Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, Nick’s worked as both an electrical and mechanical engineer. And it shows in the way he’s pieced this wily KTM together.
At a glance, it looks more like a well-sorted track machine than a custom. But put it next to a stock example, and it’s immediately clear how much work went into it. Look even closer, and you’ll notice the carbon fiber weave in the bodywork, and the host of smaller tweaks that are sprinkled throughout.
But what prompted him to build it in the first place" ?Short answer: because I could,? he quips. ?I already had a 690 cc supermoto, which despite several performance upgrades still needed more power.?
?In 2019 I happened upon a 2011 KTM 990 SMT. I loved the power but hated the weight and looks, and I’m not gonna lie, I was inspired by Max Hazan’s 950 SMR build that Bike EXIF featured a few years back. And so, after 18 months of nights and ...