New 990 SDR owner - bike stalling

Hello everyone.

After spending the last 2.5 years without a bike, I decided it was time to find another. Picked up a used 08 990R and it ran great at the test ride, though showed signs of neglect (nearly black clutch fluid). Got it home ~20 miles without a hiccup. I decided to take it out later that night and it started to idle very roughly and would stall at several lights before I was able to get it home.

I took it to a highly rated KTM dealer to have them check it out and do some maintenance. Their initial diagnosis was because of the "full" exhaust system (Remus slip on) and aftermarket air filter (Moto Hooligan air box), it was not running optimally and was likely the reason it would stall. I don't really buy it... but had the shop change out the plugs, check valves, test battery, flush brake/clutch fluids, and a few other minor checks. The bike did run significantly better for the next 100 miles and the dealer did mention the battery connection was loose, which I think is the most likely culprit of the bike stalling when I'm stopped and start letting the clutch out in 1st. Anyhow, it stalled on me again after the initial warm up. It seems to be less stall prone after the bike is COMPLETELY warmed up.

Anyone have suggestions on what else to look out for? The seller did include a sort of tuning plug/cable and I did a bit of research on Tune ECU, but will need to look into it more. Is there an idle adjuster?


TLDR: bought used bike. Idles rough and stalls. Dealer blames aftermarket exhaust and air filter.

Where are you based?

Try trimming the HTs and either changing the suppressors Or at least spraying them with an Anti H2O.

Even in Cal.

The change in temp between Night and Day causes moisture build up.

Have had similar problems with my 690 but more to do with localised weather as opposed to climate

Can't help much but hello from another so cal SD rider.

There are many threads on here re stalling and it could be any number of issues.

Any fault codes (flashing FI light)? Read up on TuneECU, get it hooked up and check TPS voltage. Search BGC here and clean, dry and pack it with diaelectric grease. Check clutch switch under clutch lever (download Rebuild manusl on here re procedure). Check sidestand switch (ditto).

Others will chime in with other possible causes that I can't remember off top of my head.

Does it have the right map for those engine mods? Check the tuneecu thread...

Appreciate all the input.
After another 100 miles or so, my bike just wouldn't start. It would get one solid crank and gauge would reset.
Read through a bunch of pages here... went over cables and connectors, had the battery charged and tested, everything appeared to be fine. I thought I'd replace the battery anyway, but the thought of pissing away almost $200 on a Yuasa after being told my old battery was fine would've been even more upsetting. I threw in the towel and had a different local shop check it out. From some of the threads here, I thought it might be regulator rectifier. The shop called me back and said it's the battery...
Sure enough... The SDR fires up like new.

Now my only hesitation is the shop threw in a lithium battery, even though I told them to put in a Yuasa. I've seen some less than stellar reviews from some members here with the Shorai and the one installed in my bike is a brand I've never heard of. After a day, I've got no complaints, but I'm worried about it's reliability or melting.

I'd be worried too. I am not convinced of any other battery than the original Yuasa. I would go back and have them install the correct battery.

Buy the OE Yuasa, same battery fitted to ST1300 and other models, from a Honda dealer - much cheaper than KTM.

I have a shorai in my SDR 990. I’ve hade it for 2 years and never an issue. I live in Florida where the low winter temps are non existent. Bic in the uk had issues I think related to cold weather.