Itchy throttle hands can lose the anxiety. The 2026 KTM 990 RC R is coming closer. KTM’s principal Supersport orientated motorcycle is ready to widen the thrills of the street and narrow the margins for lap-times for track days and races.
The KTM 990 RC R is a high-spec and refined ‘RC’ temptation for riders that like to quicken the pulse but is also engineered with the ergonomics for day-to-day use and offers the best of both domains. The model is the elevated base of the new KTM 990 RC R ‘platform’ that will reset the perception of performance, style and fun in the next generation Supersport segment.
The KTM 990 RC R is the natural extension of the KTM RC line-up and has been years in the making with a wealth of data garnered by KTM’s Research and Development as well as aerodynamic data from their Motorsport program. Fabricated and assembled in Austria, the bike has a purpose-built steel chassis (and diecast aluminum subframe) with primed front end feel and stiffness that is felt under acceleration for assuring stability but is still honed for agility. The 57kg EURO5+ ready LC8c engine cranks out 103 Nm torque and 130 PS to get away from any traffic light like it was the front row of the grid.
Sporting DNA is immediately transparent through the aesthetic of the KTM 990 RC R with the wind-tunneled aerodynamics, 320 mm Brembo 4-piston caliper HyPure brakes, attuned bodywork, WP APEX suspension and 8,8” TFT dash that reveals the Ride Modes: RAIN, STREET, SPORT, and CUSTOM. Optional Ride Modes include TRACK and two more CUSTOM Modes and telemetry such as lean angle and throttle opening rates for acceleration as well as the advanced four standard ABS Modes: STREET, SPORT, SUPERMOTO+ and SUPERMOTO ABS.
The specs of the KTM 990 RC R are a clear indication of the racing genesis of the project but KTM’s goal is to offer an effective and appealing motorcycle for riders that want to turn heads on street corners. This is evident through the riding position that is READY TO RACE but dialed for longer time at the grips. The six-point ergonomics contact patch gives comfy support for knees, arms and hands and adjustable footrests will accommodate taller or shorter users. Weight has been trimmed where possible and practicality augmented by details such as the hefty 16 L fuel tank that should provide a good range.
The KTM 990 RC R will be coming off production lines in October 2025 and soon after the slipstream begins from authorized KTM dealers.
