Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
After years of teasing and prototypes, KTM has finally unveiled the 990 RC R — a fully faired, track-honed sportbike that signals the company’s long-awaited return to the supersport segment.
This is the first large capacity sportbike since the legendary RC8 that stopped production back in 2015.
Priced at $13,499 MSRP and built around the same 947cc LC8c parallel-twin platform as the 990 Duke, KTM claims 128 horsepower and 76 lb-ft of torque from the liquid-cooled twin, housed in a chrome-moly steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed member.
Power delivery is channeled through a six-speed gearbox with an optional quickshifter, the electronics suite offering multiple ride modes, cornering ABS, traction control, and a launch control function.
The 990 RC R’s performance numbers place it squarely in the middleweight supersport class—enough to challenge the likes of Yamaha’s MT-09-derived R9 and Ducati’s Panigale V2 on both road and circuit.
Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable WP Apex components—a massive 48mm open-cartridge fork and a matching rear shock—while braking is taken care of by twin 320mm front discs with top-spec radially mounted four-piston Brembo Hypure calipers, the same calipers found on the Ducati Panigale V4 S and R.
The chassis geometry and ergonomics have been purpose-built for aggression: mid-mounted clip-ons, high rearsets, and adjustable pegs allow riders to fine-tune their position for track use.
Visually, the 990 RC R is unmistakably KTM. Angular bodywork, aerodynamic winglets straight off their MotoGP bike, and a sharp LED headlight design give it a menacing stance.
The 33.2 in. seat height reinforces its race-ready posture, while the spectacular 8.8-inch TFT—by far the largest and most expansive in the class—make electronic adjustments easy and rider-friendly.
Expected to arrive as a 2026 model, the KTM 990 RC R marks a major comeback for the Austrian brand’s supersport ambitions. We got a day on the road and one on the Circuito de Sevilla to test out KTM’s new and very important baby.
After years of teasing and prototypes, KTM has finally unveiled the 990 RC R — a fully faired, track-honed sportbike that signals the company’s long-awaited return to the supersport segment.
This is the first large capacity sportbike since the legendary RC8 that stopped production back in 2015.
Priced at $13,499 MSRP and built around the same 947cc LC8c parallel-twin platform as the 990 Duke, KTM claims 128 horsepower and 76 lb-ft of torque from the liquid-cooled twin, housed in a chrome-moly steel frame that uses the engine as a stressed member.
Power delivery is channeled through a six-speed gearbox with an optional quickshifter, the electronics suite offering multiple ride modes, cornering ABS, traction control, and a launch control function.
The 990 RC R’s performance numbers place it squarely in the middleweight supersport class—enough to challenge the likes of Yamaha’s MT-09-derived R9 and Ducati’s Panigale V2 on both road and circuit.
Suspension duties are handled by fully adjustable WP Apex components—a massive 48mm open-cartridge fork and a matching rear shock—while braking is taken care of by twin 320mm front discs with top-spec radially mounted four-piston Brembo Hypure calipers, the same calipers found on the Ducati Panigale V4 S and R.
The chassis geometry and ergonomics have been purpose-built for aggression: mid-mounted clip-ons, high rearsets, and adjustable pegs allow riders to fine-tune their position for track use.
Visually, the 990 RC R is unmistakably KTM. Angular bodywork, aerodynamic winglets straight off their MotoGP bike, and a sharp LED headlight design give it a menacing stance.
The 33.2 in. seat height reinforces its race-ready posture, while the spectacular 8.8-inch TFT—by far the largest and most expansive in the class—make electronic adjustments easy and rider-friendly.
Expected to arrive as a 2026 model, the KTM 990 RC R marks a major comeback for the Austrian brand’s supersport ambitions. We got a day on the road and one on the Circuito de Sevilla to test out KTM’s new and very important baby.
