The completely bonkers 1,195cc V-twin RC8 R was discontinued in 2015, and since then, KTM hasn’t actually had a correct, totally faired manufacturing sports activities bike. Till now.
The KTM 990 RC R comes as a supersport that was really launched as a road-legal race-replica in 2024. The undertaking was delayed by the brand’s financial troubles, however with manufacturing now again on observe, the 990 RC R has lastly damaged cowl.
With this supersport, KTM goals to bridge the hole between its smaller RC fashions (RC 125, 200, and 390) and the track-only RC 8C. Judging by its specs, it seems to be greater than able to doing simply that.
KTM
Powering the bike is the 947cc LC8c parallel-twin engine from the KTM 990 Duke, producing round 128 horsepower and almost 76 lb-ft (105.7 Nm) of torque. That is extra torque than each the Ducati Panigale V2 and Yamaha R9.
KTM has made a number of tweaks to the engine, revising the mapping to permit full 100% throttle opening. There’s additionally a brand new airbox built-in into the subframe with twin facet intakes, and a redesigned exhaust system that includes three lambda sensors to assist centralize mass.
That motor sits in a metal tube body designed for torsional stiffness. The stress die-cast aluminum subframe is 400 g (14 oz) lighter than the Duke’s, whereas the swingarm has been redesigned to boost grip and stability.
KTM
In true KTM style, the 990 RC R comes outfitted with WP suspension elements. Up entrance are totally adjustable 48-mm WP APEX forks with compression, rebound, and preload adjustment, providing 5.7 inches (147 mm) of journey. On the rear, a totally adjustable gas-assisted WP APEX shock gives 5.2 inches (134 mm) of journey, with each low- and high-speed compression and rebound adjustment.
Braking is dealt with by Brembo elements: twin HyPure four-piston calipers gripping twin 320-mm entrance discs, and a 240-mm rear disc. The wheels are the identical as these on the 1390 Tremendous Duke R (3.5-inch entrance and 5.5-inch rear), wrapped in Michelin Energy Cup 2 tires for good grip on each highway and observe.
The seat peak is 33.2 inches (845 mm), however with two-way adjustable footrests and clip-on handlebars, the ergonomics shouldn’t be overly punishing for a sportbike.
KTM
KTM has packed the 990 RC R with a full suite of contemporary electronics. Dominating the cockpit is an 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen show with an adjustable split-screen format and haptic switchcube controls.
The system presents 4 journey modes – Avenue, Sport, Rain, and Customized – plus an non-compulsory Observe mode. There are additionally 4 ABS settings: Avenue, Sport, Supermoto+, and Supermoto, permitting riders to fine-tune intervention ranges. Extra assists embrace traction management, wheelie management, and launch management.
There’s a transparent MotoGP affect within the design. The fairing incorporates a windscreen, aerodynamic deflector, and entrance winglets that present 28 lb (13 kg) of downforce at 149 mph (240 km/h) and 32 lb (15 kg) at 156 mph (251 km/h), in keeping with KTM.
KTM
KTM has introduced a base value of US$13,949, plus a $750 freight cost, with manufacturing set to start in November 2025. At that value, it sits neatly between the $16,495 Ducati Panigale V2 and $12,499 Yamaha R9, whereas arguably being essentially the most track-focused of the three.
For those who’re critical about observe days, the 990 RC R deserves a take a look at journey. The one query that continues to be: can it assist flip KTM’s fortunes round?
Supply: KTM
