Austrian firm KTM is back in action after some well-publicised financial woes at the end of last year. And it’s kicked off its 2026 road bike launch season with this, the very sweet-looking KTM 990 RC R supersports bike.
It’s a street version of the RC 8C machine which was initially launched as a track-only bike a couple of years back. But the 990 RC is a fully road legal bike with lights, although there will also be a circuit-only 990 RC R TRACK version released next year for racing and trackday fans.
The 990 RC is based on the same tech foundations as the Duke 990, with the LC8c parallel twin DOHC 8v liquid-cooled engine platform in a steel trellis frame. With a 947cc capacity, weighing just 57.2 kg the RC engine is derived from the Duke but with some important updates to make more peak power.
The engine is fully EURO5+ homologated and puts out a solid 130 PS at 9,500rpm with 103Nm at 6,750rpm – the Duke makes 122bhp and the same torque so there’s not a massive difference in performance from the naked roadster. Most of the upgrade comes from new mapping for the ride-by-wire fuel injection, as well as a new airbox integrated into the sub-frame with intakes strategically positioned on each side.
A new 8.6kg stainless-steel exhaust contributes to the centralized mass of the motorcycle, and three lambda sensors play a role in the complex configuration of the ignition system and the exhaust gases to properly optimise the fuelling, for low emissions and better running.
The chassis has been thoroughly overhauled though, and looks to be aimed at proper Supersport use with a weight distribution of 52.5%-47.5% front and rear, while geometry like the fork offset and the steering angle are different. KTM says the effect is for a planted, secure and agile handling sensation without overdoing the racing stance.
The swoopy full fairing, bodywork and fuel tank provide important contact points for both performance and comfort and there’s plenty of aerodynamic tweaks, with a front wing and swingarm-spoiler. The fairing itself is designed to provide downforce – up to 14.4kg at speed (156mph). But the slick orange panels also have plenty of vents and outlets to help with engine cooling.
The KTM 990 RC R steel trellis frame gives excellent stability and torsional stiffness profile and is matched to a brand new die-cast aluminium subframe, and there’s a revised linkage on the cast aluminium swingarm for optimised mechanical grip.
Add in the fully adjustable WP APEX suspension, Brembo Hypure brakes with dual 320mm front discs, Michelin Power Cup 2 tyres, and you have a pretty serious package. That suspension has a premium WP APEX Open Cartridge 48mm fully-adjustable USD fork with 147 mm travel.
KTM says the stock settings come from laps on a track but with consideration to what the rider might need or expect for the road and slightly more ‘give’. The fork has 30 clicks of modification for compression and rebound as well as preload adjustment.
Out back is a WP APEX linear gas-assisted shock, with 134 mm travel, is fully adjustable with 30 clicks for low- speed compression (three turns for high speed) and 30 for rebound. A sweet setup for sure – and it’s light too, with a 184kg dry mass and 195kg ready to ride.
The usual electronic rider aids are accessed via a new 8.8” horizontal TFT LCD dash, and all standard settings are now customisable. You get RAIN, STREET, SPORT, CUSTOM and an optional TRACK Mode which includes two additional full CUSTOM Modes. There’s also two optional upgrade packages available:
TRACK PACK
- Track Mode – optimized settings for closed-course riding
- 2 Custom Modes – personalize your setup even further
- Anti-Wheelie Control (5 levels + OFF) – precise wheelie control
- Launch Control – maximum acceleration off the line
- Lap Timer – measure and improve performance
- Telemetry Screen – at-a-glance rider data
- Adjustable Throttle Response – fine-tuned engine feel
- MTC Slip Adjuster – customizable traction control
TECH PACK
- TRACK PACK – all features available in the full TRACK PACK
- Cruise Control – relaxed long-distance riding
- Quickshifter+ – clutchless up and downshifts
- MSR (Motor Slip Regulation) – added stability under deceleration
- Adaptive Brake Light (not available in US market) – enhanced safety under hard braking
The new 990 RC R will be available in two colourways – orange or black – from £13,499, and the first units will be available from authorised KTM dealers in the UK from late November 2025. More info: www.ktm.co.uk