Despite financial turmoil at its headquarters, the 2026 KTM 990 RC R makes its debut in the international supersports bike market. The 990 RC R is the fifth in a long line of KTM sports bikes carrying the designation, the last of which was the track only KTM RC 8C.
The ‘R’ designation is not used lightly, as with all KTM products the 990 RC R is “ready to race”. This is seen in the fully adjustable suspension, dual-position footrests, clip-ons, tall ground clearance, short wheelbase and tall seat height.
The chassis and ergonomics are biased to supersports use, the 990 RC R having a fore-aft weight distribution of 52.5% – 47.5%. Similarly, the bodywork is designed to provide downforce, while simultaneously providing cooling for the engine with carefully positioned vents and cut outs.
Chassis stability and torsional stiffness are enhanced with a new sub-frame, while the swingarm suspension linkage promotes rear wheel grip. The 990 RC R is homologated for street use and slated for production this month, with a track use only version set for release in early 2026.
For engine power, 990 RC R uses KTM’s LC8c two-cylinder mill, producing 130 PS at 9,500 rpm with a maximum torque of 103 Nm at 6,750 rpm, and is Euro 5+ emissions compliant. The engine comes with an air box integrated into the die-cast aluminium sub-frame, with intakes positioned to either side of the 990 RC R.
Suspension is taken from WP, with Apex Open Cartridge 48 mm diameter fully adjustable upside-down forks with 147 mm travel. The monoshock is a WP Apex with 134 mm suspension travel, fully adjustable with 30 clicks for low-speed compression (3 turns for high speed) and 30 for rebound.
Braking is from Brembo, with HyPure four-piston radial mount callipers acting on twin 320 mm diameter floating Brembo discs. Braking components on the RC R come in a black anodised finish with a red painted Brembo logo.
The 990 RC R also gets a comprehensive electronics suite with two optional modules, or Packs as KTM calls it – Track and Tech. The Track Pack gives track mode to the ride modes line up with two additional custom modes, anti wheelie control, launch control, lap timer, telemetry screen, adjustable throttle response and customisable traction control.
Adding the Tech Pack gives all the functions of the Track Pack plus cruise control, quickshifter, motor slip regulation and adaptive brake light. This combines with the four standard modes of Rain, Street, Sport and Custom.
Riding information is displayed on a 8.8-inch 256 colour TFT-LCD touchscreen coated with anti-reflection, anti-fingerprint and anti-glare. A handlebar mounted switch cube and joystick controls screen functions, including music, map navigation, telemetry and a lap-timer, using the KTMConnect app, while a tyre pressure monitor is optional.
Source: 2026 KTM 990 RC R enters supersports bike market
