Now Reading: 2026 KTM 990 RC R: The Supersport Revival We’ve Been Waiting For
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2026 KTM 990 RC R: The Supersport Revival We’ve Been Waiting For
KTM has finally pulled the wraps off the 2026 KTM 990 RC R, its first full-fledged Supersport machine in over a decade — and it’s set to bring the brand’s Ready to Race DNA straight from MotoGP to the road.
A Supersport for the Real World
The 990 RC R fills a long-standing gap in KTM’s lineup, sitting between the smaller RC range (125, 200, 390) and the track-only RC 8C. It’s built for riders who crave the aggression of a track bike but need something that can handle daily roads too.
Powering the bike is KTM’s 947cc LC8c parallel-twin engine, putting out 130 PS at 9,500 rpm and 103 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. The engine, derived from the 990 Duke, gets new mapping, a redesigned airbox, and a stainless-steel exhaust for sharper throttle response and mass centralization. Despite the performance focus, it meets Euro 5+ emissions standards and promises improved fuel efficiency.
Chassis, Design, and Tech That Mean Business
Underneath the striking bodywork sits a new steel frame with a pressure die-cast aluminum subframe and a redesigned swingarm for a balance of agility and stability. Suspension comes from WP Apex 48 mm fully adjustable forks and a gas-assisted rear shock, both tuned for spirited riding on road and track.
Braking is handled by top-spec Brembo HyPure calipers biting on 320 mm dual front discs, with four ABS modes — including Supermoto and Sport — allowing everything from road safety to controlled rear-wheel slides.
Electronics are headlined by a massive 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen, new haptic switchgear, and multiple riding modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Custom, and Track). Two optional packs — Track Pack and Tech Pack — unlock launch control, telemetry, anti-wheelie settings, and quickshifter functions.
Aerodynamics and Everyday Practicality
The 990 RC R’s fairing is shaped using wind tunnel data from KTM’s MotoGP program, producing up to 14.4 kg of downforce at 252 km/h. The wings and vents aren’t just for show — they add stability, cooling, and style.
Ergonomics have been refined for both street and circuit use, with adjustable footrests, clip-ons, and a sculpted 15.7-litre fuel tank offering six different contact points for optimal rider support. The 845 mm seat height and two-position pegs make it adaptable for riders of various builds.
The RC R rolls on Michelin Power Cup 2 tires, with lightweight wheels borrowed from the 1390 Super Duke R.
What’s Next
The KTM 990 RC R will go into production in October 2025, arriving first in Europe. A track-only version, the 990 RC R Track, will debut in February 2026, stripped of road equipment and tuned purely for circuit performance.
For buyers, KTM is offering a 4-year premium warranty and access to nearly 100 PowerParts from Akrapovič exhausts to aerodynamic upgrades — to make each bike truly personal.
With its mix of MotoGP engineering and real-world usability, the 990 RC R might just reignite the mid-capacity Supersport scene — and remind everyone why orange still means fast.
