KTM RC R 990 2026 — Specifications

The RC R 990 road bike has been a long time coming, but here it finally is. Following the RC 890 C, an authentic track bike dedicated solely to circuit enjoyment, KTM is allowing itself a muscular return to the road with this sporty, aggressive, and somewhat reluctant to compromise machine.

It was more than time that Katoche offered a proper sports bike usable outside of vibration platforms. It’s been a long time since the RC8 hypersports were abandoned; and what a strange philosophy to offer 125s and 400s as representatives of speed when competing in MotoGP.

Since the 1390, Mattighofen’s design has drifted towards an unprecedented insectivorous beastliness. Conversely, the RC aims to be much wiser, more consensual, while still maintaining a degree of kinship with its predecessor. Winglets are present and unavoidable but less prominent than those of the 890 – They are intended to provide more than 14 kg of downforce at 252 km/h. The fork head is incisive, the appearance assured, the dynamism engaged. However, it is easy to guess that the turn signals and passenger seat were added 30 seconds before completing the file.

The RC R 990 borrows the engine from the 990 Duke, a 947 cm3 parallel-twin cylinder present in the range since 2024. Very compact and lightweight (57 kg), the LC8c benefits from an engine mapping more suited to the sporty character of its chassis. It produces here 130 horsepower at 9500 rpm, 7 hp more than the Duke… But no more or less than the Duke R. And searching further, it’s even less peaky than the engine of the former RC 8 C (which was much more developed for the track, to be fair).

Okay, 130 horsepower and a chassis designed for aggressive cornering is already very promising. But we would have appreciated more power, a more testosterone-fueled emphasis, a more robust force, to mark the difference. The Yamaha R9 has already done this, and some people frowned at a CP3 identical to that of the MT-09. Including me.

To wring the most out of this twin in different ways, the electronics coach it through 4 Riding Modes (Standard / Rain / Street / Sport), a cornering ABS and a traction control informed by the IMU. The quickshifter? It’s an optional extra (scandalous!).

To get the best out of it, you need (again and always) to go through the options sector. There’s the “Track Pack” with Custom (1 and 2) Modes and Track, offering much more possibilities.

Track unlocks Launch Control, a telemetry screen, wheelie control with 5 levels of adjustment, the same for throttle response, customization of traction control, and 4 levels of ABS intervention:

Also available is the “Tech Pack,” with the Up&Down quickshifter, cruise control, intelligent brake lights, and engine slip regulation.

The two packs are active from the purchase of the motorcycle and for 1500 km. After that, you have to pay up or do without.

The electronics also include a very large 8.8-inch TFT screen where the gear engaged is the priority information, several display themes, call or music control, a GPS navigation system, and a whole host of riding-related data.

Riding is first and foremost settling in and settling in as best as possible on your machine. The RC R 990 has adjustable footrests (17 mm in height and 25 mm in width), fully adjustable APEX suspension, and a tank facilitating the rider’s movement around them.

The reinforced and minimalist steel frame, where the engine contributes to rigidity, holds a new molded aluminum rear structure, a 48 mm WP inverted fork, a WP shock with all adjustments including two for compression (high and low speed), an aluminum swingarm, and the latest generation of Brembo Hypure brake calipers and Michelin Power Cup 2 tires – Enough to do a track session directly. These tires are mounted on wheels borrowed from the 1390 SuperDuke R.

The RC’s geometry favors weight on the front for improved maneuverability, while 320 mm discs, aided by 4-piston radial calipers and a PR16/19-21 radial master cylinder, should allow for cannon braking.

In terms of weight, the Austrian remains under 200 kg but we hoped for better; especially those who have ridden the RC 8 C and its 142 kg dry weight.

KTM will offer the 990 RC R TRACK from February 2026, a 100% track machine designed to offer raw performance straight from the factory. Available to order from KTM dealers, this version is not a simple conversion: it is lightened of all superfluous elements and equipped with components dedicated to the track (simplified dashboard, specific electronics, ABS module removal, direct hoses, gearbox optimized for the track, etc.). Complete technical details will be revealed in February 2026.

Finally, KTM will launch the KTM 990 RC R CUP in Europe in the spring of 2026. This championship is designed for riders who want to go beyond track days, with an accessible formula and without the pressure of racing against seasoned professionals. KTM riders will be present at each round to share their advice and support participants in their progress. This manufacturer’s cup will be open to road-homologated versions and the 990 RC R TRACK, with a maximum of 35 riders and 6 races on the program.

M.B. - Photos manufacturer