Despite the financial turmoil at the headquarters, the 2026 KTM 990 RC R makes its debut on the international supersport motorcycle market. The 990 RC R is the fifth in a long line of KTM sports bikes to bear the designation, the last of which was the track-only KTM RC 8C.
The ‘R’ designation is not used lightly, as across all KTM products the 990 RC R is “ready to race”. This is reflected in the fully adjustable suspension, two-position footpegs, clip-ons, high ground clearance, short wheelbase and high seat height.
The chassis and ergonomics are aimed at super sports use; the 990 RC R has a front-rear weight distribution of 52.5% – 47.5%. Likewise, the bodywork is designed to provide downforce while cooling the engine with carefully placed vents and cutouts.
The stability and torsional stiffness of the chassis have been improved by a new subframe, while the swingarm suspension improves grip on the rear wheel. The 990 RC R has been homologated for street use and is scheduled for production this month, with a track-only version due in early 2026.
For engine power, the 990 RC R uses KTM’s LC8c twin-cylinder mill, which produces 130 hp at 9,500 rpm with a peak torque of 103 Nm at 6,750 rpm, and meets Euro 5+ emissions standards. The engine comes with an air box integrated into the cast aluminum subframe, with intakes on either side of the 990 RC R.
The suspension comes from WP, with Apex Open Cartridge, fully adjustable upside-down forks with a diameter of 48 mm and a travel of 147 mm. The monoshock is a WP Apex with 134mm travel, fully adjustable with 30 clicks for low-speed compression (3 turns for high-speed) and 30 for rebound.
The braking system comes from Brembo, with four-piston HyPure radial-mount calipers acting on two 320mm diameter Brembo floating discs. The RC R’s braking components come in a black anodized finish with a red painted Brembo logo.
The 990 RC R also gets an extensive electronics suite with two optional modules, or Packs as KTM calls them: Track and Tech. The Track Pack gives the riding modes a track mode with two additional custom modes: anti-wheelie control, launch control, lap timer, telemetry screen, adjustable throttle response and customizable traction control.
By adding the Tech Pack you get all the features of the Track Pack plus cruise control, quickshifter, engine slip control and adaptive brake light. This is combined with the four standard modes Rain, Street, Sport and Custom.
Driving information is displayed on an 8.8-inch TFT-LCD touchscreen with 256 colors, coated with anti-glare, anti-fingerprint and anti-glare. A handlebar-mounted shift cube and joystick control screen functions including music, map navigation, telemetry and a lap timer, using the KTMConnect app, while a tire pressure monitor is optional.
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