Itchy throttle hands can lose the anxiety. The 2026 KTM 990 RC R is coming closer. KTM’s principal Supersport orientated motorcycle is ready to amplify adrenaline on the street and shave tenths on track.
The KTM 990 RC R is KTM’s refined, high-specification and performance-focused Supersport machine that delivers heart-pounding excitement while remaining practical for everyday riding, thanks to its thoughtful ergonomics. As the foundation of the new KTM 990 RC R ‘platform’, it redefines what riders can expect in terms of style, performance, and fun in the next generation of the Supersport segment.
As the natural extension of the KTM RC line-up, the KTM 990 RC R has been years in the making, developed with a wealth of data garnered by KTM’s Research and Development, as well as aerodynamics information obtained from its Motorsport programme. Fabricated and assembled in Austria, the bike features a purpose-built steel chassis and diecast aluminum subframe. This delivers a responsive front-end feel and firm stiffness under acceleration, ensuring stability while remaining finely tuned for agility. The 57kg EURO5+ ready LC8c engine cranks out 103 Nm torque and 130 PS allowing riders to launch away from traffic lights like they were on the front row of the grid.
The KTM 990 RC R instantly showcases its sporting DNA through a design shaped by wind-tunnel-tested aerodynamics. With 320 mm Brembo four-piston HyPure caliper brakes, race-inspired bodywork, WP APEX suspension, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen TFT dash that provides access to standard Ride Modes – RAIN, STREET, SPORT and CUSTOM – it’s clear this machine is engineered to balance both form and function. Four advanced ABS Modes are also included as standard: STREET, SPORT, SUPERMOTO+ and SUPERMOTO ABS. Three optional Ride Modes – TRACK and two CUSTOM variants – are available as part of the TRACK PACK and TECH PACK software enhancements, along with telemetry such as lean angle and throttle opening rates.
The specification of the KTM 990 RC R is a clear indication of the project’s racing genesis, but KTM’s goal is also to offer an effective and appealing motorcycle for riders that also want to turn heads on street corners, which becomes evident once the rider takes position in the cockpit. The six-point ergonomics contact patch gives comfortable support for knees, arms and hands, allowing longer time behind the bars, with adjustable footrests accommodating riders of all sizes. Weight has been trimmed where possible and practicality augmented by details such as the 16 litre fuel tank which provides a good range.
Riaan Neveling, MANAGER KTM GLOBAL MARKETING: “At KTM we like the fast-paced life and the KTM 990 RC R is a bike that we’ve been impatient to show for some time now. Why? Through all our model segments and strong technology, we know we’ve been missing that motorcycle that gets a certain type of rider excited. We kick ass when it comes to Naked bikes, Adventure bikes and, of course, Offroad, among others but this is the expression we’ve wanted to deliver for some time. It’s our link to all the efforts to the RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING MotoGP project and our outlet for the sea of information and data that has come the way of our Mattighofen R&D experts.”
The KTM 990 RC R will be available in two colourways – orange or black – and will retail for £13,499. The first units will be available from authorised KTM dealers in the UK from late November 2025.
For more information on the KTM 990 RC R, click HERE. The KTM 990 RC R’s journey to realisation has been charted from discussions to design to delivery in a special video series on Youtube
KTM has always stayed true to its READY TO RACE core, and the dedicated track rider is no exception. Arriving in February 2026, the KTM 990 RC R TRACK is set to make its debut – a pure, track-only machine engineered to deliver performance straight from the Mattighofen production line. Available to order through authorised KTM dealers, the KTM 990 RC R TRACK is far more than a street bike conversion. Stripped of unnecessary components and fitted with essentials for serious track use – including a reduced dashboard, dedicated electronics, removed ABS modulator, direct brake lines, a track-optimised gearbox, and more – it’s built to bring riders closer to the apex from day one. Full technical details of this new model will be revealed in early February 2026.
In addition, KTM is set to launch the KTM 990 RC R CUP in Europe during spring 2026. Designed for riders looking to progress beyond standard track days, the KTM 990 RC R CUP offers an accessible entry point into racing without the pressure of competing against seasoned professionals. To further elevate the experience, professional KTM riders will be present at each round, sharing insights and mentoring participants to sharpen their skills on track. The KTM 990 RC R CUP will be open to both the street-homologated version and the dedicated KTM 990 RC R TRACK model. For more info about the CUP go to KTM.com.
* Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you click on the link and make a purchase. Any money made goes straight back into the website and magazine. Your support is appreciated!
