KTM’s been teasing a road-going supersport missile for years now. No more concept talk, no more spy shots, the 2026 KTM 990 RC R has been unleashed. It’s not just a Duke with fairings and it’s not pretending to be an everyday commuter. They tell us that what you’re looking at is a race-ready machine that you can register and ride on your favourite breakfast run… before turning off the traction control and chasing apexes at your local race track.
ENGINE.
It’s the familiar 947cc LC8c parallel twin, but tuned to rev faster, hit harder, and survive a weekend at the race track. It pushes out a claimed 94 kW and 103 Nm.
Throttle bodies are all-new, with a 100% open throttle strategy across most ride modes. KTM also reworked oil routing and engine covers to improve cooling and compactness. It’s still a stressed member in the frame, which keeps mass down and stiffness up.
SUSPENSION.
KTM has fitted fully adjustable WP APEX 48mm open-cartridge forks up front, and a proper linkage-mounted rear shock out back, both with full adjustability: preload, rebound, and high- and low-speed compression.
BRAKES & WHEELS.
Brembo is on the spec sheet — and not just the name, but proper kit. The 990 RC R runs dual 320mm discs with 4-piston Brembo HyPurE calipers up front. Rear is a 240mm single disc setup.
The wheels are cast aluminium, not forged and those are wrapped in sticky Michelin Power Cup 2s. That’s legit track-day rubber from the factory.
CHASSIS.
KTM has stuck with their chromoly steel frame, using the engine as a stressed member. The die-cast aluminium swingarm is stiffer than before, and the weight bias is 52.5% front / 47.5% rear.
Dry weight is a claimed mere 184kg, which is a really good figure for bikes in this class. Wheelbase is 1,481mm, ground clearance 163mm.
This is not a soft, easy-going road bike. It wants you on your toes and it’ll reward you for it.
ERGONOMICS.
This isn’t a full race tuck torture rack. KTM’s gone hard with six contact points in the tank and bodywork to let you lock in with your knees, thighs and hips. The clip-ons are low but not unbearable and the footpegs are adjustable, standard position for the road, and 25mm back and 17mm higher for track work.
The seat height is 845mm, so average-sized riders may need a stretch at the lights. The tank is reshaped for easier transitions and less helmet-to-screen interference. KTM has also redesigned the switchgear for better feel, calling it the “Switchcube”.
ELECTRONICS.
Front and centre is an 8.8-inch landscape TFT display, anti-glare and fingerprint-resistant. It shows the usual data, plus lap timers, lean angles, G-forces and maps (if you opt in). It even splits info like a race dash, one screen for engine data, another for track telemetry.
The 6D IMU feeds everything from cornering ABS to lean-sensitive traction control, wheelie control, launch control, and even motor slip regulation. You get four ride modes standard (Rain, Street, Sport, Custom), and if you go for the optional Track Pack, you unlock Track and Pro modes with even finer control.
Quickshifter+, cruise control, slip adjuster, anti-wheelie with five levels (plus off), multiple throttle maps… it’s a full electronics suite. Whether you use it or turn everything off and try to be a hero is up to you.
TRACK-READY.
They tell us that this isn’t “track-inspired” marketing speak. KTM also offers a Track Edition: A stripped-down, modulator-free ABS, lighter, direct brake lines, full rearsets, and no number plate holder. It’s basically ready to roll onto pit lane.
