Under the motto “Never Stop”, KTM has just officially launched its new 990 RC R 2026a model that is positioned as the flagship of the Austrian brand’s supersport motorcycles thanks to its high performance and refined aerodynamics, without giving up the ergonomics necessary for daily use, offering the best of both worlds.
Developed over years, with a large amount of information collected by KTM’s Research and Development department, as well as aerodynamic data extracted from its competition program, the bike has a steel chassis (and a cast aluminum subframe) specifically designed to offer a feeling of rigidity at the front that is noticeable in acceleration, also guaranteeing stability, without losing an iota of agility.
KTM 990 RC R 2026 in detail
The new 990 RC R 2026 is presented equipped with everything necessary to delight those who love sports motorcycles. Starting with its LC8c engine, in compliance with the EURO5+ regulations, with a weight of 57 kg. This is associated with a 6-speed gearbox and develops, according to official data provided by the brand itself, a pair of 103 Nm at 6,750 rpm and 130 HP of power.
The sporting DNA is immediately evident in the aesthetics of the KTM 990 RC R, with its wind tunnel-tested aerodynamics. For the cycle part, the brand has not spared the slightest, including Brembo HyPure brakes, with 320 mm front discs and 4-piston radial calipers, as well as a complete set of WP APEX suspensions. Within the standard equipment, the 990 RC R has, among others, an 8.8-inch TFT instrumentation screen that shows the driving modes: Rain, Street, Sport and Custom.
In addition, the optional driving modes have the Track option and two more Custom modes, as well as telemetry data. Here we are offered information on the lean angle and throttle opening rates during acceleration, in addition to four advanced ABS modes as standard: Street, Sport, Supermoto+ and Supermoto ABS. In short, KTM’s goal is to offer an efficient and attractive motorcycle for its future owners.
This is evident in the riding position adjusted to spend maximum time on the handlebars. Six points of contact surface provide comfortable support for knees, arms and hands, and adjustable footpegs fit users of all sizes. Weight has been reduced where possible and functionality has been increased with details such as the generous 16 liter fuel tankwhich should provide good autonomy.
Riaan NevelingKTM Global Brand Director, said: “At KTM we like to live life at a fast pace and the KTM 990 RC R is a bike we’ve been wanting to showcase for some time. Why? Across all our model segments and our strong technology, we knew we were missing that bike that excites a certain type of rider.”
Concludes: “We are the best when it comes to naked bikes, adventure bikes and, of course, Offroad, among others, but this is the expression we have wanted to offer for a long time. It is our link to all the efforts of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MotoGP project and our response to the sea of information and data that has come from there to our R&D experts in Mattighofen”. The KTM 990 RC R will roll off the production lines at the end of 2025 and will begin marketing shortly after in the official KTM dealer network.
The KTM 990 RC R also in track version
KTM has also announced its most racing variant of the model, the 990 RC R Track, a pure machine, designed exclusively for the track, offering performance straight from the Mattighofen production line. Stripped of unnecessary components and equipped with the essentials for intensive use on the circuit.
This includes reduced instrumentation, specific electronics, eliminated ABS modulator, direct brake lines, a track-optimized gear change and much more, it has been created to take riders to maximum lean angles from day one. All the complete technical details of this new model will be announced in early February 2026.
Additionally, KTM plans 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 gateway to racing without the pressure of competing against seasoned professionals.
To further maximize the experience, professional KTM riders will be present at each test, sharing their knowledge and advising participants to perfect their skills on the track. The KTM 990 RC R CUP will be open to both the road-approved version and the specific KTM 990 RC R Track model.
For more details about the new KTM 990 RC R, as well as its track version and the KTM 990 RC R CUP, you can directly visit the brand’s official website or visit your nearest authorized dealer.
