KTM is working on a host of new features for next season, including the upcoming 990 RC R. Along with it, among others, the long-awaited 990 SMT which we recently told you about in this article: “KTM 990 SMT 2026?… The brand is already working on it”. A bike, the latter, that would come equipped with all the necessary elements to be able to get the most out of it on the road.
Regarding the 990 RC R, according to new information handled by the German media Motorrad Online, and based on the images of a test mule in full test, we can now confirm that the Austrian firm is fine-tuning what will become its next high-performance sports bike.
KTM 990 RC R: MotoGP Inspiration
Last May, the brand itself gave us the first glimpse of what will be the future 990 RC R, a high-performance road-approved motorcycle that fuses Austrian engineering with competitive DNA. Approved for road use, it has a 57 kg LC8c engine approved according to EURO5+ regulations, designed to offer a powerful torque of 103 Nm at 10,500 rpm and 128 hp of power.
A steel chassis and die-cast aluminium subframe provide the necessary rigidity and lightness to do the rest. It will also feature fully adjustable WP APEX suspensions and top-level braking equipment. All of this is supported by highly individual lines marked by aerodynamic elements inspired by MotoGP, providing stability in curves and during braking, highlighting the bike’s competitive heritage.
Under this technical, aesthetic and aerodynamic umbrella, we have now been able to see the first images of the test mule. In them we can see the angular shapes of the front, with a small rectangular optic in the centre and two side spoilers. At the rear we can clearly see how the brand has installed an ECU for data collection. The exhaust system is similar to that shown in the presentation of the concept, as are the shapes of the swingarm and the design of the wheels.
It is expected that the future 990 RC R It is expected that the brand will debut commercially in the first months of next year. The brand will also subsequently launch an improved track version, aimed at those fans who love strong emotions. In any case, we still have to wait, perhaps until the end of the year. next EICMA 2024where KTM is likely to offer us some important news about its new sports bike.
