Last Updated on 27/07/2026 by Raj

KTM 990RC R- New Super sport

Meet new KTM 990 RC R Next Gen Super sport motorcycle by KTM with track-bred performance of explosive LC8c power, precision handling, premium features with new safety tech. In this review you find all about KTM 990RC R, with our verdict and pro & cons .

Prologue: KTM 990RC R

Now KTM 990RC R return to the large fully faired street-legal segment with 990 RCR. Which they absent from since the 1,195cc V-Twin-powered RC8 was discontinued in 2015.

Every brand has its own legend, machines that redefine and redirect the course of the brand and motorcycle world. Like Honda Blackbird or the Hayabusa, for KTM. It was RC8 a sharp sports bike and so much power full that even KTM closed its production for safety concern.

Some new gen super sports filled the void left by 600cc supersports that became more expensive. Hard to control in street, and then new style of middleweight was born with more affordable price. Many of them pushing KTM 990RC R or more.

KTM 990 RCR is the long awaited Super sport that will fill a gap in KTM’s lineup with extreme performance and race-specific features normally hard to found on sport bike. Many riders and fans have been asking for a bike like the KTM 990 RC R for some time.

The KTM 990 RC R is a result of the learning experience and success of KTM racing in MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3. A extension of the smaller single cylinder RC like KTM RC 200 and KTM RC 390. The all-new platform is designed from scratch for Next-Generation racing.

What is new in KTM 990 RC R :

KTM 990RC R Chassis and ergonomics designed for track and street use with a sporty weight distribution of 52.5%-47.5% front and rear.

The new fairing, body work and fuel tank design to provide max contact points for both performance and comfort. Along with the fully adjustable suspension, dual-position footrests, clip-ons bars, raised ground clearance, longer wheelbase.

The fairing and winglets not only provide huge downforce but also have contrived holes and outlets for engine cooling. Engine the LC8c is EURO5+ compliant and with good fuel consumption ratio which also boosts its economy.

KTM 990RC R get a new state-of-the-art 8.8” TFT screen with Connectivity and offline map navigation Unit, optimized interface. Ride Modes system and customizable handlebar switches. Its come with 4 ABS modes as standard. Street ABS is the default mode that features full Cornering ABS, Sport ABS is new for more enthusiastic braking behavior, SuperMOTO+ ABS is also new. And this disables the Cornering ABS functions, switches off ABS from the rear wheel and SuperMOTO ABS.

The new design and aerodynamics are most striking and a reminder of its racing pedigree. With modifications, like deviation in the windscreen for better direct wind flow and cause less drag.

The Deflector towards the rear of the fairing gives more stability during braking. The lower fairing wings complement the upper section looks. The mirrors are blend into the mask for a compact and sporty design, painted in black and with an ‘RC’ logo.

New wings provide the motorcycle more stability at high speeds and greater control during hard braking. The wings make 13 kg of downforce at a speed of 239 km/h and over 14.4 kg at 252 km/h. Headlight is also redesigned for more compact and style, the LED module is single unit with air intake like Moto2 styling of the KTM GP bikes.

KTM 990 RC R uses the next gen LC8c engine platform. A 947cc and just 57.2 kg liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder parallel-twin motor derived from the KTM 990 Duke. But with some remap, making: 130 PS at 9.500 rpm 103Nm of torque at 6.750 rpm.

It’s lighter, faster and KTM mapped the motor that way the throttle opens to 100% for improved performance gain. Specifically for the KTM 990 RCR the new airbox integrated into the sub-frame with intakes positioned on each side. New stainless-steel exhaust in middle damper and the shorter muffler. Three lambda sensors for complex configuration of the ignition and the exhaust for optimum fuel injection process.

KTM wanted a Supersport with daily usability but without the ergonomics of a sports bikes which is horrible for everyday use. But the 990 RC R is still a high-spec that does not compromise on its sporty origin. The powder-coated and chrome-moly steel frame remains same as 990 Duke.

Similarly, the engine is a stressed member, but now offset is 33 mm and the slight movement of the forks. Thanks to an all-new die-cast aluminum subframe with an integrated airbox while keeping the same angle. Now provides different steering behavior and that stable, ‘planted’ feel of the front end but with increased response.

The steering angle is 25 degrees on each side with degree of rake and trail is 3.9 inches and wheelbase is 58.3 inches. More flexible swingarm is provided for a settled and control feeling under hard acceleration and braking–no matter the road.

The frame is made of welded steel tubes with linkage mounting point with a bushing for the screw point of the linkage ‘plate’, the new pressure die-cast aluminum subframe. Design is optimized for minimal material use results in a 400 g weight reduction compared to the KTM 990 Duke subframe also the KTM 990 RC R subframe integrates air intakes directly into its construction.

Suspensions are top level WP APEX Open Cartridge 48 mm fully adjustable front forks with 147 mm travel and have 30 clicks of settings for compression and rebound and also further 3 turns for preload.

Rear adjustable shock is a WP APEX linear gas-assisted spring product with 134 mm travel. It is fully adjustable with 30 clicks for low speed compression and also 30 for rebound as it connects to the updated frame and new, more flexible swingarm via linkage. Fully adjustable WP Apex shock with higher performance-oriented chassis is designed for high- and low-speed adjustment. Together making a balance between feedback, grip, and sensitivity, without compromising ride quality.

Latest Superbike-grade Brembo HyPure calipers for maximum force and resistance. Design and optimize for linear and consistent braking at lower activation force, less friction and less lever travel even at high temperatures.

The master cylinder PR16/19-21 allows the adjust of the lever ratio between three stages according to their riding style. The front is fitted with two 320 mm floating Brembo discs and 4-piston monoblocs clamp while the rear has a 240 mm unit and a single-piston Brembo caliper.

Electronics :

KTM 990RC R has a full array of programmable tech and possibilities to adjust the bike for any ride. All new staggering 8.8” TFT touchscreens with sharp graphics menus and a new interface operate through the new backlight and intuitive switch cube.

All standard settings for Ride Modes are now customisable with 4 options RAIN, STREET, SPORT, CUSTOM and an optional TRACK mode. The KTM 990 RC R has been designed for maximum flexibility for performance and technology to suit different riding styles and preferences with two additional electronic upgrade packs Track Pack or the Tech Pack.

For TRACK PACK, Track Mode – optimised settings for track riding, Custom Modes – to personalise your setup. Anti-Wheelie Control for precise wheelie control, Launch Control – maximum acceleration at start, Lap Timer and Telemetry Screen, Adjustable Throttle response and MTC Slip Adjuster for customisable traction control. TECH PACK include all features available in the full TRACK PACK with Cruise Control.

Quickshifter for clutchless up and downshifts and MSR (Motor Slip Regulation) for added stability under deceleration. A Demo Mode, giving riders access to the full suite of features for the first 1,500 km to experience everything before choosing the option that matches their style.

 8.8” horizontal TFT touchscreen is responsive, has a light sensor and LED status coated with anti-reflection and anti-fingerprint solutions, shows the trips and all necessary data.

Menu redesign has been made to display the most information in the most short way and make interaction swift and easy,through Switchcube or the touchscreen. With Split Screen for divide the information for music, map navigation, telemetry and a lap-timer and everything is customisable.

Aside from ride modes, the KTM 990 RC R gets lot more courtesy of the sensors and tech like the 6D IMU and ECU as well as the cornering motorcycle track Control with Cruise Control and the adaptive brake light. There is also a Tyre pressure monitor which is custom option for track riding. Map navigation is standard with route planning, active guidance all in 5 different languages.

Capabilities :

The KTM 990 RC R’s design is blend of a focused riding position with everyday comfort. The handlebars, footrests and seat are 845mm height set for a Supersport feel the forged, black aluminum rests are adjustable between: ‘STREET’ and ‘TRACK’.

Street has two screw-point slotted for Supersport stance but without an over tight knee angle. TRACK uses a slight change of the second screw point for shift the rest. 25 mm back and 17 mm for a sharper and more fixed racing position. The clip-on handlebars are not adjustable but fixed in a straighter more forward position to make the riding more control and stable but also easy.

The sheet metal 15.7 L fuel tank has been developed with an optimized angle and edge for the rider’s integration. It has six touch zones for riding position, leg lean when cornering, and ‘tuck’ when in a straight line, also support for braking and accelerating. KTM 990RC R’s chassis provides excellent street and track feedback giving you lots of confidence, on the street, it handles anything if you want, the engine is smooth and tractable with broad rev range, to low-end torque for stop and go easily also pulls at higher rpm to make a quick pass.

Adaptability of the bike is incredible by using different riding modes, adjustable ABS settings, cruise control. The suspension is soft and great for any speeds, and cab be adjusted for a more aggressive pace, also compression. Rebound Adjustment is tool-less making on-the-road changes easy, but to adjust preload at either end need tools.

The riding position is comfortable with low set clip-on bars and adjustable rear sets of footpegs. TFT is large and easy to see in daylight and provides all the data you need. Remaped LC8c engine can deliver a broad range of power and torque. You don’t always have to rev the engine for most out of the 990 RC R. Standard Track mode is perfect and even when can make custom mode with different throttle and TC settings.

Pricing and Availability:

USA at $ 13,949

Europe £13,499

Expected in India: ₹ 13–14 lakh, if KTM launches it.

Pros and Cons :

PROS:

New LC8c engine punchy and smooth with broad range of power and torque and more flexible chassis gives superb handling.

Track-ready and improved aerodynamics give more stability during acceleration and brake.

New high quality fully adjustable suspension setup with wide range of settings and more powerful brake components in KTM 990RC R.

Array of advanced electronics with different riding mods and ABS settings.

CONS:

Transmission can slipp out with loss of engine braking.

Engine can heat up fast especially at stoplights and low speeds.

Chassis and swingarm are too soft for aggressive and advanced-level track riding.

Final Verdict : KTM 990RC R

KTM 990 RC R It’s raw, It’s fun and It’s stubborn a modern race machine somehow became street-legal. It’s a balanced combination of street comfort and track day fun, with great adaptability and can fine tuned to a impressive levels of any street-legal sportbike.

The engine is one of the best twin in the market with loads of character and range. Chassis is stiffness is improved and gives more confidence along with new aerodynamics and premium suspension. It’s a very entertaining bike to ride got sharp looks in a decent price tag.