2026 KTM 990 RC R Preview

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2026 KTM 990 RC R Preview 

2026 KTM 990 RC R

Teased last year, the highly anticipated 2026 KTM 990 RC R is set to roll off production lines in November 2025. It's a liter-class, street-legal, track-focused machine, fabricated and assembled in Austria, and KTM claims it offers track-ready performance alongside ergonomics suitable for day-to-day use. 

Powering the 990 RC R will be a 947cc LC8c parallel-Twin shared with the 990 Duke R but with a new exhaust and airbox and boosted horsepower and rpm limit. Ride modes include Rain, Street, Sport, and Custom, and the optional Track package offers MTC Slip Adjust, two custom ride modes, anti-wheelie control, launch control, a telemetry screen, and a lap timer. 

The 990 RC R is powered by a 947cc LC8c parallel-Twin

The bike features a tubular steel frame and a die-cast aluminum subframe, and fully adjustable WP Apex suspension. Brembo HyPure brakes provide stopping power, including dual 4-piston front calipers pinching 320mm discs. Standard ABS modes include Street, Sport, Supermoto+, and Supermoto ABS. The bike has a 4.2-gallon fuel tank. 

The 990 RC R will also include an 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen display with a split screen mode. It comes with Michelin Power Cup 2 tires with 17-inch wheels borrowed from the 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Ready-to-ride weight is a claimed 429.9 lb, wheelbase is 58.3 inches, and seat height is 33.2 inches. 

"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," said Riaan Neveling, global KTM brand manager. "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." 

In addition to the optional Track package described above, the 990 RC R will also offer an optional Tech Pack, which includes everything in the Track package, as well as cruise control, an up/down quickshifter, and Motor Slip Regulation. 

KTM has also announced plans to release a track-only version called the KTM 990 RC R Track. This version will be stripped of unnecessary components and will feature a reduced dashboard, dedicated electronics, removed ABS modulator, direct brake lines, a track-optimized gearbox, and more. Full details about the 990 RC R Track are expected to arrive in early 2026. 

The 2026 KTM 990 RC R will be available in orange or black color options starting at $13,949. Visit the KTM website for more information. 

Check out more new bikes in Rider's 2026 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2026 KTM 990 RC R Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: 2026 KTM 990 RC R Preview 

Courtesy of Rider Magazine - http://ridermagazine.com