KTM has released the first set of teaser images of the 990 RC R, which is a road-legal performance sportbike designed to 'fulfill all your MotoGP fantasies and dreams'. This is evident from the wind-tunnel-chiselled aero winglets, which KTM says provide extra stability for braking and cornering. For those not aware, the new 990 RC R prototype comes more than 15 years after the Austrian motorcycle maker KTM last developed its first-ever superbike – the 1190 RC8. However, citing it as 'too dangerous for public roads', KTM discontinued the RC8 model in 2015 and halted the future production of the street-legal superbikes. Since then, only the track-only, limited-edition KTM RC 8C showed up briefly. Thanks to its MotoGP-inspired bodywork and 126bhp LC8 parallel-twin engine, among other things, all 200 units of the RC 8C bikes sold out like hotcakes. Whereas the first batch of 100 units (released in 2021) found a home in four minutes and 32 seconds, the next 200-unit run in 2023 sold through in just 2 minutes and 38 seconds. With the new 990 RC R, KTM is expected to replicate that success.
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While the production-spec KTM 990 RC R will be launched in 2025, what we now have is the images of a camouflaged prototype showing a blacked-out swingarm and steel frame. The latter, according to KTM, is engineered to deliver 'dynamic performance', 'with increased weight bias towards the front end'. Speaking of hardware, the KTM 990 RC R will get a fully adjustable WP Apex Open Cartridge suspension setup and a Brembo brake system, complete with lightweight aluminium wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres.
KTM 990 RC R: Engine, Ergonomics
With a 947cc, LC8c parallel-twin engine, the KTM 990 RC R develops a claimed 126bhp and 103Nm of peak torque (at 10,500rpm). However, the 990 Duke, which draws its power from the same engine, delivers 121bhp. While the new 990 RCR makes more power, its ergonomics help the rider remain comfortable on the street. Transmission duties are taken care of by a 6-speed gearbox, accompanied by a standard quickshifter.
KTM 990 RC R: What Else?
While more details are yet to be revealed, we expect the 990 RC R to offer traction control, a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), and riding modes. Other than the road-homologated 990 RC R, KTM will also design a track edition version of the sportbike, which will miss out on all the road-legal essentials, and incorporate protective components and a full exhaust system.
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The road-legal KTM 990 RC R is due to be launched in 2025, while the track-only machine will debut in late 2024. Upon arrival, the 990 RC R will join the likes of the Ducati Panigale V2, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, and Honda CBR600RR in the hotly contested middleweight segment.
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