KTM moves into the liter-class supersport bike with the new 2026 KTM 990 RC R. Based on the Duke 990 R and debuting as a prototype over a year ago, the new RC R features a full fairing, aggressive ergonomics, more power, upgraded suspension, and expanded electronics. It’s a multi-purpose motorcycle designed for canyon fun, track day enthusiasts, and Sunday racers. Let’s take a look at this enticing new supersport ready for street and closed circuit action.

1. We’ll let Global KTM Brand Manager Riaan Neveling set the table: “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. 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, off-road, 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.”

2. The 947cc LC8c parallel twin gets a horsepower boost. It now puts out 127 horsepower at 9500 rpm, with the torque peaking at 76 lb-ft at an accessible 6750 rpm. The rev limit is also higher thanks to the model-specific airbox and exhaust system.

3. New electronics match the increase power output. Sport, Street, and Custom are standard modes, with Track mode available as an option. Track mode, which is part of the optional Tech Pack ($900), includes upgraded traction control, wheelie control, launch control, a lap timer, telemetry, and more. Cruise control and a quickshifter are also part of the Tech Pack bundle, as well as available separately. New switchgear helps the rider navigate the menus.

4. The WP Apex suspension is exclusive to the 2026 KTM 990 RC R. The 48mm fork is fully adjustable, with 30 clicks of damping personalization plus three spring-preload settings. The shock gets a straight-wound spring and settings to match the new linkage system, along with 30 standard compression and rebound settings plus three high-speed compression options.

5. The 990 RC R’s cast aluminum wheels are from the 1390 Super Duke R Evo. Michelin Power Cup 2 tires are standard.

6. Brembo HyPure calipers are employed for front braking. They grasp 320mm floating discs. Sport and Supermoto+ ABS settings are standard.

7. The fairing’s aerodynamics are inspired by the RC16. Data from KTM’s MotoGP race bikes were used in the design of the bodywork and wing system.

8. Adjustable rearsets allow personalization of the ergonomics. The rider’s footpegs can be put in Street or Track positions.

9. There will also be a special order track-only version of the new 990. Dubbed the KTM 990 RC R Track, it is stripped down for track use and ready for Europe’s KTM 990 RC R Cup series.

10. The 2026 KTM 990 RC R has a list price of $13,949. The supersport can be had in orange with black graphics, or vice versa. Production line action in Austria begins in November, with the arrival date in dealerships not yet finalized.

2026 KTM 990 RC R Specs

ENGINE 

• Type: LC8c Parallel twin
• Displacement: 947cc
• Bore x stroke: 92.5 x 70.4mm
• Maximum power: 127 horsepower @ 9500 rpm
• Maximum torque: 76 lb-ft @ 6750 rpm
• Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 vpc
• Ignition: Bosch EMS w/ ride-by-wire
• Fueling: DKK Dell’Orto w 46mm throttle body
• Lubrication: Pressure lubrication w/ 2 oil pumps
• Cooling: Liquid and oil
• Muffler: Stainless steel
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Clutch: Wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
• Final drive: 520 X-ring chain

CHASSIS

• Frame: Chromoly steel
• Subframe: Die-cast aluminum
• Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable WP Apex 48mm open-cartridge fork; 5.7 inches
• Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable WP Apex shock; 5.2 inches
• Wheels: Cast aluminum
• Front wheel: 17 x 3.50
• Rear wheel: 17 x 5.50
• Tires: Michelin Power Cup 2
• Front tire: 120/70-17
• Rear tire: 180/55-17
• Front brakes: 320mm floating discs w/ radially mounted Brembo HyPure calipers and adjustable Brembo MCS master cylinder
• Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ Brembo single-piston caliper
• ABS: Standard

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES 

• Wheelbase: 58.3 inches
• Rake: 24.2 degrees
• Seat height: 33.2 inches
• Fuel tank capacity: 4.1 gallons
• Curb weight: 430 pounds

2026 KTM 990 RC R Price: $13,949 MSRP

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2026 KTM 990 RC R Photo Gallery