Mark your calendars and remember this day: KTM has just announced a road-going, large-capacity sports bike, the 990 RC R.
The move comes off the back of a few years of the Austrian giant teasing the global motorcycle audience with its track-only RC 8 C models - the last of which was released just a couple of months ago - and that only fuelled the frustration that for many riders, the uber-exclusive track-bike was simply out of reach. Now though, KTM is finally doing the decent thing, and confirming that a road-going sports bike bearing the famous name will be hitting the roads in 2025.
As you’d expect from a bike which is very closely related to the firm's deliciously good track-only machine, the road-going 990 RC R has a spec sheet that reads like the menu in a Michelin-star restaurant, and the Austrian brand even notes that only ‘minimal modifications’ are needed to turn the road bike into a 990 RC R Track Edition machine.
KTM 990 RC R spec and features
Final specs and details about the new bike are slim on the ground, and KTM is advising that we won’t get the full details until early 2025. We can tell you though that a claimed 103 Nm (75 lb ft) and 128 PS (126bhp) will be on offer. The engine will exhale through what KTM is calling an ‘ergo-crafted and condensed stainless steel muffler’, and while the bike in the images is wearing an Akrapovic, that might not be the final spec. KTM also goes on to confirm that the gear shift on the new sports bike can be flipped to race shift for on-track riding.
The frame also looks all-new when compared to the item found on the current RC 8 R, as does the swingarm and all of the bodywork. The geometry and weight bias have been optimised for the new model, with KTM advising a steering head angle of 25 degrees and optimised stiffness for improved feel and stability. The newly announced bike also features a die-cast subframe.
The bodywork of the new bike has, despite being daubed in dazzle-camo decals, clearly been inspired by the RC16 MotoGP machine, and makes the newly announced bike look a much more imposing prospect than anything else in the KTM range. The fuel tank is the centre of the ergonomic design, and along with the handlebars and the adjustable footpegs, help to create six contact points to create a ‘better connection’ with the machine.
Suspension for this one will come from WP, naturally, and KTM is noting WP APEX Open Cartridge Suspension at both ends, working alongside lightweight cast aluminium wheels shod with Michelin tyres.
Speaking about this fairly meteoric news, Riaan Neveling, Head of KTM Global Marketing said:
“The KTM 990 RC R is a groundbreaking innovation for those who live for the thrill of cornering. It's for those who lean close to the road, almost brushing their knees, and then push the limits, dragging elbow to the tarmac on the racetrack. This bike offers power and prestige without the exorbitant price tag. At last, we can unveil our KTM 990 RC R and introduce a truly exceptional motorcycle to dealerships in early 2025, fulfilling the anticipation of countless riders and race enthusiasts. Our DUKE Range and other Street products have garnered a loyal following for their distinct character; we believe the KTM 990 RC R will quickly attain cult status because it excels at the two things it was designed for so remarkably well.”
KTM has also confirmed that that some of the first glimpses we'll get of the bike will get will be at some point in 2024, as a prototype version of the road bike will be campaigned in selected 'non-point scoring outings across select European Supersport series' as a wildcard entry.
Stay tuned!
