KTM 990 RC R - finally the thoroughbred sports bike for the road!

The oranges finally bring the successor to the 1190 RC8 R

The motto "Ready to Race" has always been more than just a meaningless phrase at KTM, it is pure seriousness. At the latest since entering the MotoGP class, it has been clear that the Mattighofen-based company is also aiming high on paved race tracks. It is therefore all the more surprising that the orange brand has not brought out a successor to the universally popular 1190 RC8 R - with the new KTM 990 RC R, the time will finally come in 2025!

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published on 07/05/2024

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The new KTM 990 RC R, set to be manufactured in Mattighofen starting early 2025, epitomizes a pure supersport motorcycle as per KTM's standards, yet it remains street legal. This entirely new development promises to offer robust performance while still meeting practical road requirements—a nod to the qualities that the esteemed 1190 RC8 R once showcased!

The logical step - the new KTM 990 RC R is based on a wealth of data

The KTM 990 RC R is far from a mere stopgap, having been meticulously crafted over years, drawing on extensive data from numerous MotoGP titles and trophies across various classes. This motorcycle represents the next step in the evolution of the KTM RC series and can be seamlessly converted into the "KTM 990 RC R Track Edition" due to its high-performance capabilities. In line with the brand's motto, this model is set to launch in the second quarter of 2025.

103 Newton meters and 128 hp on the KTM 990 RC R

The street-legal KTM 990 RC R features a 57-kilogram, Euro5+-compliant LC8c engine, designed for high torque output (103 Nm at 10,500 rpm) and delivering 128 hp. It also introduces a new stainless steel rear silencer and a standard gearshift that can be configured to a racing setup, namely the reverse gearshift pattern.

The KTM 990 RC R has racing geometry but is still comfortable

The steel frame of the KTM 990 RC R is engineered for dynamic handling, shifting more weight towards the front. It features a steering head angle of 25 degrees and an offset for finer steering responsiveness. Enhanced stiffness ensures the right balance of feel and stability when accelerating on uneven surfaces or racetracks, without sacrificing agility, particularly at lower speeds. The swingarm is crafted from die-cast aluminum. Ergonomics are paramount in the design of the KTM 990 RC R, echoing the philosophy of the 1190 RC8 R. While the new 990 RC R does not offer an adjustable seat height like its predecessor, it does include adjustable footrests. Furthermore, the contact points on the tank have been meticulously optimized through extensive testing, improving comfort during leans and high-speed straight runs, and reducing stress on the knees, arms, and hands. The chassis leaves no room for compromise, featuring a fully adjustable WP APEX open cartridge fork and lightweight cast aluminum wheels equipped with high-performance Michelin tires. Lastly, its MotoGP heritage is visually evident, with aerodynamic wings developed in a wind tunnel to enhance stability during braking and cornering.

The new KTM 990 RC R will be racing as early as 2024!

Although the KTM 990 RC R won't hit the streets as a road-legal model until 2025, it will start flaunting its racing heritage as early as 2024. The prototype is set to compete in select European Supersport series as a wildcard entry, not eligible for points, aiming to stir excitement among fans. For KTM, the strategy is clear: to truly prepare this new machine for the racetrack, it must first prove its mettle in competitive racing!