KTM 990 RC R 2026: The Return of Pure Racing DNA
The 2026 KTM 990 RC R revives KTM’s racing DNA with sharp design and track-ready performance.Future design and specifications may differ.
Nearly two decades after the legendary RC8 redefined KTM’s street supremacy, the Austrian brand reignites that same fire with the 2026 KTM 990 RC R. Designed for riders who live for precision, performance, and pure adrenaline, this new Supersport machine brings KTM’s “Ready to Race” philosophy to life like never before. Every curve, component, and contour of the 990 RC R exists for one purpose—to dominate both road and track with unfiltered intensity.
The 2026 KTM 990 RC R revives KTM’s racing DNA with sharp design and track-ready performance.Future design and specifications may differ.
Engineered to Perform – The Power Behind the Precision
At its heart, the 990 RC R carries a 947cc LC8c parallel-twin engine, fine-tuned for relentless performance. Producing around 128 horsepower and 103 Nm of torque, it delivers sharp throttle response and a thrilling midrange surge. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox equipped with a Quickshifter+, ensuring lightning-fast gear changes for maximum control.
The chassis—built around a lightweight steel trellis frame and die-cast aluminum subframe—strikes a perfect balance between agility and stability. KTM’s adjustable WP Apex suspension gives riders the freedom to tailor their setup for both road and circuit use, proving that this Supersport isn’t just fast—it’s finely tuned for precision handling.
Aerodynamics with Attitude – Design That Defines Speed
The 990 RC R is sculpted to slice through the air with purpose. Its aggressive bodywork features aerodynamic winglets, a sharp LED front profile, and a race-inspired tail section that looks straight out of MotoGP. KTM’s designers have created a motorcycle that’s visually fierce yet functionally flawless—every detail improves cooling, downforce, or rider control.
The ergonomics are track-focused yet street-friendly, thanks to adjustable rearsets, clip-on handlebars, and a sculpted fuel tank that allows riders to grip and move fluidly during cornering. In every sense, the 990 RC R is a machine that looks fast standing still and feels alive in motion.
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The 2026 KTM 990 RC R revives KTM’s racing DNA with sharp design and track-ready performance.Future design and specifications may differ.
Technology Meets Tenacity – The Modern Supersport Experience
KTM equips the 990 RC R with an arsenal of advanced electronics designed to enhance rider confidence and performance. The 6D inertial measurement unit (IMU) powers systems like lean-angle-sensitive traction control, cornering ABS, and wheelie control, while the Ride Modes—including Track Mode—allow full customization of throttle response and intervention levels.
A TFT color display provides access to telemetry, lap times, and ride data, bringing professional-level feedback to every rider. Combined with launch control, slipper clutch, and a lightweight Akrapovič exhaust, the RC R feels as exhilarating on the road as it does on a racetrack straightaway.
The Future of KTM Supersport – Born to Dominate
With the 2026 KTM 990 RC R, the brand isn’t just building another motorcycle—it’s reviving an icon. This machine bridges the gap between daily usability and track performance, offering the soul of a race bike in a street-legal package. For riders who crave intensity, precision, and authenticity, the 990 RC R is a declaration: the orange bloodline of performance is back, bolder than ever.
Every twist of the throttle, every apex, and every heartbeat echoes KTM’s motto—Never Stop.