2026 KTM 990 RC R Black

NEVER STOP

Almost twenty years ago the KTM RC8 showed that KTM could adrenalize riding on asphalt as well as offroad. Since then the journey to a next-gen, track focused, performance-orientated Supersport motorcycle for the street has led to this: the KTM 990 RC R. Primed to lay rubber on any apex thanks to precision and specific high-grade parts but also shift that sporty character to the practicality of the public road, the KTM 990 RC R is the definitive KTM expression of intent and engineering. Born, bred and built in Austria: do they come any more READY TO RACE?

1. SET THE MARK

MAKE IT YOURS ADJUSTABLITY

• Be what you want it to be, be what you want to be. A pure-bred Supersport motorcycle like the KTM 990 RC R is a rare piece of high-tech clay, waiting to be shaped and custornized for road or race. From the fully adjustable WP APEX front suspension to the movable footpegs and to the myriad of Ride Modes and settings as well as a gallery of KTM PowerParts accessories and additions, the choice is vast when it comes to dialing in the ideal sport-focused set-up. Commitment is the final ingredient to power ahead of the pack.

DASH LIKE NEVER BEFORE TFT DISPLAY

• The new 8.8 landscape TFT dashboard has established a benchmark in the industry. Clarity and functionality are now premium attributes of this control 'hub' and window for the modes, settings, maintenance and connection with the KTM 990 RC R. The redesign for the new TFT prioritized intuitive use. With improved readability and optimization, it is absolutely READY TO RACE, especially for track purposes with the information racers would expect. Full information is available in the KTM TECH GUIDE.

INNOVATIONS CONNECTIVITY

• See the way, see all the way. The TFT can be changed to show any-and-all data through split screen formats or more. Whether it's the title of a music track, details of an incoming call, telemetry readings (lean angle, acceleration and deceleration, throttle position), offline GPS navigation, and output from various modes or settings then the anti-reflex, anti-glare and anti-fingerprint display is another genre-defining aspect of the KTM 990 RC R.

RACE INSPIRED BODYWORK

• The KTM 990 RC R design language is singular and unmistakable. Turn on the TV during 22 weekends of the year and the aerodynamic and performance-thinking profiles of the KTM RC16s on the MotoGP grid will hit a chord. Mask shape, belly wings, and the wings on the front: they all look striking but also help with cooling and downforce, and therefore stability and braking performance. In terms of looks, is there a more razor-focused option on two wheels? Breathe it in. And would you like it in Electronic Orange or Black Metallic?

LIGHT THE WAY LED HEADLIGHT

• Long ride-outs or Endurance races? When day turns to night, the dynamic lightweight headlight on the KTM 990 RC R is a Bi-LED Modul integrated into the Supersport fairing for little compromise of airflow. The new unit radiates 800 Im in low beam and up to 200 m on high: ample illumination for distant traffic or looming backmarkers. Rivals and slower vehicles will catch a brief glimpse of the KTM 990 RC R with the adaptive rear light that reveals braking force for the next turn.

1. POISE & PURPOSE

TRACK, TRAFFIC OR THRILL? ENGINE

• The 947 cc, parallel twin LC8c has been harnessed even further thanks to a tweaked engine map and 100% full throttle opening position to suit the needs of the KTM 990 RC R and the most compact twin in the segment. The impressive engine breathes through a new stainless steel, centralized exhaust muffler, which also helps to urge the whole show to gobble straights and slice corners.

THE BIKE FOR ANY DAY, ANYWHERE RIDE MODES

• The KTM 990 RC R stands on the cutting edge of electronic possibilities: mold the bike as you want it for any given lap or ride-out. A new Ride Mode concept affords detailed customization. Four standard modes - Rain, Street, Sport and the Custom option - offer next-level personalization, while the additional trio of performance-based Track and Custom configurations are available as technical accessories.

CHRONO CRUNCHER TRACK MODE

• The KTM 990 RC R punches hard above its weight with optional Track Mode. Take what you need, drop what you do not. Launch Control takes centerstage away the starting line. Then, also in Track Mode, the Anti-wheelie can be set to five levels, from very low to very high and turned off. The same for throttle response and four options for ABS: Road is the standard option while riders have the option to choose Sport (intervenes later, less rear wheel lift and less cornering intevension), Supermoto+ (lock the rear wheel for a limited amount of time) and Supermoto. A telemetry screen is thrown in for good measure for those who wish to review even more data on the go.

DIAL-IN & HOLD ON RACE DNA

• The KTM 990 RC R exhales its prototype Supersport heritage with reams of information and data pouring throu