KTM Is Back — And It Means Business
After nearly a decade of silence in the supersport world, KTM has finally made a comeback and it’s loud. The KTM 990 RC R isn’t just another bike; it’s KTM’s way of saying they’re serious about performance again. Built as a road-legal race replica, this machine captures everything KTM fans have been missing since the legendary RC8 R bowed out in 2015.
Power That Feels Alive
Under the sharp, aerodynamic bodywork sits a 947cc LC8c parallel-twin engine the same heart that powers the 990 Duke. But this one’s tuned to deliver more thrill: 128 horsepower and 105.7 Nm of torque.
To put that in perspective, it’s got more torque than the Ducati Panigale V2 and Yamaha R9. KTM also tweaked the throttle mapping for smoother delivery and added a new exhaust setup to centralize weight, giving the bike better control at high speeds.
Precision in Every Corner
The 990 RC R isn’t just about straight-line speed it’s about balance and confidence. Its steel tube frame is built for stiffness, while a new aluminum subframe makes it lighter and more responsive. KTM also reworked the swingarm, improving grip when you’re leaning hard into a turn.
Read More: Why Yamaha Motor Pakistan is Not Launching 100 and 150cc Motorcycles in Pakistan
Suspension duties are handled by WP APEX adjustable forks and shock absorbers, letting riders fine-tune their ride whether they’re carving corners on track or cruising city roads.
Brakes, Tech, and Everything in Between
Stopping power comes from Brembo four piston calipers and 320mm front discs, paired with a 240mm rear reliable, strong, and smooth under pressure.
Inside the cockpit, KTM has fitted a big 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen, offering modes like Street, Sport, Rain, and Custom, plus an optional Track mode for serious riders. You also get traction control, wheelie control, and adjustable ABS modes all designed to keep you in control, not hold you back.
Looks That Mean Speed
There’s no mistaking the MotoGP inspiration here. The front winglets, sleek fairing, and sculpted windscreen aren’t just for show they actually add up to 15 kg of downforce at high speed, keeping the bike planted even when you push it past 240 km/h.
Price, Launch, and What It Means for KTM
The KTM 990 RC R will hit production in November 2025, with a starting price of $13,949 (plus a $750 freight charge). That puts it right between the Yamaha R9 and Ducati Panigale V2 but it’s arguably the most track-focused bike in its class.
For KTM fans, this is more than just a new motorcycle. It’s a return to roots a reminder that KTM’s racing spirit never really went away. The 990 RC R might just be the start of a new chapter for the brand, and honestly, it looks worth the wait.
Summary
The KTM 990 RC R marks the brand’s return to fully-faired supersport bikes after a decade, blending road legality with race-ready performance. Powered by a 947cc LC8c twin engine producing 128 hp and 105.7 Nm torque, it rivals the Ducati Panigale V2 and Yamaha R9.
With advanced electronics, WP suspension, Brembo brakes, and MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics, it’s KTM’s most track-focused road bike yet.
