KTM 990 RC R Set for November Launch

KTM confirms the arrival of the 990 RC R supersport this November, featuring 128 bhp, MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics, and advanced electronics to rival Yamaha’s R9 and Ducati’s Panigale V2.

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KTM has officially confirmed the launch of its all-new 990 RC R supersport, with the first units expected to arrive in late November. Priced at £13,499 (approximately RM81,000) and available in orange or black, the 990 RC R positions itself squarely between Yamaha’s R9 (£12,254 / ~RM73,500) and Ducati’s Panigale V2 (£15,395 / ~RM92,300), setting up a fierce showdown in the middleweight performance segment.

Performance and Engineering

At the heart of the new RC R lies KTM’s LC8 parallel-twin engine, a 57kg powerplant producing 128.2 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 76 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm. Those figures give it a clear edge — roughly 8 bhp more than the Panigale V2 and 11 bhp more than the R9.

KTM says the model has been “years in the making,” having faced delays during the company’s recent financial restructuring. Now, with production back on track, the RC R represents not only a technical milestone but a symbol of KTM’s renewed momentum.

Design and Technology

The 990 RC R features a steel trellis chassis, a diecast aluminium subframe, and a body shaped by MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics. KTM’s racing division contributed heavily to the aero package, refined through extensive wind-tunnel testing.

Key hardware includes:

• 320mm Brembo four-piston HyPure brakes: the same system used on Ducati’s Panigale V4
• WP Apex suspension
• Race-style bodywork and ergonomics
• 8.8-inch TFT touchscreen display

Riders can choose from four standard ride modes, Rain, Street, Sport, and Custom, along with four ABS settings (Street, Sport, Supermoto+, and Supermoto ABS). The optional Track and Tech packs unlock further Track and Custom ride modes for more precise performance tuning.

Track Version and Cup Series Coming in 2026

KTM also announced a track-only version of the 990 RC R, due to roll out in February 2026 and available through authorised dealers.

In addition, the 990 RC R Cup is set to debut in Europe during spring 2026, offering an entry-level racing series for aspiring riders. The competition will welcome both street-homologated and track-only variants, with professional KTM racers mentoring participants at every event — providing an accessible bridge from track days to competitive racing.