Unveiling the 2026 KTM 990 RC R: The Ultimate Street & Track Supersport Bike
The 2026 KTM 990 RC R has been officially unveiled, heralding the Austrian brand’s aggressive return to the street-legal supersport segment. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Ducati Panigale V2, Yamaha YZF-R9, and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, this bike is a track-ready weapon engineered for daily rideability.
Best 2026 supersport motorcycle, KTM RC8 successor, and high-performance parallel twin sportbike.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Feature Category | Details |
| Engine | LC8c Parallel-Twin, 947cc displacement, Euro 5+ compliant. Produces 130 PS ( |
| Chassis & Handling | Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel Frame with a MotoGP-inspired die-cast aluminum subframe. Features a model-specific, more flexible swingarm and linkage for a perfect balance of agility and high-speed stability. |
| Suspension | Fully Adjustable WP APEX suspension (48mm open-cartridge forks and monoshock). Tuned for both aggressive track days and street comfort. |
| Braking | Premium Brembo HyPure calipers (four-piston radial) clamping on dual |
| Electronics | Comprehensive suite with a new 8.8-inch TFT display. Standard modes are Rain, Street, Sport, and Custom. Optional Track Pack unlocks advanced features like adjustable Anti-Wheelie Control, Launch Control, Telemetry Screen, and Quickshifter+. |
| Aerodynamics | MotoGP-derived fairings and integrated winglets for enhanced downforce and stability at high speeds, cementing its status as a true race replica. |
Release Date and Pricing
- Production: Full-scale production begins in October 2025.
- Availability: The 2026 KTM 990 RC R is expected to arrive at authorized dealers in Late Fall 2025 / Early Q1 2026.
- Price (US MSRP): Starting at $13,949.
The Track-Dedicated KTM 990 RC R TRACK
For pure track enthusiasts, KTM will launch the 990 RC R TRACK variant in February 2026. This is a purpose-built, non-homologated race machine that strips away all road-legal components (headlights, turn signals, ABS modulator) and adds race-focused kit like a stripped-down dash, direct brake lines, and a track-optimized gearbox.
This launch positions the KTM 990 RC R as the definitive Next-Generation Supersport motorcycle, bridging the gap between an adrenaline-fueled track machine and a surprisingly practical road bike. Search terms like KTM 990 RC R review, 2026 supersport comparison, and best track day bike are expected to see massive traffic following its release.
Official KTM Websites
- Official US Model Page (Price & Specs):
https://www.ktm.com/en-us/models/supersport/2026-ktm-990-rc-r.html(Includes the US Base MSRP of $13,949) - Official UK Model Page (Price & Specs):
https://www.ktm.com/en-gb/models/supersport/2026-ktm-990-rc-r.html(Includes the UK Base Price of £13,499) - Official Global Press Release (Full Details, RC R TRACK, and CUP):
https://press.ktm.com/news-never-stop-the-2026-ktm-990-rc-r-races-onto-the-streets?id=224034&menueid=3050&l=international
Automotive News Sources
- Autocar India (Production Details, Rivals):
https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-news/productionready-ktm-990-rc-r-unveiled-437789 - ZigWheels (Launch Details, Engine Tune):
https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/launch-story/ktm-990-rc-r-launched-abroad-ktms-only-road-legal-track-weapon/57062/ - Motorcycle.com (In-depth Specs and Chassis Info):
https://www.motorcycle.com/bikes/new-model-preview/2026-ktm-990-rc-r-first-look-44651584
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