Supersport fans are in for a treat with KTM announcing a new standard production, street-legal fully faired sportbike. Meet the 2025 KTM 990 RC R prototype, which the brand has confirmed will enter production early next year and be manufactured at its Mattighofen facility.
The forthcoming KTM 990 RC R is based on the recently released KTM 990 Duke. It enjoys several supersport-specific updates to help further its sportier mission, including track days and more focused street riding.
The move to create a street-legal supersport machine follows a successful partnership with Krämer Motorcycles to develop several limited-edition, track-only KTM RC 8C models in recent years. According to Krämer, the success of those models has spurred interest in road-going variants, which we’re witnessing today. While the lightweight RC 390 is a longstanding fully faired motorcycle within the greater KTM lineup, KTM bowed out of the superbike class in 2016 when it halted production of the V-twin 1190 RC8 R, and we have not seen a fitting street-legal successor until now.
Visually, the new prototype looks complete and Ready To Race, as the marquee’s tagline claims. Bolstering that sentiment is KTM saying that the prototype will participate as a wild card entry in non-point scoring outings within select European Supersport championships. On that note, KTM also announced an even more focused track-only version, aptly dubbed the KTM 990 RC R Track. The 990 RC R Track model removes road-legal necessities to save weight, and it also features a complete racing exhaust system, crash protection, and race bodywork.
Information about the 2025 KTM 990 RC R is limited, but some technical information is confirmed. We can tell you that it is based on the 990 Duke and shares the same 947cc parallel-twin engine. We anticipate that performance figures will be in the ballpark of the 990 Duke, which has a claimed 123 horsepower output at 9500 rpm and 76 ft-lbs of torque at 6750 rpm. However, a new Akrapovič exhaust is in play; arguably, the engineers may tune the 990 RC R for high-rpm output, which would be more conducive to track use.
On the chassis front, the 990 RC R boasts additional front-end weight bias, featuring a model-specific 25 degrees of rake, which is kicked out 0.8 degrees more than the Duke. In addition, the chassis is said to be stiffened to help manage stability during hard acceleration, whether on bumpy roads or smooth racetracks, according to our KTM source.
WP Apex suspension is cited in the press release, though there is no word regarding adjustability. For reference, the 990 Duke’s WP suspension features adjustable compression and rebound fork damping, with a fully adjustable shock. That should be matched or outdone on the more focused 990 RC R. Lastly, Michelin is cited as the OE tire provider, although the images here show Pirelli Diablo Superbike slicks.
Part of the 990 RC R’s transition to a full-blown supersport machine is its ergonomics and bodywork. KTM cites a new fuel tank as a main ergonomic component, facilitating a proper connection with the bike when leaning or in full tuck. In addition, adjustable footrests will be standard, allowing riders to fine-tune the R’s ergonomics. The bodywork is heavily inspired by KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racer, utilizing wind-tunnel-designed aerodynamic winglets that improve stability when braking or cornering.
KTM Head of Global Marketing Riaan Neveling told us, “The KTM 990 RC R is a groundbreaking innovation for those who live for the thrill of cornering. It’s for those who lean close to the road, almost brushing their knees, and then push the limits, dragging elbow to the tarmac on the racetrack. This bike offers power and prestige without the exorbitant price tag.”
“We believe the KTM 990 RC R will quickly attain cult status because it excels at the two things it was designed for so remarkably well,” Neveling continued. “Success will be evident on the track, but the unparalleled experience for customers on the road will truly set it apart.”
KTM has stated that the 2025 KTM 990 RC R will be available at dealerships in early 2025. We’ll have more details once pricing, availability, and performance figures are released.
Studio photography by Visus Studios
2025 KTM 990 RC R Photo Gallery
