Table of Contents
KTM has confirmed the fairings back on the LC8c platform and doing it the typical Orange way. The 2026 KTM 990 RC R is a full-body enclosure, street-legal homologation special that is primarily targeted at riders who want the superbike level of agility while in reality, they are equipped with a torque and a computer from a modern car. Think scalpel, not sledgehammer: lighter, narrower, wickedly responsive, and made to kill apexes on Saturdays while still being decent on the way home.
Indeed, the new 990 LC8c parallel-twin was adjusted for a sharper swing at the top-end that would not sacrifice midrange torque.
- Main Frame: Chromoly trellis with aluminum subframe, is excessively tilted forward for turning in info and guiding force.
- Track-ready suspension: WP APEX PRO with lots of adjustment capabilities
- Electronics based on IMU: cornering ABS, lean-sensitive TC, MSR, wheelie control, launch, and bi-directional quickshifter
- Off-road ergonomics: rearsets, clip-ons, tall seat and adjustable rider triangle
- Aero bodywork with functional downforce and long ventilation, which makes it more airy.
(KTM final BOLT-U.S figures will lock these in. The tables1 below are for rider orientation purposes only.)
Engine & Performance
The 990 RC R is powered by the latest LC8c from KTM, which is more of a revver than the 890 also has power in the midrange. You can expect to be out of the corner faster with a direct drive to your top speed that seems like anXon-shift.
Key features
- Displacement: ~990 cc LC8c parallel twin
- Power Output (in targeted class): ~120-130 hp / ~73-80 lb-ft
- Cycling: Full blast; torque surge, and sprint mode.
- Ride-by-wire maps: Street / Sport / Track (+ custom)
- Exhaust: underslung with optional race system compatibility
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
Race DNA is KTM’s main target: lightweight, rigid, and gives excellent feedback through the bars.
- Frame: Chromoly trellis, which has a stiff, headstock brake stability.
- Swingarm: Aluminum, braced; track geometry options are selectable.
- Suspension: WP APEX PRO; track-specific springs available from PowerParts.
- Brakes: Brembo radial mount calipers, 320 mm rotors, Cornering ABS (Supermoto/Track modes)
- Wheels/Tires: 17 in. forged/aluminum; supersport rubber stock (200/55 rear likely)
On track: fast direction changes, rock-solid on the brakes, and stable drive off apexes without fighting electronics.
Electronics Suite (the helpful kind)
| System | What it does for you |
|---|---|
| Cornering ABS (multi-mode) | Hard braking at lean without panic stand-up |
| MTC + wheelie control | Adjustable slip & lift thresholds for dry/wet/track |
| MSR (engine-brake control) | Keeps the rear calm on aggressive downshifts |
| Quickshifter+ (up/down) | Clean shifts from pit lane to freeway |
| Launch control | Repeatable starts for track days or race grids |
| Track HUD + data | Lap timer, sector logging, lean/breaking traces via app |
Ergonomics & Aero
The 990 RC R is purely focused on racing, but KTM has also kept day-to-day usability in mind.
- Seat height: tall, with optional low seat
- Clip-ons & rearsets: adjustable triangles to fit more bodies and tracks
- Fairing & winglets: real downforce at speed; calmer chest/helmet zone for long sessions
- Tank shape: narrow waist for lock-to-lock lean, grippy sides under braking
Street Manners
- Cooling & gearing tuned for traffic sanity; no “racebike sulk” at 30–40 mph
- Cruise control & TFT likely available (market/pack dependent)
- Service: twin simplicity, long intervals vs. liter V4s; PowerParts ecosystem is huge
990 RC R vs The World
| Bike | Engine/Feel | Why pick it | Where 990 RC R shines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha R7 | 689cc twin, light, friendly | Accessible price, easy learning curve | More power, higher chassis ceiling |
| Ducati Panigale V2 | 955cc V-twin, premium feel | Gorgeous, strong top end | Lighter feel, sharper electronics tuning |
| Aprilia RS 660 | 659cc twin, agile | Superb balance, great electronics | More motor, stiffer track hardware |
| Suzuki GSX-8R | 776cc twin, value | Comfort + price | Race-grade suspension/brakes |
Key Specs (Rider-Useful, Target Class)
| Item | 2026 KTM 990 RC R (guide) |
|---|---|
| Engine | LC8c parallel twin, ~990 cc |
| Power/Torque | ~120–130 hp / ~73–80 lb-ft |
| Gearbox | 6-speed, QS up/down, slip/assist |
| Frame | Chromoly trellis, aluminum subframe |
| Suspension | WP APEX PRO, multi-adjustable |
| Brakes | Brembo radial, 320 mm; Cornering ABS |
| Electronics | IMU suite, Track mode, data logging |
| Wheels/Tires | 120/70 & 200/55 R17 |
| Wet Weight (target) | Low 400s lb (fuelled) |
| Seat Height | Tall; adjustable options |
| Fuel Capacity | ~4.0–4.2 gal |
Final homologated figures may vary by market/trim.
Price & Availability (What to Expect)
- MSRP (US, ballpark): likely $15k–$18k depending on pack/wheels
- Launch timing: 2026 model year; early allocation may be limited
- Packs: Track package (data + slick settings), Tech package (QS+, cruise), forged/carbon wheels
Buyer’s 5-Minute Checklist
- Fit: Try both seat options + clip-on/rearset positions; simulate long stints on the pegs.
- Braking feel: Test ABS Track/Supermoto modes; feel initial bite & lever progression.
- Gearing vs. commute: If you do daily miles, ensure it doesn’t feel too short-legged.
- Heat management: 10 minutes of town speeds—no one likes toasted thighs.
- Dealer support: Ask about first-service cost, WP setup help, and PowerParts lead times.
FAQ
Is it beginner friendly?
It’s approachable compared with liter superbikes, but it’s built for committed riders. Perfect second/third bike if your goal is track days.
Track or street?
Both. Out of the crate it’s track-ready; with mirrors and plates it’s perfectly civil on Sunday backroads.
How does it differ from a 890 Duke R with fairings?
Sharper engine tune, stiffer chassis parts, race ergonomics, and aero that actually works at speed.
Verdict
The 2026 KTM 990 RC R is the sweet spot supersport many riders have been waiting for: serious pace without the punishment of a superbike, race electronics that help rather than nag, and WP hardware that rewards precise inputs. If your calendar says “track on Saturday, twisties on Sunday,” this is the orange missile to demo first.
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