It has been rumored for a while that KTM is working on a street-legal version of the RC 8C. The mid-range Supersport, which according to insiders will be marketed under the name RC 990, has now been spotted during test work.
Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
When KTM took the RC8 out of production, CEO Stefan Pierer had stated that 200+ horsepower supersport engines were too much for the average motorcyclist on the street and for that reason never to put a one liter plus supersport bike on the market again.
Judging by the sales figures of 200+ horsepower supersport bikes you could say that supersport is all but dead, but the popularity of the Aprilia RS 660 and Yamaha R7 shows that there is certainly still a market for supersport bikes – provided they but be usable on the street and not overkill already in first gear.
If you are still in doubt: the first track-only RC 8C, which was produced in a limited edition of 100 units, sold out within four and a half minutes. The 2023 model smashed that record, despite double the number of 200 units, the bike sold out in just over two and a half minutes from when the bike was available to order online last month.
With the launch of the RC 8C, the suspicion grew that KTM was working on a street-legal version, which has now been confirmed with these spy photos.
According to our insider, this is a planned RC 990, a speculative name that suggests that KTM will soon give the LC8c parallel twin a boost in displacement in the near future.
Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Initially marketed as a 799cc twin for the 790 Duke and 790 Adventure, the second generation saw the displacement increase to 889cc for the 890 Duke and 890 Adventure. A further increase in the cylinder capacity makes the name RC 990 obvious.
The name RC 990 may not be 100% certain yet, but the mid-range supersport based on the LC8c twin certainly is. Striking about the spotted prototype is the completely new design that completely deviates from the angular Kiska design that has become so characteristic of KTM.
The completely new fairing, which, given the cut-outs next to the central headlight, already seems to be prepared for an aerodynamic wing similar to that of the RC16 MotoGP racer, is not the only thing that differs from other KTMs.
The characteristic swingarm with open lattice profile has made way for a – if we say so ourselves – very nice aluminum swingarm. The WP Apex suspension and Brembo radial brakes are nothing new for KTM standards.
The large stainless steel silencer looks like a series production exhaust, which suggests that this is already an advanced prototype. The fact that tests are now being carried out with a pillion passenger confirms this suspicion.
Clearly visible are the oversized duo footpeg gusset plates, which are perforated to allow the footpegs to be moved quickly to determine the ideal position of the footpegs.
The fact that the butt is not provided with sheet metal also suggests that the seating position is being worked on. Thanks to the open construction, the saddle of rider and passenger can be adjusted quickly.
Still, we think that quite a bit of water will pass through the Maas before the RC 990 will be seen in the showroom of the KTM dealer. According to our spy, the final production version may not be presented until late 20244 for model year 2025.
Photo: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.