After some super exclusive models purely for the track, KTM has unveiled a prototype of the 990 RC R, which will be put on the market as a normal production model in 2025. The prototype will participate as a wildcard in the Supersport World Championship this year, without awarding points.
It will be exactly 10 years ago that KTM announced that it would be taking the then very popular RC8 R out of production, with CEO Stefan Pierer stating that one-litre (plus) Supersport engines no longer had any business on public roads.
It not only meant the end of the KTM Supersport, but also the end of sporting ambitions at global racing level. KTM had used the German IDM Superbike Championship as a training ground, before participating well prepared in the World Superbike Championship, but with the withdrawal of the RC8 R the WorldSBK project was also put to an end.
Since then, KTM has only launched one Supersport: the non-homologated RC 8C that was only suitable for the track. The 2021 RC 8C was produced in a very limited edition of 100 units, followed two years later by the Gen 2 in a edition of 200 units, after which the third generation was announced at the beginning of this year, with production reduced again to 100 units.
The success of the RC 8C – the first edition was completely sold out in just four and a half minutes, the second run in 2023 in just half that time – has made Pierer realize that the time is ripe for a new Supersport on the streets. And otherwise the success of Yamaha’s R7 and the announced R9, which will succeed the R6 in the Supersport World Championship. KTM wants to do exactly the same with the street-legal 990 RC R.
With the 990 RC R, KTM says it is targeting motorcyclists who are looking for a machine that originated from racing, but has been developed into the ultimate, advanced tool for the public road. According to the Austrians, the 990 RC R is the result of years of development and experience in the three racing classes in MotoGP: Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP. The bike represents the natural evolution of the current RC line-up, but should be easy to convert into a KTM 90 RC R TRACK edition thanks to its sporting potential.
The street-approved KTM 990 RC R is equipped with a 57 kg LC8c that is ready for EURO5+. The LC8c delivers a top power of 128 hp and a maximum torque of 103 Nm. The steel frame is designed for dynamic performance, with greater weight distribution to the front. It has a 25-degree head angle and offset for better steering response. The increased stiffness should provide the right feel and stability when accelerating on bumpy roads or circuits, while maintaining agility, especially at low speeds. A cast aluminum subframe contributes to the handling.
Ergonomics are key to the KTM 990 RC R’s behavior. Long-term experimentation has ensured that the six contact points on the tank better connect with the rider in the corner and flat behind the windshield. For comfort, but also for support of knees and arms and less pressure on the wrists. A new fuel tank has been designed as the main part of the ergo. Adjustable footpegs come into play, as does the fully adjustable WP APEX Open Cartridge suspension, lightweight cast aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin tires.
The MotoGP heritage is clearly visible with the wind tunnel-processed aero wings that provide stability under braking and cornering and other edges and profiles around the body that scream ‘racer’.
If there are any doubts about the bike’s intended purpose, the minimal modifications required for the transition to the KTM 990 RC R TRACK edition will undeniably strengthen its racing pedigree. Moreover, the currently presented prototype will make its appearance in the Supersport World Championship this year, where it will participate without awarding points.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.