Supersport followers are in for a deal with with KTM asserting a brand new commonplace manufacturing, street-legal absolutely faired sportbike. Meet the 2025 KTM 990 RC R prototype, which the model has confirmed will enter manufacturing early subsequent 12 months and be manufactured at its Mattighofen facility.
The forthcoming KTM 990 RC R relies on the not too long ago launched KTM 990 Duke. It enjoys a number of supersport-specific updates to assist additional its sportier mission, together with observe days and extra centered road using.
The transfer to create a street-legal supersport machine follows a profitable partnership with Krämer Bikes to develop a number of limited-edition, track-only KTM RC 8C fashions in recent times. Based on KTM, the success of these fashions has spurred curiosity in road-going variants, which we’re witnessing right this moment. Whereas the light-weight RC 390 is a longstanding absolutely faired bike inside the higher KTM lineup, KTM bowed out of the superbike class in 2016 when it halted manufacturing of the V-twin 1190 RC8 R, and we’ve got not seen a becoming street-legal successor till now.
Visually, the brand new prototype appears full and Prepared To Race, because the marquee’s tagline claims. Bolstering that sentiment is KTM saying that the prototype will take part as a wild card entry in non-point scoring outings inside choose European Supersport championships. On that be aware, KTM additionally introduced an much more centered track-only model, aptly dubbed the KTM 990 RC R Observe. The 990 RC R Observe mannequin removes road-legal requirements to save lots of weight, and it additionally incorporates a full racing exhaust system, crash safety, and race bodywork.
Details about the 2025 KTM 990 RC R is proscribed, however some technical data is confirmed. We will let you know that it’s based mostly on the 990 Duke and shares the identical 947cc parallel-twin engine. We anticipate that efficiency figures will likely be within 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. Nevertheless, a brand new Akrapovič exhaust is in play; arguably, the engineers could tune the 990 RC R for high-rpm output, which might be extra conducive to trace use.
On the chassis entrance, the 990 RC R boasts extra front-end weight bias, that includes a model-specific 25 levels of rake, which is kicked out 0.8 levels greater than the Duke. As well as, the chassis is alleged to be stiffened to assist handle stability throughout exhausting acceleration, whether or not on bumpy roads or clean racetracks, in keeping with our KTM supply.
WP Apex suspension is cited within the press launch, although there isn’t any phrase relating to adjustability. For reference, the 990 Duke’s WP suspension options adjustable compression and rebound fork damping, with a totally adjustable shock. That must be matched or outdone on the extra centered 990 RC R. Lastly, Michelin is cited because the OE tire supplier, though the photographs right here present Pirelli Diablo Superbike slicks.
A part of the 990 RC R’s transition to a full-blown supersport machine is its ergonomics and bodywork. KTM cites a brand new gas tank as a principal ergonomic part, facilitating a correct reference to the bike when leaning or in full tuck. As well as, adjustable footrests will likely be commonplace, permitting riders to fine-tune the R’s ergonomics. The bodywork is closely impressed by KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racer, using wind-tunnel-designed aerodynamic winglets that enhance stability when braking or cornering.
KTM Head of World Advertising and marketing Riaan Neveling advised us, “The KTM 990 RC R is a groundbreaking innovation for many who dwell for the fun of cornering. It’s for many who lean near the street, virtually brushing their knees, after which push the boundaries, dragging elbow to the tarmac on the racetrack. This bike gives energy and status with out the exorbitant price ticket.”
“We imagine the KTM 990 RC R will rapidly attain cult standing as a result of it excels on the two issues it was designed for therefore remarkably nicely,” Neveling continued. “Success will likely be evident on the observe, however the unparalleled expertise for purchasers on the street will really set it aside.”
KTM has said that the 2025 KTM 990 RC R will likely be obtainable at dealerships in early 2025. We’ll have extra particulars as soon as pricing, availability, and efficiency figures are launched.
Studio pictures by Visus Studios
2025 KTM 990 RC R Photograph Gallery
