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KTM unveils 990 RC R middleweight superbike

KTM’s latest Supersport packs 130 hp and MotoGP-inspired tech.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Oct 17, 2025
KTM unveils 990 RC R middleweight superbike

KTM has never been one to play it safe. For decades, the Austrian brand has built bikes that feel raw, emotional, and unapologetically focused on performance. Whether it’s motocross, enduro, or road racing, KTM has always chased the same goal—giving regular riders access to race-level thrills without needing a factory contract.

But lately, the brand’s story has been less about winning and more about surviving. After years of expansion and high development costs, KTM found itself in rough financial waters. Earlier this year, long-time partner Bajaj Auto stepped in and took control, effectively saving the brand from collapse. It was a bold move that left many wondering what KTM’s future might look like.

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KTM 990 RC R
KTM 990 RC R

Enter the 2026 KTM 990 RC R, a bike that feels like a statement piece from a company eager to prove it’s still got fight left in it. This isn’t just another sportbike—it’s KTM’s return to form. The 990 RC R packs a 57-kg (126-lb) LC8c parallel-twin engine producing 130 hp and 76 lb-ft (103 Nm) of torque, all wrapped in a lightweight steel chassis and die-cast aluminum subframe. It’s the kind of setup that blends stability with agility, built for carving corners one minute and devouring straights the next.

The components are as serious as they come. WP APEX suspension, 320-mm (12.6-in) Brembo brakes, and aerodynamic bodywork shaped in the wind tunnel all hint at KTM’s MotoGP know-how. There’s also an 8.8-inch (223-mm) TFT dash loaded with rider aids and modes—Rain, Street, Sport, and Custom—plus optional Track settings with telemetry readouts for lean angle and throttle use.

Yet, for all its racing intent, the RC R isn’t some unrideable track monster. KTM worked on ergonomics that make it comfortable enough for daily use, with adjustable footpegs, supportive contact points, and a 16-liter (4.2-gallon) fuel tank for longer rides.

KTM 990 RC R

A track-only 990 RC R Track edition is also coming in early 2026, stripped of road gear and fine-tuned for the circuit. It’s a nod to the old RC8R, reminding fans that KTM’s racing soul never really left—just paused for a bit.

And the price? $13,949 USD (around ₱820,000). Considering the performance and pedigree, that’s more than fair.

So maybe KTM’s recent troubles aren’t the end of the story. The brand seems to be launching bike after bike, each more ambitious than the last. Is this proof that its financial woes are behind it? Maybe. But for now, it’s clear KTM still knows how to build motorcycles that make your heart race—and that’s what really matters.

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