Upcoming KTM 990 RC R: Officially Teased Again

Quick Highlights

• The sportbike will be based on the 990 Duke

• It’s still in testing phase

• Launch expected in 2025

KTM has released a video of the upcoming 990 RC R sportbike, giving sneak peeks of it in its testing phase. The sportbike will use the same 947 cc parallel-twin as we have seen in the 990 Duke. While no engine specifications have been revealed, it makes 123PS and 103Nm in the naked bike. 

Other equipment that can be seen on the bike is WP Apex inverted fork, an adjustable monoshock, a stainless steel muffler, 17-inch wheels, and adjustable footpegs. The sportbike should also be equipped with electronic aids like riding modes, launch control, wheelie control, and a whole lot more. 

The Austrian bikemaker seems to be testing the bike for its aerodynamics and track performance. It has taken the bike to several tracks in Europe to gather performance data and validation of parameters. WIth multiple riders in various environments, KTM will be able to fine-tune the performance to suit what its customers will demand from it. While it’s a track-focussed sport bike, it will also be used on the streets and should be able to handle those duties as well. 

While there has been no official word about its launch yet, we could get a closer look at EICMA 2024, and a launch next year. Regarding its India launch, word on the street is that KTM India is planning to bring in the big bike portfolio around the festive season. However this could very well start with the bikes like the 790 Duke and the 790 Adventure, and later followed by the bigger bikes like the 1390 SuperDuke.