- Uses a 947cc, parallel-twin engine
- Impressive 195kg kerb weight
- NZ launch by early 2026
The production-ready version of the long-awaited KTM 990RCR has finally been revealed, with factory assembly beginning this month. A track-only variant is also set to debut in February 2026, though it won’t be road legal.
Like many of KTM’s recent projects, the 990RCR faced delays following the brand’s turbulent NZD 1.37 billion restructuring plan, which came after a 90-day period of self-administration. Slotting neatly into the new-age supersport segment, the 990RCR will go up against Yamaha’s R9, Ducati’s Panigale V2, and the more traditional Honda CBR600RR and Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Available in orange or black, the 990RCR is powered by a 947cc parallel-twin engine shared with the 990 Duke. It produces a claimed 128.2bhp at 9,500rpm and 103Nm of torque at 6,750rpm. Fuel comes via a 15.7-litre tank, with the engine acting as a stressed member within the powder-coated steel trellis frame. The ready-to-ride weight is a competitive 195kg.
Suspension duties are handled by 48mm WP open-cartridge forks offering 30 clicks of compression and rebound damping, plus three turns of preload adjustment. The WP monoshock at the rear gets three settings for high-speed compression and 30 for low-speed, along with 10 stages of preload.
The 17-inch wheels are borrowed from the 1390 Super Duke R and come wrapped in Michelin Power Cup 2 trackday tyres. Braking performance comes courtesy of Brembo’s latest Hypure calipers, the same setup found on the Ducati Panigale V4. Weight distribution sits at a well-balanced 52.5% front / 47.5% rear, and KTM has even included pillion provisions.
The 845mm seat height will feel lofty for some, but adjustable footpegs (three positions) allow for fine-tuning. The clip-on handlebars are fixed for comfort, while four ABS modes come standard. Electronic aids include Rain, Street, Sport and Custom riding modes, with an optional Track mode that unlocks two additional custom settings. All of it is managed via an 8.8-inch horizontal TFT display.
Like other modern KTMs, the 990RCR also features the brand’s controversial Demo Mode, which offers the full electronics package for the first 1,500km, after which riders must purchase individual tech packs to retain access.
We can expect KTM to launch the new 990 RCR in New Zealand and Australia by early 2026.
