KTM 990 RC R specifications

KTM · Supersport

The 990 RC R is KTM's supersport bike, a fairing-wrapped 947cc parallel twin on a sport chassis that Motorcycle News says is more than just a Duke in a frock. It has a tall seat and an aggressive position, and KTM asks $13,949 before destination.

RevZilla places the RC R at the upper echelon of street-based-engine sport bikes, with a base price near $15,000 and high-spec features. The same source says the riding position is somewhat aggressive, the suspension appropriately stiff and the engine provides loads of linear power, and that a lowering kit costing around $250 brings the saddle down about an inch for street riders intimidated by the 33.2-inch seat.

Motorcycle News calls it a supersport weapon that never feels lacking in power or handling on the road, and easier to ride fast than a screaming 600 or a brutally powered superbike.

The write-up adds that a larger rider will have no problem settling in for the long haul, and that a KTM race series costs 7,500 euros to enter, including entry fees, race parts, suspension upgrades, wheels, tires and a KTM mechanic. The reviewer says comparing it with the Ducati Panigale V2 S and Yamaha R9 is difficult because their lower-revving two- and three-cylinder engines deliver power deceptively.

What owners say

On a New England Street Riders thread, an 890 owner reports 20,000 miles with no major issues, only smaller ones such as a leaking thermostat housing and coolant hoses and a loosened magnet that rubbed a hole in the side stand sensor. Another poster sold a 1290 at 60,000 miles and says the worst issue was a radiator that sprang a leak.

Those are older KTM models, not the RC R, but they name the parts to check on a used KTM twin.

KTM lists WP Apex forks with 147 mm (5.79 in) of travel and a linkage shock with 134 mm (5.28 in), a 1,481 mm wheelbase and 163 mm of ground clearance. The seat is 845 mm, the tank 4.15 gal and the claimed weight 184 kg without fuel. Compared with the 990 Duke R it is $550 dearer ($13,949 against $13,399), 5 kg heavier and has 47 mm less ground clearance.

Who it suits

The RC R suits a rider who wants a track-capable sport bike with a manageable engine and who is tall enough for a 33.2-inch seat or willing to buy the lowering kit. A rider who wants a road bike with a comfortable position should look at the 990 Duke.

990 RC R against the Panigale V2 and YZF-R9.

Motorcycle News compares it with the Ducati Panigale V2 S and Yamaha R9.

2026 KTM 990 RC R questions

How tall is the KTM 990 RC R?

KTM lists an 845 mm seat and RevZilla quotes 33.2 inches. RevZilla says a lowering kit costing around $250 takes about an inch off.

Is the KTM 990 RC R comfortable?

RevZilla calls the position somewhat aggressive and the suspension appropriately stiff. Motorcycle News says a larger rider has no problem settling in for the long haul.

Is the KTM 990 RC R a race bike?

Motorcycle News describes a KTM race series priced at 7,500 euros including entry fees, race parts, suspension upgrades, wheels, tires and a KTM mechanic.