If the KTM RC 8C kept you up at night wishing it was available for street use, KTM may have brought the dream closer. At EICMA, we saw the KTM 990 RC R in the flesh and it left us mighty impressed. It is still as focussed on lap times as ever but it will also be homologated for the road. We have never been happier looking at lights and turn signals on a race-bred motorcycle!

It is powered by the LC8c motor that also does duty on the newly launched KTM 990 Duke R. For the KTM 990 RC R, the parallel-twin mill produces 130 PS of power and 103 Nm of torque. The peak power arrives at 9,500 rpm and peak torque at 6,750 rpm which means instant grunt. Then there’s the fact that the engine weighs a mere 57 kilos which makes the KTM 990 RC R a very light motorcycle. This might be one of the key reasons behind the massive winglets. Jokes aside, this means that this race-ready road motorcycle is going to pack a heck of a punch.

Here’s what KTM has to say about their little rocket:

The KTM 990 RC R is set to roll off the Mattighofen Production line in early 2025. The all-new development embodies the fusion of Austrian engineering excellence and the ferocious racing DNA, delivering unrivalled performance while embracing the practical demands of the road. Instantly catering to the desires of orange enthusiasts fixated on track days and individuals seeking to maintain the adrenaline rush with an exceptionally capable street bike.

The steel frame has been engineered for dynamic performance, with increased weight bias towards the front end. It features a dedicated steering head angle of 25 degrees and offset for enhanced steering responsiveness. Beefed-up stiffness gives the right feel and stability under acceleration on bumpy roads or on racetracks while also maintaining agility, especially at low speeds. A diecast aluminium subframe contributes to the ride.

Ergonomics are key to the KTM 990 RC R’s behaviour. Lengthy experimentation primed the six contact points on the tank for a better connection, leaning and ‘tucking in’ to ensure comfort but also support for knees, arms, and lower pressure on the hands. A new fuel tank has been shaped as a main component of the ergo. Adjustable footrests play a part, as well as the fully adjustable WP APEX Open Cartridge Suspension, lightweight cast aluminium wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres.

The MotoGP heritage is evident with the wind-tunnel-chiselled aero wings that provide stability for braking and cornering and other edges and profiling around the bodywork that screams ‘racer’.

If there were any lingering doubts about the bike’s intended purpose, the minimal modifications required for the transition to the KTM 990 RC R TRACK edition should Indisputably reinforce its racing pedigree. Crafted by KTM in their Austrian factory, the modifications strip away the road-legal essentials, incorporate protective components, fine-tune adjustments, customize further, and revise racing bodywork, including a full exhaust system. These modifications ensure that riders focus on lap times rather than leisurely rides. Additionally, the ease of repair, low maintenance requirements, and extensive official dealer support provide further advantages.

KTM is also filming a multi-part behind-the-scenes documentary about the R&D journey of the bike and its entry into the Supersport sector. This exclusive behind-the-scenes content will give viewers close, and not-normally-seen, insights into the fast-paced world of the Austrian-based factory and what it takes to craft a motorcycle from an idea into reality. Follow the final stages of the research and development process moving from the very beginning to the final unveiling of the finished street homologated version of the KTM 990 RC R.

The KTM 990 RC R has been years in the making and with a wealth of data garnered by titles and trophies in almost every category of various MotoGP categories. The bike represents the natural evolution of the current KTM RC line-up, yet its sporting potential allows for a straightforward conversion into a KTM 990 RC R TRACK edition. True to the READY TO RACE ethos, this edition is poised to make its debut in the second quarter of 2025.