-New KTM sports bike unveiled
-Called 990 RC R prototype
-Production-ready model launch in 2025
KTM has dropped an anticipated bomb in the form of a new fully faired motorcycle – the 990 RC R. For now, this is a prototype, but the production-ready model will be launched sometime next year.
Over the last few years, KTM has received excellent response for the limited-edition RC 8C. The first run of 100 units was sold out within five minutes and when the next 200 units came to the market, it got sold again within a few minutes. With such massive demand for its special edition bikes, it was clear that the Austrian brand would eventually bring out a production-ready model.
Currently, there aren’t many details on the 990 RC R prototype, but it looks like the bike has been built around a trellis frame. While the motorcycle has been fully camouflaged, a few details like aluminium sub-frame, blacked-out swingarm and top-spec Brembo brakes can be seen.
Powering this KTM is a 990cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor which is also seen on the 990 Duke. However, the RC R churns out a bit more power at 126bhp. The gearbox is six-speed with a standard quickshifter. Interestingly, the gear lever can be reversed to offer race shifts as standard.
KTM claims that a lot of work has gone into getting the ergonomics right on this motorcycle. While the overall sporty stance of the bike will be there to aid track racing, there will be some amount of comfort to ride on the street. There isn’t a lot of information on the features aspect, but expect it to come with some riding modes, multiple-traction control system and also IMU-related features.
In less than a year, the production-ready model of the 990 RC R will go on sale in Europe and when that happens, KTM will finally have its presence in the competitive sports bike category, which is currently dominated by the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, Honda CBR600RR and also the Yamaha R9 and the Ducati Panigale V2.
