Motorcycle specifications KTMRC R 990 Track 2026 The hunt can begin

KTM has made a serious comeback in the sports bike segment with its 990 RC R. A machine in the same vein as the R9, Panigale V2, QJ Motor SRK 921 RR, and ZXMOTO 820 RR —the new generation of “Supersports.” To stay true to its dual-purpose DNA, the brand has promised to play both sides of the field: high-octane road riding with the standard version, and track-focused performance with this Track variant! Get your sliders ready—they’ll be scraping all day long.

The 990 RC R Track gets straight to the point. No need to bother with fancy cosmetic touches. First, ditch all the road-going equipment that’s useless on the track, swap in a fairing better suited for customizing, simplify the controls, fit a taller windscreen to improve protection and spare your neck, install a rain light, and lace up some serious track tires. In this case, Michelin Power Slick tires.

Already, it feels like a track bike. Now we also discover that the Track is fully track-tuned, complete with a quick-release fuel cap, a brake lever guard, an aluminum rear sprocket, a keyless ignition system replacing the traditional ignition switch, wheel chocks for parking; and the paddock stand thoughtfully included. The instrument cluster isn’t the RC R’s 8.8-inch TFT display but the smaller 4.2-inch model. This allows for displaying the essentials while saving weight.

Grab the tool

Now, in position. The riding experience doesn’t compromise like the 990 RC R. When mounting the Track, the rider will immediately feel ready to attack the clock. With a seat raised by 12 mm (857 mm), handlebar grips lowered by 10 mm, and footpegs raised by 25 mm, the riding position is significantly more forward-leaning—enough to make it feel like you’re holding the front wheel rather than the fork. And if you don’t like it, just “tweak” it all, because almost everything is adjustable: the handlebar grips can pivot 6°, the foot controls can be adjusted to 6 positions, and the gear selector lets you switch to reverse gear simply by changing the screw’s attachment point.

With the word “Track” in its name, the Katoche had to deliver a hefty boost in horsepower. And then, for a track-focused bike, you start fantasizing about aggressive camshafts, reinforced connecting rods, a redesigned intake, a thinner head gasket, a vibranium crankshaft… All the kind of stuff that would skyrocket the bike’s price.
Nope, none of that. The 947cc twin sees its performance improved solely by fitting an Akrapovic exhaust, for a gain of 5 horsepower. Its gearbox has been retuned for a track-oriented setup, with a longer first gear and a shorter sixth.

Thanks to the small adjustment knobs on the fork tubes (as is often the case with Katoche), you’ll be able to easily fine-tune the front end. Then, before, after, during… it doesn’t matter… The RC R lets you fine-tune its suspension, and even more so its electronics. It features three riding modes (Track 1, 2, and 3) that let you configure your electronic settings, the ingredients of which are as follows:

• 3 levels for throttle response (Smooth / Linear / Aggressive)
• 9 levels for traction control
• 6 levels for wheelie control, from Very Low to Very High
• Engine braking management
• A 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) enhances the assist functions based on the angle
• A speed limiter is also included to prevent excessive speed in the pits.

Specific engine speed

The bike has shed weight in various areas: 2 kg on the electronics, it should save another 2 kg by removing the headlights, turn signals, kickstand, and mirrors, and a good handful more with the exhaust system. KTM claims that the Akrapovic Evolution stainless steel exhaust system weighs just 3 kg (odd… the titanium system from the same manufacturer is listed at 4.6 kg). All told, that’s 14 kg lighter than the street model.

135 hp, 170 kg dry weight, a sharp chassis—the package promises some serious track time. Oops, some might turn up their noses a bit when they think ofthe old 890 RC 8C, which weighed just 140 kg. Almost the weight of a 250 RS from the golden age of 2-strokes. Except that the 8C cost twice as much as this “9C Track.” So now you can get the bike, the trailer, and the track bike for the same price as the old one. Less hardcore but more accessible.

Speaking of money… For once, KTM hasn’t bundled options with a subscription or limited free trial. The Track pack’s goodies (shifter, launch control, telemetry system, multiple settings) are included. On the other hand, ABS and the connectivity system are left out (they have no place on the track), as is cruise control.

A double-edged sword

With the 990 RC R, KTM now has a one-two punch in the next-gen Supersport class. One for the road, the Track for the crucible of the track, riding, and racing. A bike ready to tear up the curbs right out of the box.