KTM 990 RC R Spied Testing in Europe; Read Details

The Austrian automobile manufacturer KTM is currently working on three new 990cc models including a Supermoto, a naked roadster, and a fully-faired sportbike. And, the spy shots of the latter have been circulating online, lately. The test mule of the fully-faired sportbike was heavily wrapped, but it does indicate some details that we can expect from the upcoming KTM bike. 

Highlights

Before we delve into the offerings of this bike, it is worth noting that the KTM 990 RC R will be KTM’s first street-legal sports bike. For those unfamiliar, the RC8 R was the company’s recent model to boast this type of capabilities, therefore, the company made track-centric RC 8C and RC8 R. 

But this time, KTM is preparing to give those track-centric capabilities to its upcoming street-legal bike with a higher displacement capacity - the 990 RC R. Cosmetically, the test mule indicated an inclusion of the layered fairing with integrated winglets into the body. This is a standard feature among the modern bikes. Additionally, this function feature increases the bike’s downforce, which enhances aerodynamics.

Besides that, the 990 RC R seemed to have a single headlamp setup, which is integrated into the nose. In parallel, the wind deflector and side-view mirrors are mounted on the front fairing. This sports bike also gives an impression of a comfortable riding position, as its footpegs are mounted in line with the seat, while the saddle tucks the riders easily. 

The test mule shown in the picture also reveals the presence of an upswept exhaust infrastructure, which is speculated that it may be not there on the production-ready model. 

On the specifications front, it is confirmed that the 990 RC R is architectured on a steel trellis frame, coupled with a composite- aluminium-made subframe. This frame houses a race-spec RC 8C-inspired powertrain, which is a 947-cc, parallel-twin, LC8c engine that produces 128bhp and 103Nm of peak torque. This engine will be mated to a six-speed gearbox. 

The suspension duties are taken care of by an adjustable mono-shock and a fully adjustable WP Apex Open cartridge setup. Meanwhile, the braking duties will be handled by Brembo-sourced top-spec Hypure callipers, making it unlike the KTM 990 Duke’s J. Juan-sourced callipers. 

Availability

There is no official announcement of the launch date for the KTM 990 RC R from the company, but industry reports are anticipating this bike’s European premier for next year. But, once launched, this bike will take the likes of the Ducati Panigale V2 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R. 

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