2026 KTM 990 RC R Specs & Review

The 2026 KTM 990 RC R is a sharp-edged sportbike for riders who want a focused machine with serious chassis hardware and modern rider aids. If you’re weighing track-days against fast backroad runs, the 2026 KTM 990 RC R specs stack up as a purpose-built package with proper adjustability and IMU-driven safety tech.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine type: 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled (water/oil heat exchanger), Bosch EMS with RBW
• Displacement: 947 cm³ (57.8 in³)
• Power: 130 PS (~128 hp)
• Torque: 103 Nm (75.9 lb-ft)
• KTM 990 RC R weight: 195 kg wet (184 kg dry)
• KTM 990 RC R seat height: 845 mm (33.2 in)
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Fuel tank capacity: 15.7 l

Engine & Performance

At the core of the 990 RC R is a 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine displacing 947 cm³. The output—130 PS (about 128 hp) and 103 Nm—lands squarely in that sweet spot where a sportbike feels light on its feet yet muscular enough to pull hard from midrange. Around town, the torque figure helps keep shifts to a minimum and gives confident roll-on from low rpm. On the highway, power stays accessible without needing to wring it out, making quick passes straightforward.

The Bosch EMS with ride-by-wire brings crisp fueling and fine throttle mapping, and the electronics suite—6D IMU, cornering ABS modes, traction control, and multiple ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Custom; Track available as an accessory)—lets you tailor the bike to conditions or your mood. A 6-speed transmission handles the work cleanly, while a 520 X-Ring chain keeps final drive efficient. KTM lists CO2 emissions at 110 g/km.

Handling, Comfort & KTM 990 RC R Seat Height

The chassis is classic KTM race-first thinking: a Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as a stressed element, paired with an aluminum rear subframe. Suspension is fully adjustable at both ends—WP APEX 48 Open Cartridge up front and WP APEX with linkage in the rear—so you can dial in support for track, canyon, or daily use. KTM’s technical page lists 147 mm of front travel and 134 mm rear (some PDF/press docs note 130 mm; KTM’s note acknowledges the discrepancy).

Geometry numbers give the 990 RC R a planted yet responsive attitude: a 1481 mm wheelbase and a steering head angle (rake) of 65.8°. Cast aluminum wheels (3.5x17" front, 5.5x17" rear) run Michelin Power Cup 2 in 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 sizes—grippy rubber that suits spirited riding.

As for ergonomics, the KTM 990 RC R seat height is 845 mm (33.2 in). Shorter riders may find it tall, but the narrow, sporty stance and predictable fueling help at low speed. Taller riders typically get the room they need, and ground clearance of 163 mm is ample for aggressive lean angles. The ready-to-ride KTM 990 RC R weight of 195 kg keeps it manageable in traffic and stable at speed.

Equipment & Features

Braking is serious: up front, twin 320 mm discs with radially mounted 4-piston Brembo HyPure calipers deliver strong initial bite and fade resistance; out back, a single-piston caliper works a 240 mm disc for controlled trail-braking and low-speed modulation. The 6D IMU underpins cornering ABS modes and traction control, while ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Custom) cover most scenarios—with Track mode offered as an accessory for more aggressive settings.

Other practical details include a 15.7 l fuel tank, liquid cooling with a water/oil heat exchanger, and the durability of a 520 X-Ring chain. The frame and subframe construction emphasize rigidity without excess mass.

Who Is the 2026 KTM 990 RC R For?

This is a serious sport machine geared toward experienced riders who want a highly adjustable chassis, well-sorted electronics, and punchy midrange power. It’ll handle commuting, but it shines on fast weekend rides and track days, where the suspension and braking package can be exploited. Newer riders could be overwhelmed by the power and 845 mm seat height; the electronics help, but the 990 RC R is best appreciated by riders with a solid foundation.

Torquepedia Verdict

As a complete package, the 2026 KTM 990 RC R specs read like a rider’s wish list: robust midrange (103 Nm), agile geometry, fully adjustable WP APEX suspension, and top-shelf Brembo stoppers. The IMU-backed electronics and multiple ride modes provide confidence when conditions change, and the Michelin Power Cup 2 recommendations speak to the bike’s performance intent.

Potential drawbacks? The 845 mm seat height will be tall for some, and riders chasing luxury touring features may find the spec sheet laser-focused on performance essentials rather than creature comforts. Still, for riders prioritizing pace and precision, the 990 RC R lands exactly where it needs to—right in the sweet spot between usability and track-ready hardware.

FAQ

• Is the 2026 KTM 990 RC R good for beginners?

  • It’s a high-performance sportbike with about 128 hp, advanced IMU electronics, and an 845 mm seat height. It’s better suited to experienced riders.

• What is the seat height of the 2026 KTM 990 RC R?

  • KTM 990 RC R seat height is 845 mm (33.2 in).

• How heavy is the 2026 KTM 990 RC R?

  • KTM 990 RC R weight is 195 kg wet (ready to ride) and 184 kg dry.

• What are the standout 2026 KTM 990 RC R specs?

  • 947 cm³ twin, 130 PS (~128 hp), 103 Nm, 6-speed, 195 kg wet, 845 mm seat height, fully adjustable WP APEX suspension, 6D IMU with cornering ABS and ride modes.

• What tires and brakes does it use?

  • Michelin Power Cup 2 are the recommended fitment in 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear. Brakes are 320 mm twin front discs with 4-piston Brembo HyPure calipers and a 240 mm rear disc.