EICMA 2024: KTM 990 RC R Officially Showcased

KTM was not holding back itself at the ongoing EICMA 2024. After all, the brand had 13 new motorcycles to showcase, and it was making a comeback to the most popular motorcycle show after 5 years. While the new range of 390 Adventures had us drooling over with, at the other end of the pavilion was the Austrian brand’s first big street-legal supersports in 14 years – the all-new KTM 990 RC R. 

Carrying forward the legacy that 1198 RC 8 last set in 2010, the new KTM 990 RC R also retains that same ferocious, in-your-face styling, performance–oriented spec sheet, and much more. Starting with its heart, the new flagship KTM RC is powered by the same 947 cc, parallel-twin engine that debuted with the KTM 990 Duke R. In the super sport, it produces 128 bhp at 9,500 rpm and a whopping 102 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. The usual 6-speed gearbox carries forward here too with a slip-and-assist clutch, but the quickshifter is available as an option. 

As mentioned at the start, the new KTM 990 RC R is not a track-only machine like the 1198 RC 8. And yet KTM has not skimped in the hardware list, and the 990 RC R  gets top-shelf fully-adjustable WP Apex open cartridge suspension, and Brembo brakes with MCS master cylinder. Besides its committed ergonomics, the footpegs are also adjustable and the wheels are wrapped in Michelin Power Cup tyres. 

As for its design, the KTM 990 RC R wears the brand’s signature colour with pride. Thereby, this probably might be the brightest KTM in today’s time. The body design resembles its predecessor, and this can be observed in the front section with the exposed carbon fibre, spoiler under the swingarm, and the short tail section. Given that this will double up as a road bike too, the KTM 990 RC R also gets a headlight, mirrors and turn indicators. 

While KTM has not revealed much about the kind of features the bike will come loaded with. However, we can expect the full suite of 6-axis IMU, which will give you adjustable traction control, wheelie control, and engine brake control etc. Additionally, multiple ride modes and a lunch control should also be available as part of the standard package. But one thing that we can say for sure, just like the new KTM 1390 range, the 990 RC R will also get the latest 8-inch TFT touchscreen dashboard. 

The bike displayed at EICMA 2024 was fully specced out, including an Akrapovic exhaust and petal disc brakes. Now, what remains to be seen is whether KTM will launch a less aggressive and committed, non-R version in the future. And will the same launch in India? We’ll have to wait and see. After all, the KTM big bikes are all set to make a comeback in the country this November 14. You can read all about the same here.