KTM has always been the kind of brand that speaks to riders who want their machines to feel alive. For decades, the Austrian company has built its reputation on race-bred performance, raw emotion, and a touch of chaos. Whether it’s dirt bikes flying through the air or nakeds tearing up canyon roads, KTM has long promised one thing: you don’t need to be a factory racer to feel like one.
That spirit of making world-class performance accessible to everyday riders is what turned KTM into one of Europe’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers. Its bikes have consistently punched above their weight, both literally and figuratively. But not too long ago, things got messy.
Seriously messy.
Expansion plans and heavy R&D spending caught up with the company, and it started showing signs of financial strain. Earlier this year, those worries seemed to ease when Bajaj Auto, one of India’s largest manufacturers and KTM’s long-time partner, stepped in and took control. It was a rescue mission, and it likely saved KTM from a painful collapse.
Now, just months later, KTM looks anything but wounded, and the new 2026 KTM 990 RC R is proof.
This is the company at its most confident: a bike that channels everything KTM has learned from MotoGP, Supersport racing, and years of street-focused development. It’s powered by the tried and (sometimes) true LC8c parallel twin that’s been put on a diet to weigh in at just 56 kilos (126 pounds). Performance is equally impressive at 130 horsepower and 76 pound-feet of torque. But what’s more impressive is how KTM engineered the 990 RC R to be usable. They say that it’s sharp and aggressive when you want it to be, yet comfortable enough for street rides thanks to thoughtful ergonomics and adjustable controls that suit riders of all sizes.
Underneath, the 990 RC R rides on a purpose-built steel chassis paired with a die-cast aluminum subframe. KTM tuned it for stability under acceleration without losing that signature flickability the RC line is known for. WP APEX suspension keeps everything planted, while 320-millimeter Brembo brakes handle stopping duties with authority. The bike’s sculpted bodywork isn’t just for looks, either. In fact, the bike has been wind-tunnel tested to help riders slice through the air more efficiently, something that clearly draws inspiration from KTM’s MotoGP program.
The cockpit consists of an 8.8-inch TFT display that gives access to multiple ride modes consisting of Rain, Street, Sport, and Custom, along with optional Track and advanced telemetry that lets riders see things like lean angle and throttle response. It’s the kind of data you used to need a race team to gather. Now, it’s just a few taps away.
For those who take their track days seriously, KTM isn’t stopping there. A dedicated 990 RC R Track edition is coming in early 2026, stripped of everything unnecessary for road use and loaded with race-specific hardware. It’s a clear nod to the old RC8R, a superbike that once embodied KTM’s wilder side before the company pivoted toward its naked and adventure models. The fact that the RC badge is back, and with this much intent, shows that KTM still knows how to build a proper sportbike.
Gallery: KTM 990 RC R
And perhaps the best part? The 2026 KTM 990 RC R will start at $13,949 USD, which, honestly, isn’t bad at all considering the level of performance, tech, and pedigree you’re getting.
So what does this all mean for KTM? On one hand, it’s reassuring to see the brand firing on all cylinders again, releasing bikes that feel purposeful and passionate. On the other, there’s a lingering question about how stable things really are behind the scenes. Sure, it’s hard to trust KTM after everything that’s happened. But as new models keep rolling out and Mattighofen’s assembly lines roar back to life, it’s starting to look like the worst might be over.
Is the orange brand truly back on track? Maybe. Only time will tell.
Source: KTM
