New KTM RC 990 Spied – Flagship Road-legal Supersport Incoming

A KTM everyday supersport? the smaller RCs have shown that it can be done

Not too long ago we saw KTM test the upcoming 990 Duke, a bike which will slot between the 890 Duke and 1290 Super Duke R. The motorcycle was seen making runs on an all-new, 990cc, parallel-twin motor which appears to have also spawned this – RC 990 – test mule.

Yes, KTM retails the RC 8C in limited numbers, but unlike this RC 990 test mule, that motorcycle is limited to track-only use. What makes this RC 990 test mule exciting is the hope that we could finally have a supersport to replace the legendary RC8 which was axed not too long ago for poor commercial success. Clearly this RC 990 is looking at practicality as much as being a true KTM supersport at heart.

The most significant change on this upcoming RC 990 is the design. It’s not as angular and menacing when compared to its flagship predecessor. In fact, KTM seems to have used its MotoGP bike as a reference and then started tweaking it for everyday use. It gets a TFT screen, single LED projector headlight, LED indicators, a visibly larger fuel tank (for more range possibly), and most importantly - a rear seat just wide enough to fit a large European man on it.

Mechanically, the RC 990 test mule will be packing the new 990cc motor as seen on 990 Duke. Hence, it will certainly make more power than the 890 Duke’s 122.6PS and 99Nm and somewhere in the range of the RC 8’s 135PS and 98Nm figures. It gets fully adjustable suspension from WP, just like on most top-end KTMs, and a new subframe to accommodate a pillion-friendly rear end. This is most evident from the heel plates of both the rider and pillion, the position of the pegs are being tested for optimal comfort.

This is an early sighting, and over the course of the next two years, we could see both the 990 Duke and RC 990 take production form. When launched it will dig its teeth into the sub-1000cc supersport segment currently dominated by the Ducati Panigale V2 and MV Agusta F3. 

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