KTM unleashes Track-only 990 RC R

Circuit-ready weapon ditches road gear for MotoGP-inspired aero, slicks, WP APEX suspenders and a tuned LC8c twin 

KTM has taken the road-derived performance of the 990 RC R and pushed it fully into circuit territory with the new KTM 990 RC R TRACK, a non-homologated supersport built specifically for track days and racing. The idea is simple: remove street compromises, sharpen the package, and deliver a bike that’s ready to run hard with strong dealer backup and straightforward maintenance.

With no need to meet street-legal requirements, the 990 RC R TRACK deletes the usual road equipment including lights, mirrors and the side-stand, while keeping a wet-weather taillight and supplying a paddock stand as standard. KTM has also simplified the cockpit and controls for circuit use and set the bike up as a race-ready platform that’s easy to repair.

Bodywork is designed for track practicality, including injected-plastic fairings intended to make fitting sponsor decals and replacement panels simpler. KTM has also fitted a higher windscreen to suit a full tuck position and reduce fatigue over a session.

MotoGP-inspired aero

KTM points directly to its RC16 MotoGP machine as the influence behind the TRACK’s aerodynamic profile, shaping wings and edges to improve downforce and stability under braking and on acceleration. Ergonomics centre around a 15.7-litre tank and a reworked seat at 857mm, aiming to make it easy for the rider to move around the bike while staying locked into an aggressive riding position.

Suspension, slicks and brakes

The 990 RC R TRACK comes on Michelin Power Slick tyres in 120/70-R17 front and 190/55-R17 rear. Suspension is fully adjustable WP APEX, with KTM saying the baseline settings were developed through extensive testing at major European circuits.

Braking is handled by Brembo HyPure hardware with 320mm front discs and a 240mm rear disc. KTM also highlights improvements in lever feel and modulation, and positions the system as a more performance-focused setup than the ABS-modulated arrangement on the road-going 990 RC R.

947cc LC8c twin boosted to 135hp

Power is delivered by KTM’s 947cc parallel-twin DOHC LC8c engine, tuned here to 135 PS (99.3 kW) and 105 Nm at 7000 rpm. An Akrapovič Evolution Line exhaust system in stainless steel is part of the TRACK package and weighs just 3kg, while the gearbox features track-oriented ratios, including a longer first and shorter sixth.

Stripped-back electronics with Track Modes

Electronics have been made more compact, cutting two kilos, and focusing on track essentials. The bike runs three easily customised Track Modes with options for throttle response, traction control and slip adjustment, anti-wheelie, launch control and engine braking, plus a pit limiter and Quickshifter+. Rider information and lap data are shown on a 4.2-inch full-colour TFT.

Road vs track RC R

Compared to the road-going version, the track-only RC R is built around the same core concept but deletes road equipment and refocuses the package for circuit work. Key changes include a dedicated track electronics package, a smaller dashboard showing only essential data, and more power and torque than the street bike. It also swaps to a dedicated colour-injection moulded fairing kit, adds more adjustability for ergonomics (including the steering damper and footpegs), and comes fitted with Michelin Power Slick 2 race tyres. Alongside the removal of street items like mirrors and a side-stand, KTM also drops features such as the Connectivity Unit and ABS, and replaces the larger TFT with the more compact 4.2-inch display.

KTM 990 RC R Cup also announced

The 990 RC R TRACK was revealed at the same event as KTM’s announcement of the KTM 990 RC R CUP, described as a cost-controlled, professionally run six-round European series for non-professional riders. KTM says competitors also get priority delivery of their 990 RC R TRACK machines.

KTM Head of Global Marketing Riaan Neveling said the TRACK concept came together quickly from the base model. “The beauty of the KTM 990 RC R was the ease with which we could make only a few adjustments and have the KTM 990 RC R TRACK ready to go,” he said. He also pointed to KTM’s racing background as a key input into the final product. “Our history and achievements on the asphalt informed a lot of the KTM 990 RC R TRACK and the KTM 990 RC R range. We took on this project knowing that we wanted to send our customers heartrates’ racing as well! That was the goal, and the KTM 990 RC R TRACK is our best definition of a sportsbike yet. We hope to see as many of them as possible through apexes of the KTM 990 RC R CUP!”

SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel twin
Capacity: 947cc
Bore x stroke: 92.5 x 70.4mm
Max power: 99.3kW (135PS) @ 10,000rpm
Max torque: 105Nm @ 7,000rpm
Compression ratio: 13.5:1
Fuel system: DKK Dellorto EFI (46mm throttle body)
Valve train: 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC
Engine management: Bosch EMS with RBW
Cooling: Liquid-cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
Clutch: Cable-operated PASC slipper clutch
Transmission: 6-speed
Primary drive: 42:76
Final drive: 16:42

CHASSIS
Frame: Chromium-molybdenum steel, engine as stressed member, powder coated
Subframe: Aluminium, powder coated
Handlebar: Aluminium tapered bar, 28/22mm

SUSPENSION
Front: WP APEX 48 open cartridge, comp/rebound (30 clicks), preload (3 clicks)
Rear: WP APEX, high-speed comp (3 turns), low-speed comp (30 clicks), rebound (30 clicks), preload (10 turns)
Travel (front/rear): 147/134mm

BRAKES
Front: Dual 320mm discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers
Rear: Single 240mm disc, 1-piston caliper

WHEELS & TYRES
Wheels: Cast aluminium 3.50 x 17in (front), 5.50 x 17in (rear)
Tyres: 120/70 ZR17 (front), 190/55 ZR17 (rear)

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1481mm
Ground clearance: 163mm
Seat height: 857mm
Fuel capacity: approx. 15.7L (3.0L reserve)
Weight (ready to race): approx. 181kg

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