KTM’s Most Anticipated Moto Just Got Even More Adrenaline-Focused

KTM officially unveils an even harder and more focused version of its long-awaited, middleweight supersport.

Front view of a white motorcycle with an orange accent panel and black handlebars against a gradient orange to gray background.

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By Gray Van Dyke

Published February 25, 2026

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Updated February 26, 2026

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When KTM unveiled the 990 RC R back in May 2024, the bike wowed with its winged design and middleweight size. Unfortunately, following a rocky 2025 headlined by company insolvency and subsequent restructuring, production was put on hold.

The resulting delay only added to the anticipation, as early reviews proved to be overwhelmingly positive. Between the comfortable ergonomics and the competent powertrain, the long-awaited Austrian sportbike is already delivering on its promise in more ways than one.

White and orange KTM racing motorcycle on a rear stand inside a garage with a toolbox and helmet in the background. — The 990 RC R brings even more performance focus to KTM’s long-awaited supersport.

Now, KTM has just officially announced that the 990 RC R is finally being joined by its even harder-edged sibling. Originally previewed at EICMA two years ago, it’s a bike that’s uncompromising in its pursuit of performance.

A true track weapon

It’s the KTM 990 RC R Track, and, as you can probably tell from the name, this one isn’t street legal. Rather, it’s a race-ready supersport designed for setting blistering lap times.

Close-up of a motorcycle digital dashboard showing neutral gear and various warning indicators. — That streamlined dash only relays what’s critical so as not to distract from the task at hand: laps.

In keeping with the bike’s objective, KTM has stripped away everything unnecessary. Accordingly, along with ditching road-going accouterments like the lights, license plate holder, mirrors and side stand, this meant optimizing other areas of the bike.

Chief among them being the electronics system. In the aim of providing pure track focus, the souped-up 990 RC R does away with ABS and cruise control, and KTM has designed the dashboard and switchgear to be more streamlined.

Motorcycle racer leaning into a turn on a white and orange KTM bike numbered 99 on a racetrack. — The 990 RC R Track does away with ABS and cruise control, but it still comes with a suite of electronics courtesy of its advanced IMU.

Beyond saving over four pounds compared to the street bike, this means that the 990 RC R Track offers advanced track modes enabling input over everything from throttle response and traction control to slip adjustment, launch control and engine braking.

The weight savings don’t stop there, either, as KTM has traded out the factory exhaust for an upgraded Akrapovič Evolution Line system. It shaves some 6.6 pounds altogether, and it also means that the bike’s 947cc LC8c parallel-twin breathes better, pumping out a more potent 133 horsepower and 77.4 lb-ft of torque.

Silver Akrapovič motorcycle exhaust with carbon fiber tip mounted on a black motorcycle. — Beyond shedding weight, that Akrapovič system helps the bike breathe and sound better.

The sum of marginal gains

The refinements don’t stop there, either. Around the rest of the bike, you’ll find that KTM has made other changes to the 990 RC R to ensure it’s better-equipped for track day duty.

For instance, the bodywork is made from injected plastic for smooth customization and improved durability, and it comes with a series of tweaks in the aim of marginal gains.

Motorcycle racer in black and orange gear performing a wheelie on a white KTM race bike on a track. — KTM refined the bodywork for a tighter fit and more efficient replacement (probably a good thing).

The fairings around the belly pan area, the front mask and the rear all come reshaped for a tighter fit and easier replacement, while the windscreen is taller to allow for a full race tuck.

Moreover, KTM has doubled down on the ergonomics. In addition to a flatter and higher 33.7-inch seat for a more connected position, the 990 RC R Track brings a more adjustable steering damper, along with equally accommodating and adjustable rearsets and levers.

Add to that motorsport-derived upgrades like a racing transmission with a longer first and a shorter sixth gear, a brake lever protector, a quick release fuel cap, a race-spec chain and a carbon sprocket protector, among several other changes, and you have a bike that’s even more adrenaline-inspiring than its stablemate.

White and orange KTM sport motorcycle front with clear windshield and "Ready to Race" text. — The front windscreen is taller so as to allow for a full race tuck.

To that end, KTM even ships it riding on Michelin Power Slick 2 race tires so you’re ready to rip from the moment you take delivery.

Availability and pricing

According to the KTM website, production for the 990 RC R Track will be limited to February and March this year, and priority will be given to those competing in the 990 RC R Cup.

As of this writing, pricing has not been announced in the United States, though it’s set to retail from £15,599 in the UK (up from £13,499). Seeing as the street bike currently starts at $13,949 for the North American market, the Track will likely carry a similar premium.

White and orange KTM sport motorcycle with black wheels and Akrapovic exhaust on a white background.

2026 KTM 990 RC R Track

Following the launch of the long-awaited 990 RC R, KTM has unveiled an even more potent version for the track. Accordingly, along with ditching its provisions for street legality, this means that the bike benefits from a more compact electronics system, an Akrapovič exhaust system and some dedicated race-ready riding modes. In practice, it makes even more power at 133 horsepower and 77.4 lb-ft of torque, and it also benefits from reshaped fairings, sticky Michelin rubber and ergonomics changes at the seat.

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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