2026 KTM 990 RC R Price in India: Full Specs, Features
2026 KTM 990 RC R: KTM's Bold Return to Supersports – Full Specs, Features, and Why India Might Miss Out.
2026 KTM 990 RC R Price in India
After nearly a decade away from the full-faired supersport scene, KTM is roaring back with the 2026 KTM 990 RC R, a track-honed beast that's as at home on twisty backroads as it is on the circuit.
Unveiled globally in October 2025, this 947cc parallel-twin-powered machine marks the Austrian manufacturer's re-entry into the middleweight supersport class, blending race-bred aggression with street-friendly usability.
Born from the naked 990 Duke platform but elevated with aerodynamic bodywork, premium WP suspension, and a suite of advanced electronics, the RC R is KTM's "next-gen" answer to rivals like the Ducati Panigale V2, Yamaha YZF-R9, and Kawasaki ZX-6R.
Priced at a competitive $13,949 USD (about ₹11.7 lakh) in the US and €15,999 (around ₹14.3 lakh) in Europe, production kicks off this month in Mattighofen, Austria, with deliveries starting late 2025 in select markets.
For Indian enthusiasts, though, the dream might stay just that—KTM India has no plans to bring this firecracker home, citing import duties, homologation hurdles, and a focus on smaller-displacement models like the RC 390.
If you're craving a similar thrill locally, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R remains the closest alternative at ₹11.5 lakh ex-showroom.
Let's rev into the details of what makes the 990 RC R a standout in the evolving supersport landscape, where torque-rich twins are dethroning high-revving fours for more accessible performance.
Powertrain: The LC8c Twin – Refined for Race and Road
At its heart lies KTM's proven 947cc liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin (LC8c) engine, shared with the 990 Duke but retuned for supersport duties.
Exhaust remapping and revised throttle-body mapping (full 100% opening vs. the Duke's 75%) deliver smoother low-end response and a stronger top-end rush, making it versatile for canyon carving or track sprints.
Motorcycle Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 947cc, liquid‑cooled, DOHC parallel‑twin (EURO 5+) |
| Power | 130 PS (128 hp; 94 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
| Torque | 103 Nm (76 lb‑ft) @ 6,750 rpm |
| Transmission | 6‑speed with slipper clutch |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection |
| Emissions | EURO 5+ compliant |
The engine's character? Punchy mid-range grunt for wheelies on demand, without the arm-fatiguing vibes of old-school supersports.
Chassis and Handling: Ready to Race DNA
KTM's signature steel trellis frame anchors the RC R, paired with a lightweight aluminum swingarm and a subframe that's shed nearly 0.5 kg for better rigidity.
The race-inspired ergonomics shine: Adjustable aluminum clip-on bars (32mm offset) and footpegs let you dial in a committed track tuck or a more upright street stance, with a low 845mm seat height ensuring accessibility for riders of all sizes.
Suspension duties fall to premium WP APEX components – exclusive to the RC R:
- Front: Fully adjustable 48mm open-cartridge fork (30 clicks compression/rebound damping, 3 preload settings; 120mm travel).
- Rear: Fully adjustable monoshock (high/low-speed compression, rebound; 122mm travel). Dry weight clocks in at a svelte 184 kg (405 lbs), contributing to agile handling that's "comfier than an R6, roomier than a CBR," as one reviewer noted.
Tires are grippy Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear), and MotoGP-style winglets generate downforce for stability at lean angles up to 50°.
Braking and Safety: Brembo Precision Meets IMU Smarts
No compromises here: Dual 320mm front discs squeezed by radial Brembo Hy/Radial Pure calipers (4-piston), backed by a 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper.
The system integrates seamlessly with the electronics for fade-free stops.Safety is elevated by a Bosch 6D IMU (6-axis inertial measurement unit) that feeds data to:
- Cornering ABS (switchable; Supermoto mode for rear-wheel slides).
- Motorcycle Traction Control (MTC) with 9 levels + off.
- Motor Slip Regulation (MSR) for engine-braking control.
- Ride Modes: Standard (Rain, Street, Sport, Custom); Optional Track mode via accessory kit.
Launch control and anti-wheelie are available as quick shifters (up/down) handle seamless shifts.
Tech and Ergonomics: Track Telemetry in Your Pocket
The cockpit features an 8.8-inch TFT landscape display with smartphone connectivity via KTM My Ride app for navigation, music, and calls. Optional track telemetry logs lean angle, throttle position, and lap times – perfect for data geeks chasing personal bests.
Ergonomically, it's a step up from pure track weapons: The 830mm width and 1,400mm wheelbase strike a balance, while adaptive LED lighting (with dynamic brake indicators) ensures visibility on the road.
Color options? Orange/Black or Black/Orange for that unmistakable KTM flair.
Availability and Pricing: Global Rollout, India Sideline
- Global Launch: Production starts November 2025; US/Europe deliveries from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026.
- US MSRP: $13,949 (₹11.7 lakh approx.)
- Europe: €15,999 (₹14.3 lakh approx.)
- Track Variant: 990 RC R Track (non-homologated, race-only) launches February 2026 at ~€18,000 ($19,500), with stripped road gear and optimized mapping.
Plus, a European one-make cup series kicks off spring 2026.
India Outlook: Slim to none. KTM's Indian portfolio sticks to sub-400cc models (Duke/RC/Adventure lines) due to high import taxes on big bikes.
No official word from Bajaj Auto (KTM's local partner), but experts peg a hypothetical launch price at ₹18–20 lakh if it ever happens – far pricier than the ZX-6R.
Grey imports? Possible, but expect warranty woes.
Why the 2026 KTM 990 RC R Stands Out
In a segment shifting from peaky 600cc fours to torquey 800–1000cc multis, the RC R nails the brief: 130 PS of accessible power, adjustable ergos for daily rides, and track prowess without the full-race discomfort.
It's "everything we hoped it would be," blending KTM's READY TO RACE ethos with real-world refinement.
At $13,949, it undercuts the Panigale V2 ($16,500) while matching the GSX-R750's thrill.For Indian riders, it's a tease – but one that spotlights the gap in our market for premium supersports. Until KTM rethinks its strategy, fuel your fantasies with videos of this orange rocket tearing up the 'Ring.