KTM’s Race Ready 990 RC R is Ridicously Awesome to Ride.

The KTM 990 RC R Rocket Ship is race-ready.

The Race Ready circuit-biased KTM 990 RC is a thing of beauty when on its sidestand. It then shows its beastly side when you fire it up and pull away; the visceral sound and feel raise your adrenaline, and you know you are in for a thrilling ride.

The KTM 990 RC R features a completely overhauled chassis with a steel trellis frame designed for aggressive track performance, offering high-speed stability with a longer wheelbase and increased trail. Its responsive swingarm with increased flex enhances feedback and grip during cornering, making it a compelling choice for high-performance riding.

This motorcycle balances excitement with practicality, offering comfort and ease of riding on the road. Its thoughtful design and MotoGP-inspired styling aim to make riders feel Confident and at ease, whether on daily commutes or spirited rides.

The bike is impressive right out of the box, though the mirrors aren't the best quality, as is common on sports bikes. Additionally, KTM will charge extra to activate the more advanced electronics once 'Demo Mode' expires. It's clear that KTM has some work to do to regain customer trust, but they are taking solid steps in the right direction with a 4-year warranty, free roadside assistance, and longer valve-check intervals. After a lengthy wait, the 990 RC R has proven to be worth it.

The rear shock features an innovative linkage system that is elegantly mounted atop the swingarm, enhancing both performance and aesthetic appeal. Complementing this, the new slimline cast aluminium subframe has been meticulously designed to be 400 grams lighter than its predecessor, improving weight distribution and handling.

On the braking front, the bike is equipped with cutting-edge four-piston Brembo Hypure callipers, a technology that debuted on the current Ducati Panigale V4 S, ensuring exceptional stopping power. The Brembo master cylinder offers a three-way adjustable ratio, allowing riders to personalise their braking feel for optimal performance.

Suspension-wise, the bike boasts 48mm WP Apex forks and a single rear shock, both fully adjustable to cater to various riding styles. The adjustment range is impressively divided into 30 clicks for rebound and compression damping, a significant upgrade over the 990 Duke's limited five-click system. Additionally, the rear preload can be easily accessed and adjusted using an Allen key, while the front suspension allows for a +/- 3mm adjustment, providing users with ample flexibility.

To enhance the riding experience further, Michelin's Power Cup 2 road-compound trackday tyres come standard, ensuring superior grip and performance on both the road and track, making this bike a top-notch choice for enthusiasts seeking thrill and precision.

All of this contributes to an impressively capable road-going sports bike. Sales of traditional inline four-cylinder supersport motorcycles have declined over the years, as older riders are less inclined to contort themselves into uncomfortable positions to fit on them or to tolerate their high-revving engines.

In contrast, the KTM offers plenty of legroom, thanks to its generous seat-to-peg layout. The seat is spacious, and the wide, slightly elevated clip-on handlebars provide ample space for movement. If you're a larger rider, you'll appreciate the design.

When you hop aboard, you're greeted by a colourful and well-designed 8.8-inch display. It includes a built-in sat nav that lets you download maps without connecting your phone. Additionally, there's optional cruise control, a tall, narrow screen that cuts through the air with minimal noise, and an almost seamless up/down quickshifter (also an extra feature) that operates smoothly, even at relaxed throttle openings.

While these features may not embody KTM's 'Ready to Race' philosophy, they highlight how convenient the 990 RC R is for everyday road use. In fact, many sports tourers are not as comfortable or user-friendly as this one. The only downside is the mirrors, which tend to show your elbows, reminiscent of older Ducati and MV Agusta superbikes.

The 990 RCR is a KTM, which means it embodies performance and excitement. When taken to a set of winding B-roads, it truly shines. The combination of approachable power, a plush yet controlled suspension, Michelin trackday tyres, and a chassis that exudes stability and responsiveness creates an ideal setup for confidence and enjoyment.

You may be curious about the absence of KTM's big sportsbike lineup since the RC8 was discontinued in the early 2010s. KTM cites declining sales at that time and a lack of electronic rider aids to compete with rivals as reasons for their focus on adventure bikes and nakeds.

However, in 2020, one of their R&D engineers decided to develop a faired version of the 890 Duke. This effort ultimately led to an official RC prototype after it impressed testers at KTM's Idiada facility in Spain.

The RC R utilises the 990 Duke’s 947cc engine, which is a modified version of the older 890 engine, but it delivers even more power. With new mapping, an upgraded airbox, and a revamped exhaust, this liquid-cooled parallel twin engine produces 128bhp at 9,500rpm, an increase from the previous 121bhp, while maintaining the same torque of 76 lb-ft at 6,750rpm.

The bike comes with four ride modes, traction control, and ABS, all controlled via a ride-by-wire throttle system. To unlock advanced electronic aids and modes after the 1,500 km 'Demo Mode,’ owners can pay up to £896.12 for the Tech Pack, offering added value and customization options.

KTM has successfully infused the 990 motor with a strong sense of character, power, and versatility. It operates smoothly, is perfectly fueled, and delivers enough torque to allow for relaxed gear shifts when you prefer to ride swiftly rather than pursue lap records. The 990 produces a captivating soundtrack of cracks, pops, and gurgles as it interacts with its engine braking and gear-change electronics, even at normal speeds.

With a claimed output of 128 bhp, there is never a shortage of exhilarating acceleration that keeps the smooth wheelie control engaged through the first three gears. This motorcycle is a supersport machine that never feels lacking in either power or handling on the road, making it easier to ride quickly than a high-revving 600 or an aggressively powered superbike.

To instil confidence in potential customers, the 990 RC R comes with a complimentary four-year warranty and 12 months of free roadside assistance. This roadside assistance can be extended by an additional year if you have your bike serviced by a KTM dealer, providing coverage of up to 8 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additionally, the valve check intervals have been extended to 37,000 miles.

When it comes to value for money, the 990 RC R, priced at £13,500, is £1,896 cheaper than the base model Panigale V2 and £3,896 cheaper than the V2 S. Additionally, it boasts 10 bhp more power, and the KTM's parallel-twin engine offers a more playful experience. The 990 RC R costs £1,245 more than the three-cylinder R9, but it delivers 11 bhp more, and the chassis is more focused on track performance.

The attention to detail is impressive. Unlike some earlier KTM models with self-colored plastics, the body panels on the 990 RC R are painted. The footpegs can be adjusted in two ways, and while the MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics may seem excessive for a 128 bhp machine, they look fantastic in person. The shape of the steel tank is designed to fit your body when in a racing tuck, allowing your knees and arms to slot in comfortably when hanging off the bike.

The scoops at the back of the belly pan help improve stability during hard braking, while additional scoops channel air to the radiator at the front. The wings generate 13 kg of downforce at 149 mph. Moreover, you get fully adjustable WP suspension, Brembo Hypure calipers, rider aids, ABS, traction control, and a large multi-function 8.8-inch display.

£13500