KTM 990 RC R supersport arrives in UK at £13,499
KTM’s road‑legal 990 RC R supersport channels MotoGP tech into a 128 bhp parallel‑twin package; it lands in UK dealers in late November with a price that sits between Yamaha’s R9 and Ducati’s Panigale V2.
What’s new and why it matters
KTM has finally unveiled a road‑going version of its long‑teased supersport project. The 2026 KTM 990 RC R pairs the Austrian firm’s LC8c parallel‑twin engine with a MotoGP‑inspired aero package and a swathe of electronics. UK riders will see the first bikes arrive in late November 2025, priced at £13,499. That slots the 990 RC R neatly between Yamaha’s £12,254 R9 and Ducati’s £15,395 Panigale V2, giving supersport fans a new middle‑ground option.
- Power and performance: the LC8c 990 cc parallel‑twin produces 128.2 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 76 lb‑ft of torque at 6,750 rpm.
- Chassis and aero: steel frame with die‑cast aluminium subframe and MotoGP‑derived aerodynamics; WP Apex suspension and 320 mm Brembo HyPure brakes.
- Electronics: four riding modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Custom) plus four ABS settings (Street, Sport, Supermoto , Supermoto); optional Track and Tech packs add two more custom modes and a Track mode.
- UK relevance: list price £13,499 with deliveries expected from late November 2025. A track‑only 990 RC R will follow in February 2026 and KTM plans a one‑make 990 RC R Cup series for Europe.
Real‑world take
Supersport machines have become thin on the ground since the class’s heyday, so KTM’s decision to produce a street‑homologated 990 RC R is welcome. On paper it edges Ducati’s Panigale V2 on power, while costing a couple of thousand pounds less. The LC8c engine should deliver plenty of mid‑range punch for B‑roads, and the full electronics suite – including cornering ABS and multiple throttle maps – shows KTM’s serious intent. However, the price still represents a sizeable investment compared with A2‑friendly sports bikes. UK riders should also factor in insurance and running costs for a near‑130 bhp machine. Early test rides will determine whether the RC R’s MotoGP‑style aero aids stability in typical road conditions or is more of a track‑day talking point.
Closest rivals include Yamaha’s R9 (powered by the MT‑09 triple) and Ducati’s Panigale V2; the former slightly cheaper and both have strong dealer networks. Riders looking for something more road‑biased might consider Triumph’s forthcoming Daytona or the new Honda CBR750R. KTM will also offer a track‑only 990 RC R and is launching a 990 RC R Cup series in Europe in spring 2026, which could spawn a UK feeder championship if interest is strong.
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