KTM Unleashes the 990 RC R TRACK: A Pure-Bred Circuit Weapon for 2026

Everything about the KTM 990 RC R TRACK is defined by focus. There are zero concessions to street use. Lights, mirrors, side stand and road equipment have been removed in favour of a race-ready configuration that remains accessible for ambitious track riders. Despite its uncompromising intent, it has been developed to be low maintenance, easy to service and fully supported by KTM’s dealer network. Even the fairing has been reimagined, now produced from injected plastic to allow for personal race decals and graphics. A taller windscreen improves the rider’s tuck on the straights, while a wet-weather taillight and paddock stand come standard. The controls and dash layout have been simplified to keep attention where it belongs — on the next apex.

Grip and chassis precision sit at the core of the TRACK package. The bike rolls on Michelin Power Slick tyres in 120/70-R17 and 190/55-R17 sizing, matched to fully adjustable WP APEX suspension. These settings are not guesswork; they’ve been refined through extensive testing at some of Europe’s most demanding circuits, delivering a platform that balances entry stability, mid-corner grip and hard acceleration drive.

Electronics are leaner but more purposeful. A compact system shaves two kilograms while introducing three fully customisable Track Modes. Riders can tailor throttle response, Motorcycle Traction Control, slip adjustment, anti-wheelie behaviour, launch control and engine brake characteristics to suit tyre choice, fuel load and circuit conditions. A pit limiter and Quickshifter+ are standard, while a sharp 4.2-inch full-colour TFT dash delivers all critical lap information at a glance.

Aerodynamics draw direct inspiration from KTM’s MotoGP programme, including lessons from the top-speed achievements of the KTM RC16. Wings and sculpted edges maximise downforce and enhance stability under braking and acceleration. The 15.7-litre fuel tank and revised 857 mm seat height are integral to the bike’s aggressive ergonomics, offering six key rider contact points that allow seamless movement across the chassis while maintaining a locked-in, attacking posture.

Braking performance is equally uncompromised. Up front, 320 mm Brembo HyPure discs with next-generation four-piston calipers deliver a more linear feel, consistent pressure point and improved modulation with reduced lever effort. A 240 mm rear disc complements the setup, replacing the ABS-modulated arrangement of the road bike with a more direct, track-focused system.

At the heart of the KTM 990 RC R TRACK lies a 947 cc parallel-twin DOHC engine delivering 135 PS (99.3 kW) and 105 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. Already renowned for its compact packaging and strong power-to-weight ratio, the engine gains further character through a lightweight 3 kg Akrapovič Evolution Line exhaust system crafted from stainless steel. Producing a crisp 98.2 dB soundtrack, it pairs with a racing gearbox featuring a longer first gear and shorter sixth, optimised specifically for circuit performance.

The KTM 990 RC R TRACK made its public debut alongside its road-going sibling in 2025, where KTM also announced the KTM 990 RC R CUP — a professionally organised, cost-controlled six-round European championship aimed at passionate amateur racers rather than professionals. Participants in the series will receive their TRACK machines ahead of general customer deliveries, further underlining the model’s racing-first philosophy.

KTM Head of Global Marketing Riaan Neveling explains that the transition from road bike to track weapon required only minimal adjustment, thanks to the solid foundation of the 990 RC R platform. Drawing from KTM’s extensive asphalt racing pedigree, the brand’s objective was clear: to create a sportsbike capable of sending heart rates soaring and stopwatches tumbling.

Weighing 14 kilograms less than the base model, featuring optimised track gearing, dedicated electronics, adjustable GILLES rear sets, Michelin slicks, performance suspension settings and the Akrapovič Evolution exhaust, the KTM 990 RC R TRACK positions itself as one of the lightest and most desirable track tools in its class.

Customer deliveries to authorised KTM dealers begin in April 2026, while KTM 990 RC R CUP riders will take ownership from February.

With this machine, there is only one metric left to measure — the one staring back in the mirror.

NEVER STOP RACING.

Price – 344 999,00 ZAR*

📸 Sebas Romero – KTM