The 2026 KTM 990 RC R TRACK is not a lightly modified streetbike pretending to be a race tool. This is a purpose-built, non-homologated circuit machine created for riders who want an honest track weapon without the compromises of road equipment. It is sharp, intentional, and engineered to go straight after lap times.
KTM approached this project with discipline. The KTM 990 RC R TRACK is built from the high-spec KTM 990 RC R street platform, but the changes are not cosmetic fluff. KTM stripped away the street obligations, refined the ergonomics, boosted performance, reworked the electronics for track use, and focused the entire package on circuit riding. The result is a motorcycle that feels like a serious statement for racers, track day riders, and anyone looking for a competitive supersport platform with dealer support and a lower-maintenance ownership angle compared to more exotic alternatives.
KTM 990 RC R TRACK: Purpose-Built Track DNA and Design
The KTM 990 RC R TRACK exists because KTM wanted to fully exploit the performance potential of the KTM 990 RC R and deliver a dedicated circuit machine ready to race from the production line. KTM positions it as a high-value and accessible entry point for track activity, including track days and championship competition, while still carrying strong engineering and dealer support. That philosophy comes through clearly in the bike’s construction and overall design direction.
KTM ties the KTM 990 RC R TRACK to a lineage that includes the RC8, RC 8 R, KTM’s Moto3-derived RC4 machinery, and the RC16 MotoGP project. You can see that influence in the aerodynamics. The fairing is RC16-inspired, with wings and edges sculpted to improve downforce, braking stability, corner entry confidence, and acceleration grip. KTM also tweaked the fairing around the belly pan, front mask, and seat for a more secure fitment and easier replacement, which matters when you are running hard and planning for serviceability between sessions.
The bodywork is another standout point. The KTM 990 RC R TRACK uses dedicated color-injection molded fairings in a single colorway, intentionally making it easy for riders and racers to add sponsor decals and graphics. KTM specifically designed the injected plastic bodywork for easier replacement and consistent fitment. That is a smart move for real-world track use, where quick turnaround and repair practicality matter as much as aesthetics. The taller windscreen, raised by 1 inch (2.5 cm) after more wind tunnel development, adds more tuck room and reduces rider fatigue, another detail that tells me KTM built this machine for people who will actually ride it hard.
Because the KTM 990 RC R TRACK is non-street legal, KTM was able to eliminate lights, mirrors, road tires, and the side stand. In place of the side stand, the bike gets a useful rear stand, and rear stand adapters are fitted to the swingarm as standard. KTM also includes a wet-weather taillight, which keeps the machine practical for track conditions without dragging street homologation hardware into the package. This is a true track bike approach, and it shows in every detail.
KTM 990 RC R TRACK: Engine, Electronics, and Circuit Performance
The performance story of the KTM 990 RC R TRACK starts with KTM’s 947 cc parallel-twin DOHC LC8c engine, a compact and proven platform that already forms one of the strongest foundations in this segment. For the TRACK version, KTM pushed the package further with increased horsepower and torque, plus higher RPM limits, specifically for circuit performance. KTM does not provide final output figures in the context here, but the emphasis is clear: the KTM 990 RC R TRACK is tuned to hit harder and carry more urgency on track than the road-going model.
A major contributor to that upgrade is the stainless steel Akrapovič Evolution Line exhaust system. KTM says it cuts more than 6.6 pounds (3 kg) from overall weight and supports the EFI configuration and the bike’s five levels of engine braking adjustment. KTM also notes the exhaust system’s dB killer should make the bike usable at almost every circuit, with a static noise limit measured at 98.2 dB. That matters for riders who frequent tracks with stricter sound regulations, and it reinforces the practical race-day thinking behind the KTM 990 RC R TRACK.
The gearbox setup is equally track-focused. The KTM 990 RC R TRACK uses a Quickshifter+ racing gearbox with specific ratios, including a longer first gear for tighter corners and strong starts, plus a shorter sixth gear. This is exactly the kind of change that separates a track conversion from a track-first motorcycle. KTM didn’t just remove street parts; they optimized the drivetrain behavior for race and circuit conditions.
Electronics are another major area where the KTM 990 RC R TRACK distinguishes itself from the street model. KTM removes ABS and cruise control for track use, but retains and recalibrates the advanced 6D IMU to manage lean-angle-sensitive functions and Motorcycle Traction Control with circuit-specific mapping. The stripped-back wiring harness saves an additional 4.4 pounds (2 kg), which contributes to the overall weight reduction and keeps the cockpit and systems focused.
The bike uses a compact new 4.2-inch landscape TFT display with anti-glare, anti-fingerprint, and anti-reflex coatings, plus a 65,000-color optically bonded screen. Riders can choose between a full-data layout and a reduced display prioritizing gear position and revs.
The KTM 990 RC R TRACK offers three customizable TRACK modes, allowing riders to tune throttle response between Smooth, Linear, and Aggressive, set Motorcycle Traction Control slip adjustment from 0-9, dial in six Anti-Wheelie levels (from Very Low through Off), and configure Launch Control and Engine Braking. KTM also includes track-practical controls such as a kill switch, pit limiter set to 37 mph (60 km/h), and variable levers for lap timer and slip adjustment. This is a deeply usable race cockpit, not just a flashy spec-sheet feature list.
KTM 990 RC R TRACK: Chassis, Ergonomics, Specs, Pricing, and Availability
The KTM 990 RC R TRACK retains the frame, subframe, swingarm, and core geometry of the KTM 990 RC R, but KTM made targeted refinements where they matter most for track riding. The bike maintains a 52.5% / 47.5% front-to-rear weight balance, runs a 33 mm offset, and uses a 25-degree steering angle for improved steering feel and a planted front end. An adjustable steering damper with a +/- 3 mm range window and 49 mm stroke adds more control and tuning flexibility for riders pushing pace.
Suspension is handled by advanced WP APEX hardware, including a 48 mm Open Cartridge upside-down fork and a linear spring shock. KTM says settings were developed through extensive testing laps at prominent motorsport circuits worldwide, with a slightly revised front shim stack compared to the street model. Both the spring and shock are stiffer than the KTM 990 RC R, with an 8.5 N/mm rate versus 7.5 on the street bike, while retaining full adjustability for compression, rebound, and preload. In the highlights and specs, KTM also calls out fully adjustable WP APEX suspension with track settings, 30 clicks of tuning at the fork, and travel figures of 147 mm front and 134 mm rear.
Ergonomics receive meaningful changes too, and this is one area where the KTM 990 RC R TRACK really reads like a rider’s machine. KTM keeps its six-point contact philosophy around the 4.14-gallon (15.7 L) fuel tank, allowing riders to move freely and support the body in attack positions through legs, knees, and arms. The seat is higher at 33.7 inches (857 mm), flatter, and integrated into a rounder ergonomic package for better rider-bike connection.
The redesigned machined black aluminum clip-ons are mounted 10 mm lower on the triple clamp and angled 3 degrees downward, improving weight distribution over the front end. Adjustable levers provide +/- 6 degrees of range, while GILLES footpegs move 25 mm up and 17 mm higher, with a total adjustment range of 34 mm in height and 14 mm in width. KTM also notes that the gear shifter can be reversed easily by changing the screw connection point.
Ground clearance is listed at 163 mm, wheelbase at 1,481 mm (58.3 in), and KTM says the KTM 990 RC R TRACK is 30.8 pounds (14 kg) lighter than the road-going KTM 990 RC R when fully fueled. Braking uses Brembo HyPure front hardware with dual 320 mm floating discs and a 240 mm rear Galfer disc. KTM removes the ABS modulator, creating a more direct brake line between the Brembo master cylinder and calipers for simpler, purer track performance and better feel.
In terms of core specifications, the KTM 990 RC R TRACK uses a 947 cc parallel-twin, 4-stroke DOHC engine with 92.5 mm bore and 70.4 mm stroke, a 6-speed transmission, DKK Dell’Orto 46 mm throttle bodies, pressure lubrication with two oil pumps, liquid cooling with a water/oil heat exchanger, a cable-operated PASC slipper clutch, and Bosch EMS with ride-by-wire.
The chassis is a CroMoly tubular steel frame using the engine as a stressed member, with an aluminum powder-coated subframe and tapered aluminum clip-on handlebar setup. Wheel sizes are 3.50 x 17 front and 5.50 x 17 rear, fitted with Michelin Power Slick competition tires in 120/70ZR17 and 190/55ZR17 sizes. KTM lists the ready-to-ride weight at approximately 181 kg (399 lb), seat height at 857 mm, and tank capacity at 15.7 L / 4.1 gal.
The KTM 990 RC R TRACK will ship to customers and authorized KTM dealers from Spring 2026 onward, and it can be purchased through KTM Authorized dealerships. That timing aligns with the launch of the KTM 990 RC R CUP, a six-round, professionally organized European single-make series designed as an ideal showcase for the platform and an exciting non-pro route for riders who want to maximize what the KTM 990 RC R TRACK can do.
KTM Head of Global Marketing Riaan Neveling says, “The beauty of the KTM 990 RC R was the ease with which we could make only a few adjustments and have the KTM 990 RC R TRACK ready to go.” He also adds that KTM wanted to create a machine that would send customers’ heart rates racing, calling it KTM’s best definition of a sportbike yet. Based on the specification and intent, that feels like a fair claim. The KTM 990 RC R TRACK looks like the kind of bike that rewards commitment, respects skill, and gives serious riders a real race-focused tool without pretense.
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