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2026 KTM 990 RC-R Overview
For 2026, KTM offers the 990 RC-R as a sport motorcycle with 947 cc on tap. The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R is built around a Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 13.5:1. Out on the road, the 990 RC-R delivers 128.2 hp @ 9500 rpm of peak power and 103 Nm @ 6750 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2026 990 RC-R tips the scales at 195 kg 430 lbs, carries a 15.7-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 845 mm and spans a 1481 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 7.7 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2026 KTM 990 RC-R spec sheet below.
2026 990 RC-R - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: Peak output on the 990 RC-R is 128.2 hp @ 9500 rpm and 103 Nm @ 6750 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: A 845 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
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Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
With Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.
Brake disc and pad wear
2 x 320mm discs, radially mounted 4 piston caliper up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by WP APEX 48, open cartridge, compression & rebound up front and WP APEX - Monoshock, compression high-speed at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the 990 RC-R means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
990 RC-R - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 990 RC-R settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a 990 RC-R's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Carburetor upkeep
A 990 RC-R that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.
2026 KTM 990 RC-R - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R have?
The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R uses a Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder engine with 947 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger.
How much does the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R weigh?
The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R weighs 195 kg 430 lbs. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R make?
The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R produces 128.2 hp @ 9500 rpm of power and 103 Nm @ 6750 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R?
The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R has a 15.7-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 261-313 km between stops.
Is the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R suitable for shorter riders?
The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R has a seat height of 845 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R have?
The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R uses 2 x 320mm discs, radially mounted 4 piston caliper at the front and Single 240 mm disc, single piston caliper at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R use?
The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R runs 120/70-ZR 17 front and 180/55-ZR 17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2026 KTM 990 RC-R have?
The 2026 KTM 990 RC-R is fitted with a 6-Speed transmission.
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
128.2 hp / 94.3 kW @ 9500 rpm
Torque
103 Nm / 75.9 lb-ft @ 6750 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
15.7 litres / 4.1 US gal
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Full 2026 KTM 990 RC-R Specifications
Year
2026
Make Model
KTM 990 RC-R
Seat Height
845 mm / 33.3 in
Wheelbase
1481 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance
163 mm / 6.4 in
Fuel Capacity
15.7 litres / 4.1 US gal
Wet Weight
195 kg 430 lbs
Displacement
947 cc / 57.8 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
92.5 x 70.4 mm
Compression Ratio
13.5:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled with water/oil heat exchanger
Emissions
EURO 5+
Engine Management
Bosch EMS with RBW
Fuel Induction
46mm DKK Dellorto throttle body
Lubrication
Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Starter
Electric
Clutch
PASC slipper clutch, cable operated
Final Drive
Chain 520 X-ring, 16:43
Primary Drive
42:76
Transmission / Drive
6-Speed
Frame Type
Chromium-Molybdenum-Steel frame using the engine as stressed element, powder coated
Suspension - Front
WP APEX 48, open cartridge, compression & rebound (30 Clicks), preload (3 clicks)
Suspension - Rear
WP APEX - Monoshock, compression high-speed (3 turns) low-speed (30 clicks), rebound (30 clicks), preload (10 turns)
Wheel Travel - Front
147 mm / 5.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
134 mm / 5.3 in
Brakes - Front
2 x 320mm discs, radially mounted 4 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single 240 mm disc, single piston caliper
ABS
Standard
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZR 17
Tyres - Rear
180/55-ZR 17
Wheels
Cast aluminium
Wheels - Front
3.5 x 17
Wheels - Rear
5.5 x 17
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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