The KTM RC 990 is KTM’s proper superbike offering, made for riders who want raw power with race-inspired design. The bike looks aggressive with its sharp twin LED headlamps, aerodynamic fairings, and MotoGP-style winglets. The riding stance is fully committed for the track, with low clip-ons and rear-set footpegs. KTM has used lightweight materials like aluminium and carbon fibre to keep the weight in check. The overall styling is bold, muscular, and unmistakably KTM, making the RC 990 a head-turner wherever it goes. It feels like a Moto2 bike brought to the streets.
KTM RC 990 Engine and Performance
At the heart of the RC 990 lies a powerful 990cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, derived from KTM’s Duke platform but tuned for supersport performance. It produces around 130–140 hp with a peak torque of about 100 Nm, giving it thrilling acceleration and high-speed capability. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, quick-shifter, and slipper clutch, gear changes are butter-smooth. The bike can sprint from 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds and hit a top speed of over 260 km/h, making it one of the fastest bikes in its category.
Features and Electronics
KTM has equipped the RC 990 with top-class electronics to keep riders safe while unleashing all that power. It comes with multiple riding modes, launch control, traction control, cornering ABS, wheelie control, and engine brake management. A large TFT instrument cluster offers Bluetooth connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and even a lap timer for track days. The bike also has adjustable suspension, ride-by-wire throttle, and electronic steering damper for maximum control. These features ensure the RC 990 performs brilliantly on both road and track without compromising rider safety.
Handling and Ride Dynamics
The RC 990 has been engineered to deliver track-level precision. Built on KTM’s trellis frame with a high-strength aluminium subframe, the bike is lightweight yet rigid. The WP Apex fully adjustable suspension allows riders to fine-tune settings for city, highway, or track use. Braking performance is phenomenal, thanks to dual front 320mm discs with Brembo Stylema calipers and a single rear disc. The bike feels stable at high speeds, agile in corners, and confidence-inspiring during hard braking. It is built for enthusiasts who love pushing limits.
Comfort and Practicality
Since the RC 990 is designed mainly as a supersport machine, comfort is not its strongest point. The aggressive seating posture, high rear seat, and limited pillion space make it best for solo riders. However, KTM has slightly tuned the ergonomics compared to litre-class superbikes to make it manageable for longer rides. For city commutes, it may feel a bit uncomfortable, but for highway blasts and track weekends, it is pure adrenaline. Riders buying the RC 990 usually want thrill, not touring comfort.
KTM RC 990 Price and Rivals
The expected price of the KTM RC 990 in India will be around ₹13 – 15 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete against rivals like the Yamaha R1 (if relaunched), Aprilia RS 660, Ducati Panigale V2, and Kawasaki ZX-10R (entry superbike segment). KTM aims to offer a superbike with advanced tech and performance at a relatively affordable price compared to Italian rivals. This makes the RC 990 a dream bike for riders who want superbike power without spending ₹25+ lakh on litre-class machines.
