KTM hasn't had a full-faired sportbike since the demise of the RC8 V-twin in 2015, but that's about to change as the RC 990 parallel-twin project moves quickly toward production.
The incredible response to the track-only RC 8C should have dispelled any doubts KTM had about interest in a faired sportbike. The first 100 examples sold out in four and a half minutes in 2021, and the 2023-spec model shattered that record. When the order books opened last month, all 200 2023 RC 8Cs were spoken for in less than two minutes.
Despite winning races in Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP, and being active in all three championship tiers, the company is circumspect about offering sportbikes to customers. According to Stefan Pierer, a 200-plus horsepower superbike is too much motorcycle for an average rider to use on the streets.
The firm appears to have dropped plans to offer a track-only, customer-only RC16 MotoGP bike in recent years. Instead, the company offers the single-cylinder RC 125 and RC 390 models, along with the now-sold-out RC 8C track bike.
The single-cylinder, roadgoing RC models aren't available in the US, so circuit racing fans can't get a taste of the action here.
The KTM RC 990 is planned. KTM is rumored to be planning to increase the capacity of its LC8c parallel-twin engine, currently available in 799cc ("790") and 889cc ("890") versions. As you can see in these pictures, the bike is real.
We've seen the RC 990 before, but the latest shots show that it has progressed considerably. A headlight was shoehorned into the nose air intake of the prototypes, which used MotoGP-style bodywork. A single projector-style headlight still sits in the latest prototype's horizontally split nose fairing, flanked by air intakes feeding the airbox through a duct running between the fork legs and through the headstock.
A tall, single air outlet replaces two in the lower side fairings. This is a notable departure from spied prototypes of the next-generation 990 Duke, which shares many parts with the RC 990 but has a wider, shorter radiator.
It features chunky main tubes running up over the engine toward a trellis-style front section, braced with pressed steel sections, similar to prototype 990 Dukes. There is no indication that KTM will switch to aluminum from its tried-and-tested steel-tube chassis.
On earlier prototypes of the RC 990, the swingarm was externally braced, like most of KTM's current models, but the latest version uses aluminum castings, similar to the 990 Duke prototypes. Brembo provides radial-mount brakes, as on earlier RC 990 prototypes and the next-gen Dukes being tested with them.
This test illustrates the shift toward production from the latest prototype. A two-up bike is being used to test different ergonomic solutions for the rider and passenger, as demonstrated by the oversized footpeg brackets perforated with dozens of holes to allow the pegs to be moved quickly. Footpeg hangers will be designed once an ideal setup is found.
This prototype also lacks rear bodywork, which has yet to be finalized. By adjusting or swapping their brackets, it's easy to adjust the height and angle of the rider and passenger seats. As soon as the best solution is found, the bodywork and final seat supports can be developed accordingly.
Production-spec engine covers appear on the latest prototype. Early prototypes had billet-alloy clutch and transmission covers, CNC-machined to match, but these have been replaced with black-finished pieces.
It's known to be a development of the compact LC8c parallel twin engine. In 990 Duke prototypes, the cases appear to have been sand-cast prototypes, with a taller cylinder deck and additional strengthening braces, suggesting a longer stroke to achieve more torque and capacity.
The exhaust system, with its catalytic converter slung under the engine alongside the oil pan, and a rectangular-section muffler on the right-hand side, is identical to the design seen on prototype 990 Dukes, but these new RC 990 prototype images make it look more complete, adding production-style pressed alloy heat shields.
It all suggests a bike that's not far from showroom quality. However, KTM is under no pressure to introduce the RC 990. A production deadline isn't imposed by external factors like emissions laws, since it's not replacing an existing model.
Even when new machines appear visually finished, KTM takes years to test them before they reach dealers. With KTM's MotoGP project continuing on its upward trajectory during 2023, the demand for a full-faired streetbike can only grow.
Image credit: Motorrad Online
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