The development mule of the KTM RC 990 was spied in Spain
Recently, the upcoming KTM Duke 990 was spied overseas and its RC derivative has been caught on-road testing not long after in Spain.
Design-wise, the RC 990 has some similarities to the RC 8C track machine from the Austrian brand. The fairing, flyscreen and bodywork up front are indeed alike.
Featuring a carbon-fibre front fender with integrated brake cooling ducts, the recently spied KTM RC 990 has a simple twin pod LED headlight setup.
The fairing has been designed to both keep the engine cool and divert air away front the rider, while the development mule did not have any body panels behind the engine.
Speaking of which, the new 990cc (estimated) 2-cylinder motor located below the sculpted fuel tank is derived from the 889cc engine of the current 890 Duke R. It comes with new casings and should be tuned to produce over 140 BHP.
Even the frame of the motorcycle has been taken from the middleweight roadster and the swingarm is brand new as well, like bike’s the exhaust system.
Featuring inverted front forks and a monoshock in the rear, the recently spied KTM RC 990 has twin front discs clamped by Brembo Stylema calipers, while at the back, there is a smaller single disc with a comparatively inferior brake caliper.
From the looks of it, the RC 990 will not be a comfortable bike to ride over long distances as despite having relatively high clip-ons, the foot pegs are placed high.
But, this is a test mule and thus, the position of the handlebars and foot pegs are subject to change as development progresses and the current rough edges would be rounded off as well.
Do not expect the motorcycle to make its global debut anytime soon. While the Duke 990 should come in spring 2023, the RC 990 will likely only be available later that year.