Austrian sportsbikes are back! KTM let us loose for a quick spin on their prototype 990RCR

The sportsbike sector is dead, right? Absolutely not. In fact, for 2025 it’s getting bolder and bigger than it has been for a long time, with serious machinery spanning pretty much every stage of the capacity ladder.

• Related: KTM announce upcoming 2025 new model plans, including full 1390 Super Adventure fleet and small capacity supermotos

But the most interesting bunch for this year has to be in the redefined supersport segment, where we’ll see the release of Yamaha’s R9 alongside KTM’s new 990RCR for 2025.

Joining an expanding, once-struggling class, which now consists of everything from the classic 600cc inline-four screamers to twins and triples that surpass the 900cc mark, the orange RC is the first new road going sportsbike from the brand since the RC8 which made its debut back in 2008.

Powered by a Euro5+ version of their LC8c parallel twin, the KTM will produce a claimed 125bhp and 76lb.ft of torque when it hits the showrooms next year, with the motor said to tip the scales at just 57kg. We managed to swing a leg over one in the prototype stage, for a few miles on the roads of Austria.

Aggressive stance

Even in its prototype stage, the RC looks the absolute nuts; from the aggressive ‘bar and ‘peg placement to the RC16 MotoGP derived aero and appearance. It has the appearance of a trick, racing machine rather than a halfway house between a tourer and a sportsbike.

It’s not just about the looks either, as it feels like it too; the riding position is far more supersport than softer sport, with low and wide handlebars (which could be adjusted on the prototype), high footpeg placement and a riding triangle that is angled towards faster riding.

However, it’s not overly compromising thanks to the sheer amount of space on offer; even though it’s been developed alongside the likes of Dani Pedrosa, it’s actually quite roomy thanks to the design of the tank and the space in the seat section, making it a good proposition for larger riders. It’s no tourer, but it’s not the worst sportsbike where comfort is concerned over a short journey.

There’s a fine line between blending comfort and that sporty stance that gives a good feeling through the chassis and suspension, and the prototype RC hits quite a sweet spot.

It has that essence of a proper, supersport machine and the base set-up from that WP suspension offers a serious level of support and stiffness, both front and rear.

Less at the top

Even though we didn’t have the luxury of huge mileage or a racetrack to truly push that chassis to its maximum potential, it’s clear to see that the RCR is built to tackle a circuit and some faster riding, and isn’t just some softer, touring styled sports machine.

Yet even so, it doesn’t quite have that fire at the top-end that makes the screaming 600s so tantalising to ride, but that thumping parallel twin does offer an impressive punch at the bottom end, along with a huge chunk of usability at road speed.

Considering that we’re only riding the prototype the throttle connection is still pretty smooth, while the ‘shifter and gearbox isn’t only slick in its application but offers a glorious growl when floating down through the gears.

Exactly how the final machine will feel remains to be seen, but it would seem the new supersport class is in a healthy place for 2025.

Ideas to reality

Although there’s a lot that goes into producing a new motorcycle, it’s actually a faster process than you might think, as Stefano Branca, the Product Manager for the 990RCR told MCN.

“Each motorcycle we develop will follow four stages: P-1, P1, P2 and P3, and we started with the 990RCR project in 2022 with the original, Frankenstein prototype – that is the P-1 model, which is to evaluate and check if a project will work.”

The first, real prototype model is essentially a machine built with parts that are lying around, and after it gets the go-ahead from KTM’s test team, then it moves forward.

“From here, we put together a full document that outlines the specification, and look at the ergonomics, the rideability and to figure out the potential and the direction, before creating the P1 prototype in 2023, which covered the very basics of the project.

“This is where the full design is almost completed and is the first time that a test rider can truly test and develop the bike,” Branca continued.

Even with all of the mileage testing and work, it was only in the beginning of 2024 when the P2 prototype was pushed through, which marks the finalised design of the ergonomics, the design and the componentry, before the final, P3 prototype was created earlier this year, in June.

“The P3 is the first machine to be assembled on a production line rather than by a mechanic, and this is where the final touches are added, such as parts fitment from suppliers, electronics and the homologation process – and then, it is almost ready for production, which will take place from February 2025.”

Unsurprisingly, Branca was also the Product Manager for the 990 Duke naked revealed in November 2023, which shares the same motor as the new sporting machine.