KTM has long been successful in MotoGP, but for normal customers “Ready to Race” means a lot, just not “fully faired on asphalt”. That will change next year. The Mattighofen-based company is showing the KTM 990 RC R for the first time, albeit in camouflage. But they don’t get involved in the arms race with BMW, Honda & Co. beyond 200 hp.
The LC8c engine has almost the same displacement, but two fewer cylinders: the 947 cc twin produces 128 hp and delivers at 10,500 rpm. at least 103 Nm. That’s 5 hp more than the new KTM 990 Duke. The maximum torque remains the same, but takes longer to arrive: Instead of 6750, it only reaches 10,500 tours – the Duke has been around for a long time. Nevertheless, they are serious about the sport and talk about a “pure super sports motorcycle, but that too is approved for the street”. A prototype is to compete in selected European supersport series as a wildcard participant without scoring points before the production version comes onto the market. KTM is not releasing many details yet. The gearshift pattern is reversible for racetrack use, the exhaust is made of stainless steel, the steel frame distributes the weight more front-heavy and has a “head angle of 25 degrees” and “an offset for more sensitive steering”. The WP-APEX open cartridge fork is fully adjustable and carries a cast aluminum wheel with Michelin tires. The footrests are adjustable.KTM refers to the MotoGP heritage, which can be seen in the winglets manufactured in the wind tunnel, which are intended to provide stability when braking and cornering, as well as other bodywork profiles and edges.The market launch is scheduled for spring Planned for 2025.
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