Very last summer months, KTM acquired us enthusiastic with a new RC 8C sportbike, but our curiosity waned when we understood it was a constrained production keep track of bicycle that was not street lawful. Still, that did not stop fascinated consumers from scooping up all 100 models considerably less than 5 minutes following the pre-purchase window opened. Not that we were being shocked about the robust demand, as it has been years given that KTM developed a massive-displacement sportbike.
We could not have to wait around also a lot for a longer time, while, as spy photographers have noticed a new 890 Duke-centered KTM sportbike prototype out for a take a look at in Spain. The test bike was clad in fairings resembling the bodywork on the RC 8C and KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racer, but the headlights and license plate make it clear this sportbike will be avenue authorized.
Unlike the RC 8C, which experienced the LC8c engine in a Krämer chassis, the prototype seems to be all KTM, with a body derived from the 890 Duke. The engine seems to be based on the 890 Duke R’s parallel-Twin architecture, but the motor cases are new, suggesting some substantial inner improvements. Looking at KTM’s latest history, we be expecting a further displacement bump from the current 889cc, which is why we’re tentatively contacting this bicycle the RC990 (a naked edition was also a short while ago noticed screening, suggesting a new 990 Duke R is also in the performs).
Spy photographer Bernhard Höhne tells us the test mule was accompanied by a Ducati Panigale V2 as a reference level, giving us an plan of the level of performance KTM is focusing on.
The exhaust technique seems to be tough and appears to be brand name new, taking up a lot of space beneath the engine and requiring a new opening in the stomach pan. The swingarm seems to be to be a new style, with a slight bend in the entrance for increased clearance all-around the exhaust.
The RC990 is equipped with Brembo Stylema brake calipers, with a brake cooling duct package equivalent to the one on the 1290 Tremendous Duke RR. The fork appears like the WP Apex equipped on the 890 Duke R, but the RC990 appears to have a greater rake angle.
The ergonomics show up exceptionally intense, with high rearset footpegs forcing the exam rider into an unpleasant-hunting knee bend. The clip-ons, even so, appear reasonably significant, but that may well be issue to modify. The take a look at bike appears to be making use of lengthy fork tubes, and the don on the tubes below where the clip-ons are mounted suggest KTM may be screening diverse handlebar heights.
The rear subframe appears to be like new, and will possible get some bodywork to cover up the tough edges. There are rear switch alerts on the license plate mount, but the concluded product or service will require a taillight. The twin headlights also glimpse unfinished, and at the minute look like the preceding technology RC390’s lights rather of the current model’s larger sized single light. We suspect that will undergo some additional adjustments before the RC990 is completely ready for production.
Based on the point out of the examination bike, we suspect it’ll be at least a yr or two before we see the concluded product, with a 2024 launch a affordable target.
Turn into a Motorcycle.com insider. Get the newest motorbike news initially by subscribing to our newsletter here.