KTM: Entry into the Supersport Next Generation/Supersport World Championship

Since 2018, KTM has had a place in the series-based world championship and achieved several notable successes in the Supersport World Championship 300 with the RC390R. On Tuesday evening, the Austrians announced that from the beginning of 2025, an original, street-legal sports motorcycle will roll off the assembly line in larger quantities: the KTM 990RC R

Based on the basic data, it is clear that this motorcycle is targeting the next generation Supersport regulations. The two-cylinder engine is supposed to have a displacement of 947 cc, produces 128 hp in the road version and is transplanted into a tubular steel frame. Weight distribution is front-heavy and designed for good handling with a 65-degree steering head angle.

Highlights: Although the motorcycle will only be available for purchase in a few months, it will be seen in the National Championships when the guest starts early in 2024. The Next Generation World Championship regulations have been adopted by most of the sport's series Super, for example in Germany, Spain, Italy and Great Britain. The rules also stipulate that participation is also possible without homologation, but then outside of competition, that is, without qualifying for points.

It is expected that once the KTM 990RC R is competitive, it will also participate in the World Cup – which is consistent with the “Ready to Race” philosophy. In MotoGP, the Mattighofen factory has already proven that it has the necessary know-how.

If KTM enters the Supersport World Championship, it will be the fifth next-generation manufacturer after Ducati, MV Agusta, Triumph and QJ Motor. Yamaha is also expected to make this move in the medium term, with the new R9 model.