Kiwi Rider May 2024 Vol.2 | Page 75

it excels at the two things it was designed for so remarkably well . Success will be evident on the track , but the unparalleled experience for customers on the road will truly set it apart .” Powering the 990 RC R is KTM ’ s EURO5 + ready LC8c , smashing down 103Nm at 10,500rpm with peak power rated at 95kW or 126hp . In a move that race enthusiasts will appreciate , this makes its way to the final drive through a shifter that can be reversed to race-shift out of the box . The steel frame has been engineered for dynamic performance , with increased weight bias towards the front end . It features a steering head angle of 25 degrees and offset for enhanced steering responsiveness . Beefedup stiffness gives feel and stability under acceleration on bumpy roads or on racetracks while also maintaining agility , especially at low speeds . A diecast aluminium subframe keeps things light . Keeping contact with the road a priority WP APEX Open Cartridge Suspension , lightweight cast aluminium wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres . KTM has even gone to town with the ergos working to ensure they are perfect for both the road and track . KTM says ergonomics are key to the KTM 990 RC R ’ s behaviour . The 990 RC R ’ s MotoGP heritage visually evident with the wind-tunnel-chiseled aero wings that provide stability for braking , cornering and acceleration and other edges and profiling around the bodywork that shouts ‘ racer ’. If there were any lingering doubts about the bike ’ s intended use , KTM says minimal modifications are needed for its transition to the 990 RC R Track edition . Crafted by KTM in its Austrian factory , the modifications strip away the road-legal essentials , incorporate protective components , fine-tuned adjustment , revised racing bodywork and a full exhaust system . While KTM is promising much with the KTM 990 RC R , it hasn ’ t given away all the bike ’ s secrets just yet , instead , its race DNA will be unveiled in mid-2024 . The prototype will make appearances as a wildcard entry in non-point scoring outings across select European Supersport series and is also filming a multi-part behind-the-scenes documentary about the R & D journey of the bike and its entry into the Supersport sector .
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