KTM 990 RC R 2026 vs. Ducati Panigale V4 2023

KTM 990 RC R 2026

Ducati Panigale V4 2023
Technical Specifications KTM 990 RC R 2026 compared to Ducati Panigale V4 2023
Pros and Cons in comparison
Pros and Cons in comparison
KTM 990 RC R 2026

The KTM 990 RC R is far more than just a new model. It is KTM's long-awaited return to the roots of the true supersport concept. Despite intensive involvement in Moto GP, there has been no successor to the legendary RC8R for almost 15 years. With the new RCR 990, however, the supersport wind is blowing through Mattighofen again. With its successful features, it combines the precision of a racing bike with suitability for everyday use and brings some new innovations. With an easy-to-control 130 Horsepower, good electronics, stable riding performance and balanced ergonomics, it should not only delight KTM fans, but also represent serious competition for the newly established Supersport class. With a starting price of €17,399 (A) or €15,490 (D), it is also in the middle between the R9 and Panigale V2 and will therefore attract the attention of buyers. And there is another ace up the sleeve for pure racetrack fans. From the beginning of 2026, there will also be a track version of the RCR 990. All parts required for road approval will be omitted and the bike will be trimmed even more for track use with racing fairing and its own electronics package. Ready to race, in other words.
Ducati Panigale V4 2023

The conclusion is very easy for me. Ducati has made an "already almost perfect motorbike" even better without changing anything in a negative way. Although riding on the road with this radical fairing probably causes a stir and one or two riders find it uncomfortable, they obviously feel more comfortable with it on the race track. You get a motorbike "out of the box" that resembles a Superbike World Championship bike more than ever. I also believe that the V4 2018 owner is quite capable of improving his lap times with the 2020 version. My tip: if you take care to enlarge the tank or make it more grippy, you could go over the centre even more with your hull.


















