KTM teases two supersport models influenced by MotoGP programme

After revealing the new 990 RC R, and 990 RC R Track models earlier this year, KTM has confirmed two mid-to-low capacity bikes are set to arrive in the brand’s revamped supersport line-up. 

This was confirmed by KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister, who also spoke about the influence that MotoGP is having on its evolving supersport range. The new models teased by Neumeister include a 790 RC machine, which is of no great surprise as the Austrian manufacturer recently unveiled the new 790 Duke. 

You might be interested in reading our 2026 KTM 790 Duke review.

The other model that’s expected to arrive in the future is the 490 RC variant, which could take over as the entry-level bike in KTM’s supersport range. 

While Neumeister revealed these plans, the interview also shed light on why KTM, which had been in survival mode for much of the last two years due to financial reasons - that no longer seems to be the case - wanted to remain in MotoGP, which is having a big influence on KTM’s wider street-legal range. 

KTM, along with Ducati, Aprilia, Yamaha and Honda, recently signed a new five-year deal to remain in the sport, despite rumours circulating in 2025, and even earlier this year, which called into question whether the brand would continue in MotoGP long-term.

While KTM maintains a big presence in MotoGP, much of its racing success still comes from its off-road programmes, although Neumeister admits the company is now placing a higher importance on its street-based range.

Speaking to racing insider Adam Wheeler, Neumeister said: 

“The offroad segment has been steady for many years, and we come from offroad; it is our original DNA so motocross, enduro, offroad and Dakar…but it has not been growing profoundly.

“So, the street segment of the market has become a very important area for KTM. We make half of our revenue with street models. So, we want to show this expertise, and not through participating in smaller [national] championships but by being right at the top and showing that we not only can compete but try to be a benchmark for others in some aspects.”

Neumeister also touched on the importance of MotoGP on the company’s production-based motorcycles, saying:

“For street expertise [MotoGP] is really important. We just launched our KTM 990 RC R and our new 990 RC R Cup. This model really derives from MotoGP, even though we don’t have a V4 engine! 

“We definitely want to extend our RC line-up; the 990 was first and we’ll have a 790 and a 490 like other brands with mid-and-lower-class presence and in a segment that is growing. We’re really proud that the KTM 990 RC R won so many test reviews against other models. The pay-off with MotoGP is now clearer whereas before we didn’t have a full-faired bike.”

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