Spy Shots Show New KTM 990 Parallel Twin in Test Phase

The report from MCN tells us a few tidbits – mainly, that the bike’s styling is very reminiscent of the highly anticipated RC 8C – and why wouldn’t it be when the RC 8C was met with such wild excitement that all 100 examples of the machine sold out in just four minutes and 32 seconds?

The mystery bike is seen with carbon air intakes on Brembo Stylema front brakes and WP Apex Pro forks, with “separate compression and rebound thumbwheels…matched by a direct-action, remote reservoir shock and Apex Pro steering damper to further the sporty credentials.”

The frame doesn’t sport the expected trellis from the RC 8C. Rather, it’s more similar to that of the 890 Duke, with a ‘banana curve’ swingarm to make way for the obligatory Akrapovic exhaust.

We get a bit more of a sporty function with the fuel tank tucked under the seat, though no luxurious self-supporting tank is to be seen; rather, the prototype shows off “a plastic tank with aluminium side plates forming a subframe.”