The New KTM RC8-R for Road & Track

It’s not some thing I see everyday, in fact I could count on one hand the number of KTM superbikes I’ve seen on the road this last year.

Maybe it’s more of a track tool than road runner and if so KTM has got just the thing for its fans for 2011.

Two versions of its popular RC8 bike are due to touch down in the new year with a refined RC8-R for the road, and a track biased version that tones down road features and is FIM Superstock ready.

For the new version of the road bike engine changes have been made to counter the regular criticism of un-even power delivery with crankshaft changes key to smoother running.  This is obviously KTM’s counter attack on simliar, more popular bikes, such as Ducati’s new EVO sportsbike range, and it will be interesting to see if they can make bigger in-roads into that market.

The press release for the RC8-R states;

175 bhp, 127 Nm of torque, 185 kg „ready to race“, dual-plug ignition. These are the key parameters of the latest KTM 1190 RC8 R. But there is more to it than the bare specs: beyond them, there is a uniquely well-thoughtout Superbike, designed without compromise and built for chasing lap times – as well as exhilarating miles on any public road.

For the model year 2011, KTM focuses on a thorough development of all aspects of the RC8 R. The KTM development team’s goal was to build on the strengths of the previous generation while utilizing all the experience gained over the last two years in order to improve it further. In keeping with the KTM corporate philosophy, tight networking with the RC8 R racing team was of key importance.

These are, in a nutshell, the key innovations of the twin-cylinder heart. The basic layout with the characteristic cylinder angle of 75 degrees as well as the boreto- stroke ratio is retained.

Inside the strong crankcase though spins a new crankshaft with a different mass distribution. Adjusting the flywheel mass of the 1,195cc twin makes for a smoother running engine. A newly developed dual-plug ignition ensures improved combustion control inside the two fourvalve cylinder heads. A welcome effect of the comprehensive engine revision is an even higher maximum output of now 175 bhp, as well as 127 Nm of torque. And incidentally, with that goes not just lower fuel consumption but also lower emissions. Launching the RC8 R onto the straight like a catapult, that torque gain makes for the most significant change.

Also, thanks to the finely honed injection system, the rider is in full control of the enormous power at all times. We dare say that this latest generation of the RC8 R is not just among the most powerful big twins ever, but also among the most smooth and sophisticated.

Consummate sport riders know very well that even the best engine can only be as good as the chassis that contains it. In extensive tests we therefore developed a completely new suspension and damping set-up for the proven, first-rate RC8 R chassis which not just makes for significantly more comfortable ride but also for an improved race track performance.

Combined with a new eccentric bracket in the shock linkage, the RC8 R can now be precisely dialled in within a significantly wider range of settings. Hobby riders will enjoy this new RC8 R just as much as professional racers. Especially the first group of RC8 R users is going to be pleased with further 2011 modifications like the improved gear shift linkage, the new LED daytime running lights or the elaborate, high gloss paint job. The latest Dunlop SportSmart tires make for the icing of the cake.

And all that progress aside, one thing did not change even with the latest KTM RC8 R: riding enjoyment beyond words at every turn of the wheels!

AS for the ‘RC8 Track’ version KTM says;

With the KTM RC8 R Track, the brand that is passionate about motorsport bridges the gap between the official RC8 racing engagement and the series models.

KTM now offers a street bike product that is a pure bred sports-oriented racing machine. More and more riders of super sporty bikes are now showing a preference for the race track in the form of either training sessions or races.

Riders who are regularly on the race track often invest a lot of time and money to prepare their sports machine in the best possible way. In the case of the RC8 R Track, the KTM Racing Department takes over this role. The “Track” directly developed and produced by the RC8 Motorsport Department is the perfect two cylinder Superbike for hobby riders – like those competing in various championships.

The motorcycle is compatible with the FIM Superstock homologation and can therefore be used in official championships. The “Track”, based on the RC8 R, which in the standard model is already numbered among the most powerful Superbikes, is in every way “Ready to Race“.