ktms new sport bike

The new bike is the long-awaited 'R' version of the already popular KTM RC8, but comes with bags of extra kit including a 2mm bigger bore, taking the capacity from 1148cc to 1195cc. The RC8R now makes a claimed 170bhp, putting it right in line with the Ducati 1198. The KTM also comes with lighter wheels, better suspension and a revised gearbox. “The first two sessions in the morning were hampered by torrential rain. Riding the KTM RC8R at a reduced pace tells you two things – it’s got some explosive power from 6000rpm onwards and it still has that slight lag at 4000rpm where it’s all or nothing.

“KTM put this down to the race throttle been fitted, where power delivery is almost instant. The bike also comes with a road throttle whereby the throttle tube has a different cam profile to make throttle openings considerably smoother.

“The bike comes fitted with Marchesini forged wheels and these make the bike considerably more agile than its smaller brother the RC8 – and this is despite the bike having more trail to make it feel more secure through fast sweepers.

“Everything about this machine is geared towards the circuit, from the lightweight wheels to the WP suspension.

“On the first ride KTM have definitely cured the gearbox aggravations on the LC8 engine which blighted a few of the original RC8 models.

“In the wet the suspension feels too firm but as a dry line appears around the circuit where we can make more use of the explosive power the suspension is coming into its own.,

“Many other manufacturers claim their bike is race ready out of the crate, however the RC8R is definitely ready to race from the crate.”

We’ll update this later with more riding impression as the circuit dries. But as it is at the moment it’s two thumbs up for the RC8R.
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I've always loved KTM bikes. Always been a big fan of the Super Duke.

yeah the duke is a nice bike. i like how ktm has styling no one else has

I gotta say I like that bike. It has that agressive styling and it has a V-Twin, which I love the sound of. Haven't heard this bike yet but I bet it sounds great. However, man when is someone gonna make an American Sportbike?? Also, they need to make an American sportbike with a 4 cylinder engine. They need to shy away from the twins for a while. The 4 cylinder does have some advantages that no American company has embraced yet.