2023 KTM RC 8C bares its fangs

Just days after the 2022 KTM RC 8C went on sale – and sold out – in Australia, KTM has now pulled the covers off a freshly updated 2023 KTM RC 8C, with the second generation of the limited-edition, track-focused platform boasting more performance, among several other improvements.

Just 24 examples of the 2022 KTM RC 8C went on sale for Australian customers on October 19, with all of them snapped up in short order. But in a move that may well raise eyebrows among those buyers, now the 2023 iteration is already looming, the newcomer switching from orange to a matt black livery, while also adopting a number of other changes.

Hand built for track use exclusively by Krämer Motorcycles, the 889cc LC8c parallel-twin engine in the 2023 model now packs in an extra 7hp to produce up to a claimed 135hp at 11,000rpm and 98Nm at 8250rpm.

KTM says the boost has been achieved through the adoption of lighter titanium valves and rods, twin piston rings, higher compression ratios, a larger throttle body and higher fuel pump pressures.

The clutch has more preload, the engine’s top balancer has been removed, and the crankcase balancer has been tweaked – all in the name of greater durability – while an extra PANKL oil cooler improves thermal efficiency.

Dry weight is down to 142kg, thanks largely to the adoption of a new, titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, while sharper handling stems from the enhanced settings for the bike’s WP APEX PRO fork and shock. Both are now softer, improving comfort, feedback and confidence, KTM says.

Refined electronics allow the rider to adjust the bike’s traction control, mapping and engine braking to suit their skills and the prevailing riding conditions. The steering head offset is also adjustable, as is the level of throttle response and the degree of bite afforded by the Brembo Stylema calipers and RSC19 Corsa Corta master cylinder.

The enhanced dash features a GPS data logger to capture all your lap record attempts, while the reverse-pattern race quickshifter, striking GP-honed aero package, and handlebar switches derived from KTM’s RC16 will leave the rider in no doubt they’re aboard a precision, track-focused machine.

Related reading:
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• Revised LC8c DOHC parallel-twin engine with titanium components and 7hp performance increase to 135hp at 11,000rpm
• Adjustable throttle response, traction/launch/anti-wheelie control and engine braking adjustment
• New titanium Akrapovic exhaust system helping contribute to light 142kg dry weight
• Fresh WP PRO COMPONENTS hardware and new settings for optimized feel and stability at higher performance levels
• High quality Brembo brake system Stylema and Corsa Costa master cylinder
• Racing parts: Rims, chain, carbon front fender, CNC triple clamp, handlebar switches, new AIM tacho dashboard, race gearbox shifting patten, air box and air filter and parts prone to crash damage can be quickly replaced
• KTM RC16-derived aerodynamics and razor shape black graphics with distinctive orange frame
• Pirelli Diablo Superbike racing tyres

The new 2023 KTM RC 8C will be officially unveiled at an exclusive track day for 30 lucky customers at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, on April 26.

Just 200 editions of the 2023 KTM RC 8C will be made available globally, with each bike prepared with Pirelli Diablo Superbike slicks and featuring a special serial number stamped on the triple clamp.

While local pricing and availability is not yet available, online pre-orders for the bike open in Europe at midnight tonight – 12:00am, October 28 (ADST). Click here for more information.

As a guide, the 24 examples of the 2022 KTM RC 8C that made it to our shores were priced at a heady A$56,900. However, given the performance boost and rising inflation, pricing for the new model may likely push higher.