
It seems that the folk in KTM's R&D department have been anything but idle over recent months. Inspired by the recent lift in world superbike engine capacity limits to 1200cc, the company is said to be in the process of lifting the RC8 prototype V-twin's spec to 1190 or even 1199cc.
The company is still vague about when we'll get to see the real thing, though many hope the Euro show season later this year will see it unveiled. Meanwhile the company has set up a dedicated website for the machine, with videos of the development process.
We may also see a super sports single cylinder bike, using the powerplant out of the 690 Supermotard. Reports from Europe say the company has been spotted track testing the new engine/chassis package, disguised in Cagiva Mito bodywork. If the reports are right, the machine could turn out to be compact in the extreme.
No doubt the success of the somewhat out-there X-Bow sports car has been a distraction. The firm has now accepted 1000 orders since it was put on sale just over three months ago.
RC8 website: http://www.ktm-rc8.net/
X-Bow website: http://www.ktm-x-bow.com/