COLOGNE SHOW: KTM 1190 RC8 R Track

KTM has taken the wraps off its big-bore V-twin race bike, the 1190 RC8 R Track, at the Cologne motorcycle show.

Race-ready out of the box, the new 2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R Track is FIM superstock legal and is sure to get some attention on the racetrack in 2011, and it looks pretty spiffy to boot.

With a very healthy power output of 180hp (132kW) and peak torque of 123Nm, the KTM's 1195cc V-twin engine has been tinkered with to achieve the improved power levels, adopting a thinner head gasket, modified fuel mapping, plus a new air filter and Akrapovic EVO exhaust system.

Compared to the road-going KTM 1190 RC8 R, the track version looks a little different too, losing all its road-legal parts such as the headlight, mirrors, plate holder, indicators and so forth. It also gains a new racing wiring harness and plenty of light weight components from the KTM's racing spare parts bin, such as pegs, seat and the like.

Marchesini wheels, Dunlop slicks, Brembo brakes, plus an adjustable subframe, handlebars and footpegs are also part of the package, while the WP suspension has been beefed up for the Track model, gaining a hand-adjustable dial for the rear shock.

There's been no word on the bike's weight, but it should tip the scales at less than 182kg, which is the road-legal dry weight of the 1190 RC8 R, considering it does away with a lot of ancillary features.

At the time of writing KTM Australia was unavailable for comment, so it's unclear whether the new track racer is coming Down Under in what would be very limited numbers. Stay tuned, as we'll update this article when we hear back from KTM.

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