KTM RC8 adds 47cc in R-spec
Will we see this bike on the world Superbike grid?KTM's 'R' spec version of its 70-degree V-twin has been released in Milan, with an extra 47cc lifting its power and torque to 162hp and 123Nm, up from 150 and 112 respectively for the RC8. It's also lost a fair chunk of carriage too - down 10kg to 182.
The RC8R now displaces 1195cc, close to the 1200cc capacity ceiling for twin-cylinder machines in world Superbike competition.
KTM's move is a logical step in maximising performance against the likes of Aprilia's all-new RSV4 V-four, Ducati's 1198cc 1098R and the in-line fours from the Japanese, which begs the question: when will it appear in the production-based championship?
Next year is almost certainly out of the question, which leaves 2010 as the more likely scenario.
Other than more power and less weight, there are a few minor geometry changes on the RC8R - otherwise it's a template of the RC8.
The RC8R is expected to go on sale late in the first quarter of next year, with price TBA.
KTM also displayed some more new models in Milan, including R versions of the 990 Supermoto and 990 Adventure. There's now also a touring version of the Supermoto called the SM-T. The three twins should go on sale in Australia in the second quarter of next year.
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