Ktm rc8?

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Bigevildoer

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Has anyone here ridden a KTM RC8 at all?
I've seen them in the local KTM/Duc/Vespa/Guzzi shop and I'm very intrigued.
Been told they're pretty much all a v-twin sport bike should be with very few drawbacks, except that maybe it's a little tall overall.

I ride a Buell 1125r now, so the power will likely be similar (according to specs that is). The dealership doesn't have an RC8 to demo-ride, or else I would have long ago.

Thinking about selling the Buell and moving my fat butt over to a used RC8 (if I can find one, and only an RC8 'cause I can't afford a Diavel right now)

Any thoughts?
 
havent been on one but the rc8r is something ive been eyeing for next year...one of the most amazing looking bikes ive seen. reading reviews it seems at first they had a fair amount of issues, but have since been addressed in the later models
 
I don't think I understand your commnets. Isn't the Diavel cheaper than an RC8? And aren't they radically different types of bike?
 
Griffin said:
I don't think I understand your commnets. Isn't the Diavel cheaper than an RC8? And aren't they radically different types of bike?
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Nope. RC8 is about $16.5 new, Diavel $19K new. Hoping to find a used RC8, maybe in the $9.5K range. First year Diavel is in production, so finding a used one with a reasonable price tag will likely be next to zero.
 
reciprocity said:
you're buell is like a schoolbus compared to the RC8.

Very cool bike.
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Well, I've some higher-zoot bitz installed on the Buell, puts out over 143hp at the wheel, so I'm happy with that. RC8 (stock) gets very close to the same power at the wheel, but the handling characteristics are way different. The Buell, once dialed in, does handle very well though!
 
Bigevildoer said:
Nope. RC8 is about $16.5 new, Diavel $19K new. Hoping to find a used RC8, maybe in the $9.5K range. First year Diavel is in production, so finding a used one with a reasonable price tag will likely be next to zero.
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Ah, cool. Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that. I understood the KTM was on the far side of $20k.
 
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Looked at one yesterday in a local dealership. Certainly is very unique looking although not my kind of style...looks a bit like a rocket powered traffic cone. The dealer said a couple of things:1. Wherever you go, you'll probably not see many others riding one and 2. It's a purebred sports bike buit for the track.
 
Friend picked one up in the spring.....has gone back to the shop a couple times for stalling issues
 
The $16,500 is for a new RC8R...US pricing. I think its in the low 20's in Canada :(
Skip the Rc8 and go for the R. I hear the RC8 isnt that good. KTM only offers the RC8R in 2011, and they've made a bunch of changes to it. Reviewers are impressed. If you have the time, Mid-Ohio offers KTM track days (they call it fly and orange or something?). Register and you basically show up to the track and they have the bikes ready to go. I think its 3 or 4 hundred for the day (you have to sign a waiver saying you'll pay for damages). It would be a great way to really ride it before you bought it. I've been sniffing at them too. I hear its the best sport bike for a taller rider. You can adjust almost everything to make it more comfortable. Plus they look damn hot.
 
RC8R LE (Akrapovic) at Malcolm Smith Motorsport for $18,500 USD. With the strong dollar/importing fees you're looking at something about $5-6k cheaper than a Canadian purchase price. Puts out in excess of 175hp and is a complete stud. I've talked to a few owners and they say it's ridiculously rash and raw, no electronic assists, pure fun.

I'd buy one...
 
Sounds like you'll be looking at a used first year RC8. They were kind of clunky and not as powerful as the new R models.

If you can swing for a new RC8R then definitely get that bike, it's superb.
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