Thoughts on the KTM RC8? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Thoughts on the KTM RC8?

Militarii

Militarii

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I`ve tried to search the forum but it seems i got no hits...either that or it didn't work. owe well on to my question.

I was wondering if any of you have ridden the KTM RC8 and what thoughts you have of it. Is it all it`s advertised to be? Is it comfortable to ride? (for a supersport) Is it a viable bike or pretty much an expensive track bike?
 
I test rode the RC8R

Surprisingly comfy.

No TC but very smooth power delivery for a twin. Almost doesn't need TC.

Brakes not as good as I would expect from monoblock Brembos, but I guess that is why they have moved on to two pots.

Suspension felt perfect without even dialling it in.

Slightly narrow power band but better than an 1198 IMO.

Excellent handling. Very smooth and planted in mid corner.

Very rare and exotic. I have only seen 1 on the streets of TO in the last 4 years.

GP Bikes has a demo, ask to take if for a spin if you are serious.
 
RC8 is a great bike, but I didnt find it very comfortable. lots of power but felt kinda cranky at slow (parking lot/traffic jam) speeds.

but none the less, sexy *** bike!!
 
I have had wet dreams about this said bike
 
Weird sounding exhaust.
 
I did have a thing for it. Love the way it sounds and looked... Then I saw it in person at the bike show. It looks heavy and not as good as I thought in person. I'd still love to have one.For the price you can get better. (s1000rr)
 
It looks like the special child of the motorbike world...like its mother went heavy on the sauce during gestation and did a bit of crack for good effect.
 
Everyone commenting on how it looks and he's asking if anyone's ridden it.

Change the seat and it's comfy. Ergo's are quite good and civilized (for a Superbike anyways). The price has come down and I'd keep it on the radar if you find a deal on one.
 
KTM's motor (the LC8 ) is truly a fantastic and proven design.
I quite like the sound.....almost NASCARish.
The design is unique and they certainly can't be faulted for trying to copy anyone else's design......good on them for going their own way.
In the AMA, in a small privateer tuning firm's hands, they have been quite successful the last couple yrs.
If I were looking for a $15-$20K sportbike, it'd be on the radar.....however, it should have ABS at the very least.
 
Friend has the first year.......nothing but problems with the electronics. It would just turn off at a stop. Spent alot of time in the shop.
 
My buddy and I were riding around the other week and one pulled up to us at the light....love it!
 
A good friend has one and I've ridden it a few times. I essentially have to agree with everything awyala said about this bike. It is absolutely horrendous at very slow speeds, you do not want this bike if you spend a lot of time in traffic. As for looks, love it from the side, hate the headlight. Reminds me too much of:
grievous3.jpg
 
RC8 was not made for slow speeds, I think I would state the obvious.
 
Go test ride one. I test rode one last year at GP bikes. Ended up buying a new CBR1000RR ABS instead. Better, more capable bike, more reliable, comfier and easier to ride, almost as rare and almost half the price after all the incentives and biting my offer. GP wouldnt budge on the price either when i tried to negotiate. If you're in the market for a $20K sportbike, I'd def go for the BMW.
 
In another words, that's what Super Duke was made for ... except for the idiotic decision by KTM North America to stop selling them here. But don't blame the RC8 for that .....

OP should obviously get a cookie cutter thousand and be done with it ... LOL
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