Thoughts on the KTM RC8?

[mxs]

Forum Sponsor

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 ....

As rare as what? Common, I get it you like your CBR, but to make that kind of a statement ....

 

[DemonPig]

It would be a great bike if they could only lift the tail section up even more. Maybe up over your helmet. Then it could also serve as a spoiler.

 

[Flywheel]

Parker Brothers was storing one for the winter--creamsicle orange and white. I liked the frame especially. The RC8R fixed the brakes/FI I think. Not sure if KTM sold it here though.

I wouldn't buy the black fairing/orange frame version--it DOES look like a cheap Halloween costume. KTM isn't and probably will never be a household name, much less a status symbol worthy of the big bucks. The new 390/690 could change that, but who's going to be impressed with a few odd looking thumpers?

 

[Shaman]

I think it's a cool bike but there have been reports of poor fuelling at low throttle (like many big twins). I still think if you're looking for a bike of exotic manufacture and purpose, the RSV4 is the bike to buy, but the RC8s are very interesting looking bikes and they do work pretty well, especially at a medium sized race track.

There's hardly a wrong choice in bikes at the moment, and these are rare.

I have a friend with one but have not had an opportunity to try it out.

 

[markopas]

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.

How do you compare to the 1199?

 

[Grilled Cheese]

I have a 2012 RC8R, If you ride in traffic often you'll probably dislike it as it has a rather heavy clutch and it seems to bog at low idle speeds until around 2k rpm. The second you get into the twisty's though its incredible and comfortable. For a skinny twin it has a wide seat and the best ergos of any sport bike out there as far as I'm concerned. Its also extremely smooth and basically corners for you. As to its looks, its stupid nice in my opinion. KTM has a skill for making things so ugly that they end up being pretty cool if that makes any sense. Lastly, the sewing machine sums up not only the RC8R but all KTM street bikes. However with the right pipe they sound mean. Only issue is that the best looking and sounding pipe is the akra and i believe you have to buy the whole system and not the silencer which is pricey.

 

[topendz]

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

Dont worry you will soon be seeing a 1290 Superduke in a couple of years.

 

[mxs]

Yep, in a few years ... until then KTM is giving up sales to other brands. Not worried, just never understood their North american street bike marketing/selling policy ..... maybe they don't have one.

Forum Sponsor