KTM RC8

[CanyonCarver]

May be very old link. But great looking bike, good rider. MAN I wish it wasn't winter!!

http://www.ktm-rc8.net/fileadmin/rc8/video/vid_2.php

[MK96xj]

There is a write up on it in this months Motorcyclist. They stated that it is very close if not equal to Ducati's 1098. Should be interesting.

[Rincewind]

The RC8 launch is happening this week.  MCN has an initial write-up:


World first test: KTM RC8 lives up to the hype

By Trevor Franklin

Bike tests

25 February 2008 10:45

MCN Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin is at Ascari in Spain where he has just had his first go aboard one of the most eagerly awaited bikes of the year – KTM’s stunning, all-new RC8. This is what he has to say:

    * Video: KTM launches RC8 superbike
    * Powerparts available for KTM RC8

“There’s been a huge amount of hype about the RC8 and great expectations too, but on this first ride it looks like it’s living up to it.

"On the road it proves itself to be a nimble, quick steering machine and is a sports bike through and through.This bike will suit any sports bike rider who loves to be rewarded with adrenalin.

"The engine is punchy, as you would expect from a V-twin, but it also revs so quickly it’s almost reminiscent of the Ducati 1098 series.

"What’s more there are stunning brakes, superb suspension and it’s all knitted together by an exquisite frame. So far it’s nine out of ten for KTM.

Coming up next - track attack at Ascari’s slightly overcast circuit.

[taken from MCN ]

[SWriverstone]

Geez...that bike is FUGLY. Somehow KTM has managed to "Out-Transformer" the Japanese. Amazing.

Hello KTM??? Want to see what a truly BEAUTIFUL bike looks like???



Guess the Italians need to conduct a design clinic for the hopelessly "square" Austrians!  

Scott

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Strom owners are not allowed to make fun of the looks of any bike.  >.<

+1

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Scott. And this isn't a beauty contest...  

[R Doug]

Hello KTM??? Want to see what a truly BEAUTIFUL bike looks like???

Scott

Strom owners are not allowed to make fun of the looks of any bike.  >.<

 

Watch your mirrors Ducati, there's a new sport twin in town.  

[Mookie]

Geez...that bike is FUGLY. Somehow KTM has managed to "Out-Transformer" the Japanese. Amazing.

Hello KTM??? Want to see what a truly BEAUTIFUL bike looks like???



Guess the Italians need to conduct a design clinic for the hopelessly "square" Austrians!  

Scott

Too bad the Desmodecci is so ugly.  I know it's fast.  But it's ugly.  Just cause it says Ducati on the side don't make it purty.  1098 on the other hand....

[miles]

The English Mag Fast Bikes didn't much care for the KTM.  They thought the engine was disappointing.

[SWriverstone]

LOL...man, you guys have really been taken in by the Transformer Ethic of bike design.   And Colleen, with respect, a motorcycle is every bit as much of a visual statement as a mechanical engineering statement. The F-117 Stealth look (as adopted by KTM for this bike) works for a radar-evading fighter jet...but not for a motorcycle.

Yeah I know...each to his/her own, different strokes, yada yada.  

As for the V-Strom...I've never claimed it looks good. And as long as riders of this KTM like the bike for its ride and engineering, more power to 'em! (As long as, like me and my bike, they admit it's fugly.)

Scott

[atadaskew]

The English Mag Fast Bikes didn't much care for the KTM.  They thought the engine was disappointing.

these guys thought it was nice too, but nothing for Ducati to worry about:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=6090

[TheGoose]

Geez...that bike is FUGLY. Somehow KTM has managed to "Out-Transformer" the Japanese. Amazing.

Hello KTM??? Want to see what a truly BEAUTIFUL bike looks like???



Guess the Italians need to conduct a design clinic for the hopelessly "square" Austrians!  

Scott

You obviously haven't seen some of Benelli's and Bimota's offerings of late. I've never seen better examples of the travesty that is the erector set aesthetic. The KTM is shaped like a Botticelli by comparison.

[stk0308]

The English Mag Fast Bikes didn't much care for the KTM.  They thought the engine was disappointing.

Fast Bike has always been the stunt/squid monkey mag.  Most of those nutters cream themselves over the latest and greatest that month...when they're told it's the latest and greatest by Japan.  It's a fluff mag.  Colorful, and zippy, but still fluff.

[R Doug]

...but nothing for Ducati to worry about:
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=6090

I donno, it sounds like one heck of a bike for company's first full-on street legal sportbike.  The only real complaints are the gearbox, some buzziness, and a difficult-to-reach side stand.  But, most of the really important things seem to be spot on.


from motorcycle-usa.com

I had wanted the RC8 to be a perfect superbike, a KTM that dreams are made of and that piggy banks are broken for. And it is - in a way. There's the wonderful gnarling rumble from the hidden underslung exhaust, the faultless handling, superior braking, stunning styling and quality finish. But there's also the raw gearbox, vibey buzz, subtle snatchy fuelling and a hard-to-reach side stand.

The RC8 will probably prove to be more useable, more rider-friendly and far more comfortable than the Italian (or American) alternatives. And its styling's enough to entice customers to the showroom on looks alone, especially in its white trim. Plus you'll save a fair few pennies on the purchase price over a Ducati 1098.

[Hickey]

I like the way it looks.  Sure it is angular, but also distinctive.

I'd really like to see a semi naked bike based on that.  The Venom concept bike looks like it might be what KTM settles on.  Which would be great, except for the stubby tail.