2010 KTM RC8R First Ride

[Schneegz]

Motorcycle USA samples the new KTM RC8R.

For 2010 KTM imports the RC8R into the United States. This hopped-up version of its base model Superbike is said to be better in every way. MotoUSA jets up to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to find out.



"Throw a leg over, thumb the starter button and the ‘R’ barks to life with a surprisingly loud rasp. Ducati-like in some ways, but also with a hint Japanese ting; almost a hybrid of the two – though the KTM is still more pasta than sushi. Also instantly apparent right from the get-go is a reduced amount of vibration. The base model and the ‘R’ may feature the same counter-balancing system, but the lighter pistons and updated engine internals have smoothed things out through the bars healthily, one no longer worrying about losing fillings and seeing a dentist after every ride."

Read the entire article over at Motorcycle USA.

[atadaskew]

Bummer all the bikes he tried kept finding neutral between 5th and 6th gear...

[Schneegz]

Nice edit, Skipper!