Motorcycle specifications KTM1190 RC8 R 2012 Crossing a boundary

with five more horsepower, half a kg of torque and a more aggressive color scheme, the KTM RC8 R emerges from the weight room with new arguments to put forward. And her German SBK title has given her a new lease of life.

katoche has gone back to the heart of the 1190 cm3 to get more watts out of it. A new crankshaft and dual ignition are fitted. Double benefit: the twin is not only more powerful, but also more fuel-efficient and less polluting. The suspension has been completely overhauled, with improved comfort for the rider and greater efficiency on the track. Gearbox control has also been improved, and a new LED headlamp gives the beast a more striking look. The price of the RC8-R has been substantially reduced. Yet KTM doesn't seem to be offering a lower-quality machine, quite the contrary. But we're not going to start complaining that a bike is cheaper, especially as the price has dropped by 4,000 euros in the process. Enough to buy tires and fairings for the whole season. It's only the wheels that give us cause for concern - the new cast-aluminum rims are heavier, which partly explains the Katoche's 3-kilo weight gain.

its chassis was already formidable, enabling dazzling cornering speeds. With this extra weight, the Mattighofen superbike comes dangerously close (for Ducati) to the 1198. For those interested only in the track, there's also a Track version in the catalog, more powerful, lighter, exclusively for the circuit and ready to race. The standard RC8, less convincing, disappears from the catalog.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos,
Freeman G. - Mitterbauer H.