KTM’s all-new RC 8C broke cover this morning, revealing a highly specified track-only motorcycle that combines motorsport derived components with a familiar middleweight power plant.
The KTM RC 8C uses a retuned version of the parallel twin found in the brand’s road-going 890 Duke R, though it is matched with a hand-built, lightweight racing chassis and a plethora of high-end components.
In this application, the 889cc parallel twin is tuned to produce 95kW and 101Nm, and it is paired with a bespoke Akrapovic racing exhaust and dedicated air box.
With a lightweight steel tubular frame and aluminium Dymag wheels, the RC 8C tips the scales at 140 kilograms which translates to a near 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.
According to KTM, this setup should offer strong track performance without needing excessive maintenance.
“In essence, the KTM RC 8C allows customers the opportunity to own a machine that is as close to a factory race bike as possible, without the drawbacks of needing a specialist race team to maintain it,” a press release reads.
Like the RC16 MotoGP bike from which it draws inspiration, the RC 8C features aerodynamic carbon-fibre winglets alongside carbon Kevlar bodywork.
The bike features hand built WP Apex Pro suspension at the front and rear, while other track-focussed kit includes quick-release body panels and standard Pirelli SC1 slick tyres.
Race-spec Brembo Stylema brake calipers grab 290mm floating discs at the front, while a two-piston setup bites a 230mm disc at the rear.
This braking package also includes a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta radial master cylinder, which is significant as it allows riders to tailor the bite point via a selector on the master cylinder itself.
An AIM electronics package collects GPS and telemetry data, with information displayed on a 5.0-inch TFT display.
The RC 8C will be limited to just 100 units, with a select 25 customers also gaining access to a once-off customer event offering rider training from the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio at Jerez.
These lucky customers will receive a special package with their RC 8C that includes an extra set of Dymag wheels, extra front and rear brake discs, paddock stands, tyre warmers and, most importantly, some KTM carpet.
KTM Australia has not yet published pricing, however, overseas media are reporting a pricetag of £30,999, which translates to just under $A60K in Aussie dollars.
For the rest of us, KTM’s road-ready 890 Duke R naked bike is available now from $17,195 plus on-road costs, which draws power from the same motor as the RC 8C, but tuned to produce 90kW and 99Nm.
The bike comes standard with three riding modes, Rain, Street and Sport, while a Track setting is available as an option to give more adjustability of things like anti-wheelie, traction control and throttle control.
Other tech features include cornering ABS, as well as cornering traction control that uses a 6D lean angle sensor to detect side-to-side and forwards and backwards pitch of the motorcycle.
Highly adjustable WP Apex suspension is fitted, while uprated Brembo brakes and Michelin Powercup II tyres round out the Duke’s key features.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
