Images published this week appear to show a road-going version of the KTM RC 8C supersports model that launched earlier this year, reigniting rumours that the Austrian bikemaker is developing a fully faired version of its 890 Duke R.
While KTM has previously denied that it is developing a road-going ‘RC’ model to sit above its RC 390 lightweight, a set of pictures published by German publication Motorrad appear to show a road-registerable version of its track-only RC 8C with indicators, lights and an emissions-reducing exhaust system, among other updates. See the images here.
Like the RC 8C that launched this year, the bike spied in testing seems to be based on the 890 Duke R naked bike platform with a similar swingarm, WP suspension package and twin-cylinder engine.
Motorrad also notes a revised cylinder head, larger water-cooler inside the fairing, all-new Akrapovic exhaust with a catalytic converter, and a visible KTM TFT dash.
The bike also appears to sport a more conventional tubular frame compared to the high-end RC 8C track bike, likely in an effort to cut costs, while the wheels and braking system used on the prototype are familiar to the 890 Duke R.
As previously reported, 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.
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.
INFO MOTO understands that all RC 8C units have been spoken for.
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.
