The 2022 KTM RC 8C sportbike is a low-volume, track-only race bike designed to satisfy the needs of the most dedicated track warrior. Combining the fastest lap times with perfect handling precision, the KTM RC 8C is truly RACE READY!
Sportbike KTM RC 8C 2022
The 2022 KTM RC 8C is a purpose-built lightweight racing prototype based on the renowned LC8c engine from the KTM 890 DUKE R and a custom-designed racing chassis equipped with high-quality racing components. Essentially, the KTM RC 8C allows the owner to own a bike that is as close to the racing equipment of a factory team as possible, without having to support that team itself.
Engine
Designed to be completely track-ready, the KTM RC 8C sportbike is built entirely by hand and features a high-torque stock engine for easy operation and maintenance. Beneath the lightweight GRP carbon composite body kit with Kevlar reinforcement, and based on the KTM RC16, lies a 128 hp, 889 cc, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, twin-overhead twin-cylinder, mounted in a custom-designed chrome-molybdenum steel tubular frame, complete with suspension components. WP Pro on both ends.
Sportbike KTM RC 8C
Suspension
At the front there is a 43mm WP APEX PRO 7543 fork with closed cartridges, made of high quality and lightweight materials. Developed from the experience gained from KTM's factory team racing in multiple international championships, the RC 8C front suspension is assembled by the same department that produces the KTM RC16 suspension, ensuring the best possible performance for both amateur and professional motorcycle racers. The fork has zero hydraulic travel limitation, which allows the rider to constantly control its shock-absorbing qualities.
The WP APEX PRO 7746 rear monoshock absorber with spring preload adjuster is responsible for the operation of the rear suspension and is easily adjusted to suit any height and weight, as well as to almost any situation thanks to separate fast and slow compression and rebound adjusters.
Sportbike KTM RC 8C
KTM
In 2008, the Austrian company KTM shocked the motorcycle community with the release of the RC8 sports bike.
KTM taught everyone that their bikes were always superior. But what could you expect from a new sportbike?! The RC8 was definitely stunning. The engine is powerful and the handling can put even Japanese and Italian motorcycles to shame. The non-standard design may raise a number of questions, but it is really attractive, despite some clumsiness. KTM's in-house V-Twin engine produces just over 152 hp. and torque 120 Nm. Not as much as Japanese and Italian competitors, but it may be enough for 99% of bikers. Experts believe that the KTM V-twin is one of the best on the market right now.
It’s very difficult to say anything bad about the handling of the KTM RC8; to do this you need to be an unusually picky person for some reason. Still, four years of meticulous development of the motorcycle makes itself felt in all aspects. The WP suspension has options for adjustment and works great. Handling of the KTM RC8 is rated “excellent” by experts. The equipment of the motorcycle is amazing: modern WP suspension, adjustable footrests and handlebar controls, saddle height adjustment (805/825 mm) and much more.
The reliability of the motorcycle and the engine should not be a concern for the owner, since the engine is based on the proven 990 cc LC8, which is installed on bikes such as the Super Duke and SM.
In 2009, the RC8 was joined by the charged RC8R model. First of all, it is distinguished by an engine that has a larger volume of 1195 cm3 (RC8 has 1148 cm3). Accordingly, power, torque and compression ratio are also greater, namely 159.34 hp, 123 Nm and 13.5:1 (RC8 -12.5:1). The remaining modifications concern the suspension and measurements. The RC8R has 120mm of rear shock travel, 5mm less than the RC8. It's also worth noting that the RC8R has a wheelbase of 1425 mm, while the base model has a wheelbase of 1430 mm. And the RC8R is 2 kg lighter than its older brother. Of course, the first thing that usually catches your eye is the differences in graphics.
Also worth mentioning are two special editions: the KTM 1190 RC8R Akrapovic Edition and the 1190 RC8R Red Bull Edition.
Technical characteristics of KTM RC8 (2008-2010)
• Top speed: 286 km/h • 400 meters: 10.27 seconds • Power: 152.2 hp. • Torque: 120 Nm • Weight: 198.5 kg • Seat height: 805 mm • Fuel tank: 16.5 liters • Average fuel consumption: 5.2 liters per 100 km • Engine: 1148 cm3, 8 valves, V-Twin 75° • Gearbox gears: 6 speeds • Frame: steel trellis • Suspension: WP, fully adjustable • Front brake: 2 x 320mm discs, Brembo monobloc 4-piston calipers • Rear brake: 220mm disc, 2-piston caliper • Front tire: 120/70 x 17 • Rear tire: 190/55 x 17
KTM RC8 Photos
Photos of the KTM RC8R
Photos of the KTM 1190 RC8R Akrapovic Edition
Photos of the KTM 1190 RC8R Red Bull Edition
Videos of KTM RC8, RC8R, Akrapovic Edition and Red Bull Edition
Sportbike KTM RC 8C - READY TO RACE
Every detail of this racing model is designed with track specifications in mind - from the quick release tank and body panels, to the lightweight Dymag wheels and racing slicks. Maximum braking performance is achieved using Brembo racing components: Brembo Stylema front calipers on 290mm floating aluminum discs with titanium bolts, and a rear two-piston caliper on a 230mm floating disc mounted directly to the hub.
The front brake circuit of the KTM RC 8C sportsbike is driven by a Brembo 19RCS CORSA CORTA radial master cylinder, which features a number of innovations, many of which are taken directly from the turbocharger used in MotoGP. Its most important feature is the ability to adjust the initial grip point using a convenient adjuster on top of the master cylinder.
Riding data on the KTM RC 8C is collected, stored and transmitted by the AIM MXS 1.2 RACE logger instrument panel with built-in GPS receiver. Information is displayed on a 5-inch TFT display and continuously recorded in the instrument panel memory for later analysis in AIM Race Studio.
Design[edit]
KTM RC8 prototype
The first motorcycle concept appeared in 2005 and was powered by a 999 cc Super Duke V-twin engine. cm (61.0 cu in). Engine capacity was increased to 1148 cc. cm (70.1 cu in) for production version. The bike has a steel trellis frame with a cast aluminum seat subframe. The suspension uses high-quality inverted forks and a double-sided alloy swingarm made by WP, a subsidiary of KTM. The bike from 2013 onwards comes in one color - black and white with orange accents.
Features of the KTM RC 8C 2022 sportbike:
- Limited edition of 100 units
- Hand built exclusively for track use
- 128hp, 140kg dry weight, power to weight ratio almost 1:1
- Custom designed racing exhaust with Akrapovic titanium muffler
- Custom designed racing air filter and airbox
- Custom 25CrMo4 chrome molybdenum steel tubular frame
- WP APEX PRO suspension components
- Racing braking components from Brembo
- Ultra-light Dymag aluminum wheels
The 2022 KTM RC 8C will be available for pre-order starting July 22.
KTM RC 8C buyers will also have the opportunity to join the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test team in a unique 25-person event. On it, lucky winners will have the opportunity to ride with Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio, communicate with them and receive expert advice from them on the Circuito de Jerez track. Event participants will additionally receive a racing package of options, which will include:
- Additional set of rims
- Additional set of brake discs
- Front and rear tackles
- Tire warmers
- KTM Race mat
Test drive: KTM RC8R Track (2012) – Jus d'Orange
KTM RC8R Track – the latest in fashion from Mattighoffen! In essence, this is a mass-produced superbike that is being tested in several national series before its debut in WSBK. Shortly before the start of the season, the VALKYRIE Racing team received official support from the KTM factory. Together we went to Brno to test and tune the equipment on a big track.
MOTOGONKI.RU, June 21, 2012 — The full version of the test drive with technical characteristics, additional photographs and comments from specialists can be found in the June issue of RACEMAG magazine .
This is, at a minimum, a historical event on the scale of our Russian ring: a KTM motorcycle will enter the starting grid of the national championship for the first time! But in IDM Superbike the RC8R has already become a champion, which means it’s suitable for ours too. But no one has ever tried to fight popular “row fighters” using such equipment. Simply, there was simply no such motorcycle as the RC8R Track in the KTM lineup! It appeared only in 2011, after a resounding victory in Germany. It is based on the same RC8 version R, only lightened to the limit not only in weight, but also in price, but already upgraded with electronics and hardware.
The differences from other “liter” production cars from the Russian championship are felt immediately, as soon as you get behind the wheel: there is a lot of free space, you can take any comfortable position. It's in the database. But the cockpit can still be completely redesigned for the pilot. The sporty component of the RC8R Track predominates; this bike is not intended for public roads – Track only. It does not have lighting control units at all (due to its absence), all “extra” elements and kilograms have been removed. But you can buy a motorcycle in this configuration: KTM offers ready-made – specially emphasized – mass-produced RC8R for racing at a price lower than a stock Yamaha! No need to change anything. Race-ready, fully adjustable WP suspensions are already installed and can be swapped (from the factory) for Ohlins TTX; Acrapovic EVO4 exhaust system specifically designed for the RC8R; lightweight Marchesini forged wheels; quick-shifter, reflashable “brains” and so on.
The “fifth” KTM assembly line in Mattighoffen is different from the other four located in the same workshop. It is separated from the rest by a light but impenetrable wall. After all, all the latest developments of the plant pass through this line; unique prototypes and production racing models are born on it, which can be ordered. Only KTM can afford to assemble 40-50 superenduros for the Dakar Rally, ultra-limited editions like the Duke 690 Track for the European Junior Cup (KTM EJC) and RC8R. All these models appeared not in a design bureau, but in the KTM Racing department with the participation of leading specialists - mechanics, suspension engineers, chassis specialists and experienced motorcycle racers from real sports. The “modified” version of the RC8R Track was created by German champion (IDM Superbike) Martin Bauer, who now takes the place of the official test pilot of KTM Superbike Racing and is preparing the car for the World Superbike. His teammate at IDM was sent to the United States to master AMA Superbike. He has the same RC8R Track as the Valkyries!
Grand Prix legend Jeremy McWilliams had his hand on the bike. He worked for KTM from 2008 to 2010 and still helps with development. I found his “test” RC8R, the predecessor of the Track, in the R&D department in Mattighoffen: the motorcycle is covered with measuring equipment and computers, it spent more time on the race tracks than the 250 cc prototype for Moto3 (at least that’s what the factory claims).
And all this - now in Russian races, as well as in Britain, Scandinavia, Germany and the United States! [nxtpage]
But let's get back to the tests. The KTM RC8R is built around a powerful 1195cc 75° V-Twin engine. The engine concept is more than six years old, but it was only in 2010 that it acquired its final form, like the entire motorcycle. From 2005 to 2009, KTM paid much less attention to the development and improvement of the only sportbike in the line than to the motocross series. But now that the plant has set its sights on conquering the road motorcycle market, a lot has changed. It turned out that this engine layout was great for Superbike in general, but with the introduction of machines like the BMW S1000RR, Aprilia RSV4R and the new incarnation of the Kawasaki ZX-10R on the market, the KTM's capabilities were called into question. The plant tried to participate in the “world,” but through someone else’s hands. The experiment did not go very well. It's time for revenge!
The motorcycle is incredibly comfortable and light, even a newcomer to the Superbike class can easily master it. By removing everything unnecessary, the designers reduced the dry weight to 173 kg. The engine power (in the base it is 175 hp at the shaft and 158 at the wheel; the version for SBK is 10-12 hp more powerful, depending on the type of fuel and firmware) is enough throughout the entire speed range. But at the very top, the motorcycles of Peter Kozheurov (SBK) and Evgeniy Gokhgut (STK-1000) are significantly different: the “stock” engine drives differently than the modified “superbike” one, without pick-up and “kick” at 8000 rpm. When riding, in both cases, there is literally a direct connection between the throttle and the rear wheel, and this is very enjoyable and also instills confidence.
There is no doubt that this is one of the most controllable and enjoyable motorcycles to pilot among purebred superbikes!
The RC8R can be tilted to the asphalt not “to the footpegs”, but to the plastic. When you start rubbing the titanium end of the “Akrapovich”, at first it’s scary. Upon detailed study of the photographs, we realized that there is a huge margin to the controls - footrests, levers, clip-ons, you can tilt it even more! The plastic oil drain “trough” catches on the tip of the exhaust system hidden under the belly of the motorcycle. This is especially noticeable in right turns with an uphill profile. Plastic is a consumable, but the muffler resonator is an expensive pleasure; on some uneven tracks, too diligent “grinding” of parts can lead to the destruction of the “can,” as happened during tests in Brno with Gokhgut’s motorcycle: fastening the stock system after one fall and a couple of hard “grindings” “The curb burst... However, repairs were made within half an hour.
The secret to such low (yet safe) lean angles is the balanced design of the frame and the location of the engine: it is suspended from a chrome-moly “birdcage half”, the exhaust system is located even lower. It turns out that the center of mass of the motorcycle is shifted as far down and forward as possible, and it is almost impossible to “reach” the asphalt with the engine. The bike is both large and narrow, and has a noticeable “waist.” Even if they fall, the units do not suffer; only the “hitch” needs to be changed. When cornering, the pilot has to tighten both his knees and elbows: the sliders are rubbed to holes, the angular speed is high!
The motor makes the difference. It is forced and “pressed”, but the throttle is relatively calm. Lightweight forged pistons, a low-resistance racing air filter and, of course, a thin block gasket are all included. But it also needs fine tuning. As for modes and firmware, if the standard RC8 was equipped with two modes - Street and Track, then the R version has... also two. But it’s easy to reflash the program via a laptop. Figuratively, the base has two modes - Track and Slick. The differences between them are quite arbitrary, because already from the factory the RC8R Track is equipped with a racing 211 Dunlop.
Piotr Kozheurov's RC8R feels more like a 600, but much, much more powerful. Therefore, riding the RC8R Track like a 600 is more difficult than riding like a superbike. It is worth noting here the role that Australian engineer Mick Hames began to play in the Valkyrie team. Hames worked with KTM Racing for two years, helping develop the engine and suspension of the factory team's RC8R (actually Martin Bauer). Mick helped the Russian team with the engine; now the “full version” engine meets the requirements of IDM Superbike, which also allows us to participate in the Russian championship.
Mick, at the very first tests in Spain, noted that Petr Kozheurov’s style was perfect for this motorcycle: “I immediately thought there was something familiar about it: Pete rode like the guys from AMA Superbike! He needed to change the suspension settings and the engine to reach his potential.”
Wide motor characteristic allows you to play with excess power. The stroke of V-Twin is much longer than that of in-line engines; it is easier to tune the motorcycle - the transfer of energy to the wheel is uniform and “smooth”: “Any change is felt immediately as soon as you leave the pit lane,” Kozheurov noted. Its engine has undergone several changes. The channels have been slightly changed, the valves have been perfectly ground in, all this can be felt even in the sound of the work: when Evgeniy and Peter’s motorcycles return to the pit lane, you can always hear who is going first. The "stock" RC8R Track sounds like... a Harley! This is the voice of a big, thoroughbred V-Twin - bassy, rich and sharp at the top. Tuned in the Hamsa laboratory, the “superbike” does not sound as rhythmic at the bottom, but is much quieter, despite the more “direct” exhaust system. But it “explodes” with a roar as soon as you raise the speed to 4000. The same applies to the suspensions.
The fork and rear shock characteristics have also been completely retuned for stop-n-go riding, where the rider approaches a corner at full speed, slows down late and very hard, and then rolls into the corner with the trigger almost fully open. Based on the serial WP USD 4354 fork, Hams created his own “custom”, installing a modified Ohlins cartridge inside. The operation of the shock absorbers in the base is more linear, and the ride of the motorcycle is smoother. But even after a complete retuning of the suspension, the characteristics of the RC8R Track allow you to save rubber and quickly find the right solutions.
The rear wheel is always in contact with the asphalt, although the work with the motorcycle still comes from the front-end. Drifting in a turn is felt immediately, but the stall occurs more smoothly, with less risk of highside. That's why KTM pilots feel so good on twisty German circuits like the Sachsenring and Nurburgring, where tight turns give way to fast ones. The RC8R Track performed even better in Valencia and Cartagena, where there are no “straights” at all. There is, of course, a downside: like the Ducati, the KTM engine has relatively low peak power and top speed. In a direct duel with the BMW S1000RR and Kawasaki ZX-10R, the topic was initially lost. True, you can make up for it at the nearest chicane: the speed of entering the turn, inside and at the exit is much higher than that of all other bikes, which Kozheurov showed during the first stage of the Russian Championship in Nizhny Novgorod.
For Russian tracks, the KTM RC8R is an excellent option precisely for this reason: both the Nizhny Novgorod and Kazan rings have in their configuration several intense, “slow” turns, before which you have to drop the motorcycle sharply and then accelerate at full throttle. Moscow Raceway remains a mystery for now. But as WSBK champion Carlos Checa noted at the Moscow track presentation, it seems that “this track is well suited for his Ducati” - due to several slow circuits where the 1198SP will be extremely in demand. So does the KTM RC8R.
The full version of the test drive with technical characteristics, additional photographs and comments from specialists can be found in the June issue of RACEMAG magazine .
The test was organized and conducted with the active participation of the Valkyrie Russian Moto Racing Team, Russia, as well as the general partner of MOTOGONKI.RU - DIALEN Motorsport.
Photo: motofoto.ru
Links[edit]
- "KTM 1190 RC8 superbike unveiled". Motorcycle Daily. 2007-11-07. Archived from the original on 2007-11-10. Retrieved November 8, 2007. CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ a b https://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/KTM/KTM-RC8R-2011-current/
- 2010 KTM 1190 RC8R Review, Motorcycle.com
- 2011 KTM RC8R First Ride, USA Motorcycle
- "Archival copy". Archived from the original on 2012-02-29. Retrieved 11 April 2010.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- https://www.ktm.com/us/news-events/news/racing/details/fillmore-earns-career-best-finish-at-ama-pro-superbike-finale-1.html#.UIw6IYb8t8E
- https://www.amaproracing.com/rr/events/standings.cfm?class=sb&year=2012
- https://www.ktm.com/us/news-events/news/all/details/ktmhmc-superbike-racing-team-signs-chris-fillmore-for-2013-season.html#.UIw_44b8t8E
- https://www.ktm.com/uploads/tx_ktmproduct/techdocs/9975H0_OM_EN.pdf [ permanent dead link
] - https://www.ktm.com/uploads/tx_ktmproduct/techdocs/10_3211525_en_OM.pdf [ permanent dead link
] - https://www.ktm.com/uploads/tx_ktmproduct/techdocs/12_3211786_en_OM_6f3e30.pdf [ permanent dead link
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RC8 R [edit]
2010 [edit]
The RC8 R was brought to the United States in 2010 as a 2011 model with more track-oriented features than the standard RC8. Engine capacity increased to 1195 cc. cc (72.9 cu in) with a higher compression ratio of 13.5:1. It has titanium intake valves and low-friction diamond-like carbon (DLC) on the finger followers of its camshafts. The WP RC8 R's suspension features a 43mm inverted fork at the front end with a low-friction titanium nitride aluminum coating on its sliders. The high quality shock absorber supports the rear of the bike and its piston rod is also coated with titanium nitride and aluminum. The fork has three adjustment modes (compression damping, rebound damping and spring preload), while the shock splits compression damping into high- and low-speed circuits and has ride height adjustment. An adjustable steering damper completes the suspension.
The RC8 R offers a host of chassis tweaks not found in other superbikes. Besides the suspension, a rider can adjust many other parts on the bike, including the front brake lever, rear brake pedal, clutch lever, handlebars, shifter, footpegs and seat/subframe height. Essentially, adjustable settings allow the RC8 R to adapt to riders of varying heights. [3]
2011 and 2012[edit]
Internal improvements were made for these model years based on rider feedback and internal testing. 250 models were produced for North America for 2011 and 2012. KTM engineers installed a heavier crankshaft and flywheel to reduce the noisy nature of the previous RC8R and emphasize low-end torque. The throttle butterflies have been remapped to reduce the number of openings at low throttle inputs for smoother transitions and eliminate the "throttle jerk" complaints directed at earlier models. The new cylinder head uses two spark plugs in each cylinder; Below 7000 rpm only one of the two fires, while above 7000 both are used for optimal combustion and reduced knock, which also allows for an ECU remap that has updated cam timing and 52mm throttle bodies. Also new to this model are Marchesini cast aluminum wheels and strategic front and rear suspension upgrades.[4]
