KTM MOTORCYCLE 1198 RC8R

The superbike world keeps getting bigger, as European marques move in on the Japanese market. KTM, Europe’s second-largest manufacturer, has literally made its superbike bigger with the release of a higher-spec version of the RC8 at the EICMA 2008 Milan Bike Show.

The new RC8R, the second version of KTM’s inaugural superbike, ramps up the performance factor with a larger engine. Increasing the bore from 103 to 105mm (same 69mm stroke) bumped up displacement for the 75-degree V-Twin from 1148 to 1195cc. The compression ratio also spiked, jumping from 12.5:1 to 13.5:1.

The liquid-cooled Twin uses the extra room to produce a claimed 165 horsepower in stock trim. Torque production is 90.7 lb-ft. (The regular RC8 only powers up to 155 hp and 88 lb-ft, according to KTM PR claims.) For the real power junkies, and racers, a sport kit brings the RC8R peak ponies up to 180 – a claim which evens up the new R with its Italian rival, the Ducati 1098R.

WP suspension components, a 43mm fork and monoshock, headline a near identical chassis spec sheet to its non-R sibling. Changes include a 5mm increase in trail (97mm – 3.82 in) and 5mm decrease in wheelbase (1425mm – 56.1 in). Another difference is the claimed weight (without fuel), with the R crossing the scales at a claimed 401.2 lbs (182 kg), 4.4 lbs lighter. In sport kit trim, the R would almost match the 1 to 1 metric power-to-weight ratio of the 1198cc Ducati Twin superbike.

No official word yet on when or if the new RC8R will turn competitive laps in the World Superbike championship. But with BMW and Aprilia all tossing their hats in the SBK ring, alongside with the dominance of Ducati, it’s not too big a stretch to imagine a European quartet vying against the Big Four from Japan. Stay tuned.

Specs
Engine: 75-degree V-Twin
Displacement: 1195 cc
Bore x stroke: 105 x 69 mm
Cooling: Liquid
Horsepower: 165 hp @ 10250 rpm
Torque: 90.7 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Compression ratio: 13.5:1
Transmission: 6 gears
Fueling: Keihin EFI (throttle body 52 mm (2.05"))
Clutch: Wet multi-disc hydraulic clutch
Frame: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame
Front suspension: WP 43mm USD Fork, 4.7-in travel
Rear suspension: WP-Monoshock, 4.7-in travel
Front brake: Radial-mount Brembo four-piston caliper, dual 320mm discs
Rear brake: Brembo two-piston, 220mm disc
Wheels: Cast Aluminum 3.5 x 17"; 6 x 17"
Tires: 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17
Trail: 97 mm (3.82 in)
Wheelbase: 1425 mm (56.1 in)
Seat height: 31.69/32.48 in
Fuel Tank: 4.36 gal 0.92 reserve
Weight: 401.2 lbs (182 kg)