Track-only KTM RC 8C Debuts Globally

It makes 130PS and weighs just 140kg!

• Uses the same 889cc parallel-twin engine from the 890 Duke R.
• Gets Moto2-derived chassis and carbon-kevlar reinforced fibreglass bodywork.
• Limited to only 100 units.

The world has been waiting for KTM to unleash its litre-class supersport that continues the legacy of the RC8. Eleven years after pulling the plug, the Austrian brand has revived the name with the new KTM RC 8C. Before you get your hopes high, you should know this is a track-only motorcycle. While production of the KTM RC 8C is limited to 100 units, it has the potential to scare the living daylights of many litre-class supersports.

It is built on the foundations of the brand’s Moto2 race bike and features the same steel tubular frame. The track bike is powered by a parallel-twin 899cc liquid-cooled engine from KTM 890 Duke R but belts out 129.7PS, almost 10PS more than the stock engine.

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KTM has armed the RC 8C with a WP Pro race-spec suspension at both ends. Up front, the bike comes with a hand-built 43mm WP Apex Pro 7543 closed cartridge fork while the rear gets a WP Apex Pro 7746 shock. A pair of Brembo Stylema calipers clamped onto twin 290mm aluminium discs and a Brembo 2-piston caliper paired with a 230mm disc drop the anchor on this track scorcher.

The KTM RC 8C has been equipped with a 5-inch TFT display that uses AIM MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard and a data logger with integrated GPS function to log lap times and other race data.

Conceptualised with the only intent of clocking fast lap times, the KTM RC 8C tips the scales at 140kg (dry). It uses a carbon kevlar reinforced GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) bodywork with winglets. It even gets a quick-release tank (positioned under the seat) and body panels. Completing the package is a set of lightweight Dymag wheels, paired with Pirelli SC1 race slicks. Every bike is hand-built by US-based Kramer Motorcycles, which also has the 2020 GP2 890 R using the same Duke’s engine.

Further, KTM lures you with an additional KTM RC 8C race track experience that gives 25 owners a chance to ride with Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio at Circuito De Jerez in Spain. Customers opting for it receive the RC 8C race track package that includes an extra set of wheels, brake discs, front and rear paddock stand, and tyre warmers along with a KTM race carpet.

Pre-bookings for the KTM RC 8C open on July 22. Though the brand is yet to reveal the price, the bike won’t be available for sale here. But has KTM put all those hours of R&D and money to build just 100 motorcycles? Or is it testing the waters for a road-legal bike that will obliterate the new breed of mild-mannered supersports, such as the Yamaha R7 and the Aprilia RS 660? Let us know what you think in the comments below.