KTM RC 8C sells out
KTM’s new and improved version of their RC 8C track bike has proven to be just as popular as the first, with every unit allocated for Australia and New Zealand finding a buyer soon after the online order books opened.
Of a total production run of 200, only 24 RC 8Cs were allocated across Australia and New Zealand, with a price tag of AU$56,900 and NZ$61,999, respectively. Despite this, the Aus/NZ bikes, along with the rest of the production run for 2023, sold out within minutes.
Like the original RC 8C from 2021 (of which only 100 units were built), the second-generation version takes its engine from the 890 Duke R, places it in a bespoke frame and wraps it with styling inspired by KTM’s RC16 MotoGP bike.
For the 2023 RC 8C, the 889cc four-stroke parallel twin has received lighter titanium valves and conrods, two piston rings, a higher compression ratio of 14.0:1, improved fuel pressure and a larger Dell’Orto throttle body, resulting in a horsepower increase of 5.2kW (7hp) for new maximum outputs of 99kW (135hp) at 11,000rpm and 98Nm at 8,250rpm.
To improve engine durability over long, high-speed sessions on the track, the top balancer has been removed and the crankcase balancer shaft has been modified, while an additional oil cooler helps keep engine temps down.
Feeding air into this more powerful parallel twin is a bespoke airbox that incorporates a Ram Air intake on the upper fairing, while the exhaust system is also bespoke, made out of titanium by Krämer Motorcycles and capped with an Akrapovic silencer.
The engine is matched to a reverse pattern six-speed transmission with a PASC slipper clutch. Preload for the clutch has been increased in line with the engine changes, but the clutch remains a cable-operated unit, not hydraulic.
The chromoly steel frame is unique to the RC 8C and incorporates an adjustable steering head angle, while the bolt-on subframe also houses the 16-litre fuel tank under the seat.
Suspension is made up of a WP XACT PRO fork and WP APEX PRO monoshock, both of which have been modified for this new version of the RC 8C. The softer springing for the 2023 version offers improved stability and rider confidence, says KTM. Both units offer full compression, rebound and preload adjustability, with 210mm travel at each end.
Along with the suspension and steering head angle, there’s also adjustability in the footpegs and clip-on handlebars, while the 5-inch TFT dash display is fully programable. This factory-style AIM MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard and data logger has been revamped for the new RC 8C and allows for a myriad of data to be displayed and recorded, from lap times to engine stats and ECU settings. Riders can toggle through the dashboard data using RC16-derived switchgear.
Braking uses dual 290mm ventilated discs up front and a 230mm disc at the rear, with Brembo Stylema calipers and an RCS19 Corsa master cylinder fitted as standard; the latter with a MotoGP-inspired design and three adjustable settings.
The wheels are forged aluminium 17-inch units from Dymag, fitted with Pirelli Diablo racing slicks in 120/70 R7 and 180/60 R17 sizes, but a wider rear can be fitted.
Bodywork and aerodynamics on the new RC 8C retain RC16 styling influences but have been revised, with claims of improved downforce and efficiency under braking. The fairing and tailpiece are both made from carbon and Kevlar-reinforced fibreglass, while the RC16-style winglets and front mudguard are carbon fibre.
Unlike the 2021 RC 8C which had a predominantly orange finish, the 2023 version goes for black, which demonstrates “speed and exclusivity” according to KTM.
The main fairing uses quick-release fasteners, while acknowledging that trackwork will incorporate a tumble at point has seen Oggy Knobb-style protectors added to the frame, forks and swingarm. Crash protection has also been added to the subframe/fuel tank.
Seat height on the new RC 8C is 820mm, which can be adjusted, while the dry weight of 142kg (approx.) is 2kg heavier than the original.
Australian/NZ deliveries of the 2023 KTM RC 8C were due to commence in November. As with the original RC 8C, buyers of the new version can choose to receive their bikes at a special track day event at Valencia in April, 2023, where one-on-one tuition from former MotoGP riders will be available, along with KTM support and WP technical assistance.
