Tuesday, 20 July 2021 00:38

KTM Announces Limited Edition, Track-Only RC 8C Sport Bike (Bike Reports) (News)

It has been a while since KTM offered a larger displacement sport bike, but earlier today it announced the RC 8C track-only sport bike powered by the 889cc twin found in the 890 Duke R.

This is a very high-end machine that will retail for $38,999. The components, as you might expect, are top drawer (described in the following press release).

The RC 8C is limited to 800 units worldwide. If you want one, note the 7:00 a.m. PDT ordering window that opens on July 22. Here is the press release from KTM, followed by a video:

MURRIETA, Calif. – Rolling out of pit lane and directly onto the starting grid, KTM North America, Inc. is excited to introduce the KTM RC 8C, a limited production track-only motorcycle built to satisfy the apex-slaying needs of orange-bleeding track warriors. Dedicated to putting in fast lap times with unmatched, hyper-focused precision, the KTM RC 8C is undeniably READY TO RACE!

The KTM RC 8C is a purpose-built, lightweight racing prototype which uses the familiar LC8c engine from the KTM 890 DUKE R in a bespoke, track-ready chassis, bristling with high-end racing componentry. In essence, the KTM RC 8C allows customers the opportunity to own a machine that is as close to a Factory race bike as possible – without the drawbacks of needing a specialist race team to maintain it.

Engineered to be 100% ready for the track, the KTM RC 8C is a completely hand-built machine, powered by a high-torque production engine to allow for easy maintenance.

Under the lightweight, KTM RC16-inspired carbon-Kevlar reinforced GRP bodywork lies a 128 Hp, 889 cc LC8c, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine, bolted into a dedicated 25CrMo4 steel tubular frame, augmented by a selection of WP Pro Components at either end.

Upfront, a hand-built 43 mm WP APEX PRO 7543 closed cartridge fork made from high quality, lightweight material is used. Developed with the experience gained from KTM Factory Racing efforts across a number of international championships, the suspension is assembled in the same department that builds and maintains the suspension of the KTM RC16, guaranteeing the best performance for race-oriented motorcyclists and professional racers. The fork also boasts zero hydraulic stroke limitation, meaning riders can continually control the damping properties.

A WP APEX PRO 7746 shock with preload adjuster takes charge of matters at the rear, and can be easily adjusted to suit all riders, and almost any situation by means of separate high and low-speed compression and rebound settings.

Being a focused track-only motorcycle, every detail is dedicated to race craft. From the quick-release tank and body panels, to the lightweight Dymag wheels and Pirelli SC1 race slicks, the KTM RC 8C makes its intentions known. 

Maximum braking performance is taken care of by Brembo race-spec equipment, with Brembo Stylema front brake calipers grabbing 290 mm fully floating brake discs with aluminum rotors fastened by titanium screws, and for the rear, there is a Brembo two piston caliper with a 230 mm fully floating disc mounted directly on the hub. 

The KTM RC 8C is also fitted with a Brembo 19RCS CORSA CORTA radial master cylinder, which features a host of innovations, with many of the technical features drawn directly from the master cylinders used in MotoGP™. The most significant being that riders are able to tailor the “bite point” exactly where they want it, with an easily accessible selector on the top of the master cylinder itself. 

Ensuring data is collected and collated, the KTM RC 8C makes use of the AIM MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard and data logger with integrated GPS function. All information is displayed via a 5” TFT display with integrated data recording, which is continually logged and can be analyzed in AIM Race Studio. 

Key points of the KTM RC 8C:

  • Limited to only 100 units worldwide
  • Hand-built exclusively for track use
  • 128 Hp, 140 kg / 308 lb dry weight, near 1:1 power/weight ratio
  • Dedicated racing exhaust with Akrapovič titanium muffler
  • Dedicated air box and racing air filter
  • Bespoke tubular frame made with 25CrMo4 steel
  • WP APEX PRO components fork and rear shock
  • Race-spec Brembo brake components
  • Ultra-light aluminum Dymag wheels
  • MSRP: $38,999 USD

Alongside the KTM RC 8C itself, customers also have the opportunity to join the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing test team at a one-off customer event. Limited to only 25 customers, the exclusive event will give you a once in a lifetime opportunity to ride with the likes of Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio, as they give you tips during a full day at Circuito de Jerez. All those purchasing this KTM RC 8C racetrack experience will also receive the KTM RC 8C racetrack package.

The KTM RC 8C race track package includes:

  • Extra set of Dymag wheels (front and rear)
  • Extra set of front and rear brake discs
  • Front and rear paddock stands
  • Tire warmers
  • KTM Race carpet

The exclusive KTM RC 8C will be available for pre-order at www.ktm.com/en-us/rc-8c.html beginning July 22, 2021 at 7 a.m. PDT.

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