KTM unleashes a limited edition track racer

KTM is releasing a limited run of its KTM 890 Duke R, titivated solely for track action. Known as the RC 8C, just 24 units are earmarked for Australia and New Zealand. Think MotoGP tech for track addicts. There’s 128hp pushing a mere 140kg of motorcycle.

If you have a hankering for an orange-bleeding track warrior like this, then make sure to be in line for online ordering here https://www.ridektm.com.au/ktm-rc8c/ on Wednesday October 19th 2022 at 12.00pm AEDT / 2.00pm NZDT. Oh, and have $61,999 ready in your bank account.

The KTM RC 8C is, naturally, Ready To Race, like all KTMs, only this one is champing at the bit and raring to go. For it is a purpose-built, lightweight racing prototype, with unnecessary bits stripped out for track duties. It uses the same LC8c engine from the KTM 890 Duke R in a track-ready chassis, finished with high-end racing components. Think factory race bike but minus the limitations, eg, you don’t need a race team to maintain it.

The KTM RC 8C is a hand-built machine, finished in carbon kevlar-reinforced GRP bodywork. The 128hp 889 cc LC8c parallel twin is slotted into a ChroMoly steel tubular frame. Supporting the front end are 43 mm WP Apex Pro 7543 forks, with fully adjustable damping. At the rear is a WP Apex Pro 7746 shock with preload adjuster and separate high- and low-speed compression and rebound settings.

Other items include quick-release tank and body panels, lightweight Dymag alloy wheels, Pirelli SC1 race slicks, and Brembo Stylema front brakes acting on 290mm aluminium rotors fastened by titanium screws. A Brembo two-piston caliper slows a 230mm disc mounted to the hub at the rear.

The radial master cylinder is similar to that used on the MotoGP machinery. The rider can tailor the “bite point” to where they want it via a selector on the top of the master cylinder.

A data logger with integrated GPS function keeps a tab on all your laps, the information shown on a 5“ TFT display and backed up for later analysis.

Finishing the bike is a dedicated racing exhaust with Akrapovič titanium muffler and at the pointy end a special air box with high flow air filter.

If your timing, computer skills and bank balance are up to scratch, your new track weapon will be delivered next month (Nov 22).