Menus
KTM
Driving report: KTM 1190 RC8 R 2011
Ready to Race 2.0
KTM has revised the Superbike 1190 RC8 R for 2011. Heavily modified, it should also shine in everyday life. MOTORRAD tells you where the innovations are and what the new RC8 R can do.
The KTM RC8 R has had plenty of corners and edges so far. That applied not only to the design of the superbike, but also to the engine. As far as the outfit is concerned, the rough edges have remained in the 2011 model year, even if the Austrians changed the paintwork and decor and gave the headlights a fashionable LED parking light. But the new 1190 RC8 R is not just a prettied model, under the striking fairing something serious happened.
But before we dive into the technical details, let’s just do the practical test. So put your helmet on and get out on the rain-soaked Valencia GP track. As soon as you slowly roll into the first, slippery left-hand bend, it immediately becomes clear that the RC8 R has completely turned in character. This applies above all to its heart, the powerful V2, which has changed from a hectic, aggressive power twin to an extremely cultivated two-cylinder engine.
D.This is particularly important on the route, which only dries out slowly, where linear performance development and, above all, a soft response behavior are sorely necessary to protect the nerves. From the apex, the KTM’s gas can be applied softly and can be finely dosed when accelerating out. Round after round, rhythm and confidence increase, and dance to the limit of the tire is more and more fun.
But where does this change in character in terms of running culture come from? On the one hand, an improved mass balance thanks to a new crankshaft and the one kilogram heavier flywheel effectively tame the engine’s response to gas commands. Then there is the link between mechanics and electronics, the throttle valve body. Here, the operating mechanics of the second, ECU-controlled throttle valve has been changed and optimized for a smoother response. Of course, combined with a modified mapping of the injection electronics.
The new double ignition certainly plays a very decisive role. This ensures a more effective and cleaner combustion. Each spark plug is ignited individually and depending on a large number of parameters such as throttle valve position, gear, speed, temperature. This makes every single combustion smoother, which is also one of the reasons for the improved response. According to KTM, a side effect is reduced fuel consumption. In addition, the dual ignition allows cam profiles with sharper control times, which increases performance. Not only is the two-cylinder smoother, the transmission, which has always been criticized, looks like it has been replaced. The machines used at the press presentation are operated at a good Japanese level, the gear changes are easy and precise.
photography mitterbauer
Sets accents and a visual highlight: the parking light made of LEDs.
In addition to the extensive modifications to the engine, the KTM technicians also dealt with the superbike’s chassis. The focus was on greater driving comfort on country roads and in everyday use without having to compromise on racing qualities.
The damping settings have been changed accordingly and a softer spring has been installed at the rear. Small measures with a noticeable effect. With the new RC8 R you can now both casually lurch through the city center as well as burn smoothly across the country road or scratch on the racetrack. And all of this at a reduced price, 16,295 euros plus additional costs, KTM calls for the best RC8 R ever built.
Related articles
-
Driving report Ducati 996 R gingerbread This is exactly how everyone likes it: a delicious piece of cream with a lot of pepper in it. Ducati 996 R, the hottest ever …
-
Driving report Benelli Tornado 900 Racing
Driving report Benelli Tornado 900 Racing The one-man-show Peter Goddard started in 2001 as a lone fighter in the Suerbike World Championship. With a small, dedicated …
-
Ducati Streetfighter 848 driving report
Ducati 8 pictures Ducati 1/8 For the Ducati Streetfighter 848 the Testastretta 848 engine from the Superbike was also equipped with the so-called …
-
Driving report Fogarty-Ducati That hits the barrel right in the face Carl’s box is just awesome. Unusual, the slogan of this story. You’re right. But the…
-
Driving report Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S
Ducati 47 photos Ducati 1/47 The Ducati Panigale V4 marks the beginning of a new era! Ducati 2/47 The new V4 engine offers a wide speed range, turns like…
-
Driving report EBR 1190 RS Special Edition
Edge Driving report EBR 1190 RS Special Edition Second chance Content of With Harley-Davidson behind them, Buells once vied for a special sportbike…
-
Driving report Kawasaki ZZR 1400
Artist Driving report Kawasaki ZZR 1400 (2006) Full program With the ZZR 1400, performance is program: 200 HP make it the most powerful series machine of…
-
Photo: Kawasaki 24 photos Kawasaki 1/24 Kawasaki 2/24 Kawasaki 3/24 Kawasaki 4/24 Kawasaki 5/24 Kawasaki 6/24 Kawasaki 7/24 Kawasaki 8/24 Kawasaki 9/24…
-
Driving report: Honda Crossrunner
Honda Driving report: Honda Crossrunner The best compromise in the motorcycle world? Not that it screwed up the first, on the contrary: the VFR was an…
-
Driving report MotoGP-Honda RC 212 V
2snap driving report MotoGP-Honda RC 212 V In a secret mission K photos of the engine and details, scant technical information and only two laps with …