Premiere: KTM 1190 RC8

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Premiere: KTM 1190 RC8
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Premiere: KTM 1190 RC8

Premiere: KTM 1190 RC8
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From the land of herbal lemonade, a new release storms with plenty of steam into the realm of the all-powerful superbikes. Intruder name: KTM 1190 RC8. Mission: to stir up the established competition. Optimistic dreaming or a mission full of opportunities?

Volkmar Jacob

04/16/2008

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The KTM message is clear: uncompromising sport bikes only! No other large-scale manufacturer builds as much sport into its products as the Austrians. A few years ago mainly off-road, the Mattighofen-based company established itself on the road with the steam hammers 950/990 Supermoto and 990 Super Duke. Next goal: the racetrack. That’s pretty brave, because the competition from Japan and Italy has been romping on this terrain for decades, so they have a lot of experience in this regard. The RC8 (the abbreviation stands for Road Competition, 8 valves) wants to secure a large piece of the superbike cake. Utopia? In any case, it is 1190 RC8 a “milestone for KTM”, as press man Thomas Kuttruf notes.

A look at the key data of the RC8 promises pure dynamics: 1150 cubic meters, 155 hp, 120 Nm, under 200 kg with a full tank. Fantastic values ​​for a two-cylinder, but much stronger opponents lurk on the asphalt belts of this world, who ?? if at all ?? Bring only slightly more weight on the scales. The RC8 uses another trump card: drivability. It unfolds its performance extremely evenly, almost unspectacularly. Never before has 155 hp been so well controlled. On the test bench, PS will soon find out whether each of the promised nags is pulling on the leash. The power from the lower rev range is already beyond any doubt: the Austrian shoots vehemently out of the corners, 3500 rpm is enough for this exercise. This takes getting used to at first, because the pilot tends to always drive one gear too low, i.e. at too high speeds.

Below 2200 rpm the drive chops roughly, the low flywheel sends its regards. In addition, the engine pleases with a great V2 impact, which is accompanied by a pleasant, gentle pounding. At higher speeds, this increases to strong rumbling, which is only insufficiently dampened by the small balancing weights. The RC8 works despite the double throttle system ?? a servomotor controls the second flap ?? very spontaneously on the gas. Which is more annoying on the country road than on the circuit. The transmission requires a powerful gearshift foot in both areas.

The V2 is a completely new design, only the cylinder angle of 75 degrees is reminiscent of the ancestor LC8. To list all the details would go beyond the scope of this driving report; PS dedicated a story to the technology of the superbike in the February issue.

The chassis of the KTM is even more inspiring than the engine. The chassis is one of the best that PS has ever tested. It’s breathtaking how precisely and lightly the RC8 angles; intoxicating how stable it thunders through curves; excellent the transparency of the front and rear. The wheelie tendency is very low, the superbike uses every imaginable downforce for maximum acceleration. Every now and then the steering stubs fidget a little, the adjustable steering damper prevents excessive deflections.

The racer builds up a lot of grip. Among other things, this is thanks to the excellent spring elements. Fork and shock absorber respond very well and offer a wide adjustment range; From country road comfort to sporty hardness, the suspension elements cover everything. At this point it should be mentioned that KTM has first-class setup tips ready for every purpose. As standard, the RC8 rolls on a Pirelli Dragon Supercorsa Pro, for the racetrack break, KTM put the bike on racing skins from the same company: Diablo Supercorsa in SC2 mix. The rubbers were completely convincing on their respective terrain.

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Premiere: KTM 1190 RC8


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This dream in white fulfills almost every wish: the KTM 1190 RC8.

Due to its well thought-out concept, the RC8 can be prepared for the slopes in just a few simple steps. The mirrors, license plate holder and passenger seat are dismantled in a jiffy. The latter does not leave an ugly gap in the rear panel, the upholstery is simply attached. The footrests can be adjusted lower and further back, the entire rear frame can be made steeper without any problems and the length of the shock absorber can be quickly adjusted using an eccentric on the deflection. Special guides on the rear brake anchor make changing wheels child’s play. Protectors on the left and right protect the tank in the event of a fall. If these features are not enough for you, KTM offers further racing accessories: titanium exhaust, carbon cladding, racing footrests ?? no wish remains unfulfilled.

The pilot is also perfectly happy when braking. The stoppers bite mercilessly and can be dosed perfectly. The system is further characterized by a crisp, stable pressure point, first-class transparency and moderate operating forces. Small flaw: the rear brake squeaks quite unabashedly. Not an isolated case, a number of test bikes showed this peculiarity at low speeds. Despite the lack of an anti-hopping clutch, the KTM is astonishingly stable when decelerating hard: the electronics close the secondary throttle valve of the injection system a little more slowly than the pilot dictates, which greatly reduces the engine’s braking torque.

The Austrians have big plans for the RC8: Entry into the Superbike World Championship. When is still unclear; It is clear, however, that Rene Mahr will compete in the 2008 Superstock European Championship with the KTM. PS is curious to see how the team will do there. The RC8 is available in white and orange and is now available for 15,995 euros plus additional costs at the dealer.

Conclusion:
Welcome to the club! With the RC8, KTM succeeds in stepping into the top league straight away. Even for advanced hobby racers, it is an excellent alternative on the racetrack, and the superbike is well-groomed on country roads anyway. It has an excellent chassis, fantastic brakes and unfolds its power in a very civilized way. The 1190 RC8 is lightning fast. She will soon be competing against the entire super sports elite on the racetrack; Stopwatches create clarity. PS can’t wait for this shootout.

Data KTM 1190 RC8


Premiere: KTM 1190 RC8


KTM

The propellant was very light at 63 kilos. The throttle body protrudes into the airbox – it couldn’t be more compact.

Drive:
75-degree two-cylinder V-engine, four valves / cylinder, 114 kW (155 PS) at 9500 / min *, 120 Nm at 8000 / min *, 1150 cm3, bore / stroke: 103.0 / 69.0 mm , Compression ratio: 12.5: 1, ignition / injection system, 52 mm throttle valves, hydraulically operated multi-disc oil bath clutch, six-speed gearbox, G-Kat

Landing gear:
Steel lattice tube bridge frame, steering head angle: 66.7 degrees, caster: 92 mm, wheelbase: 1430 mm, Ø fork inner tube: 43 mm, spring travel front / rear: 120/130 mm

Wheels and brakes:
Cast light alloy wheels, 3.50 x 17 ?? / 6.00 x 17 ??, front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/55 ZR 17, 320 mm double disc brakes with four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 220 mm single disc with Two-piston fixed caliper at the rear

Weight:(full tank) 198 kg *, tank capacity / reserve: 16.5 / 3.5 liters

Price: 15,995 euros (plus additional costs)

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