Premiere: The new KTM RC8 R in the PS test

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Premiere: The new KTM RC8 R in the PS test
KTM

Driving report: KTM RC8 R

The 2011 KTM RC8 R in the PS test

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Bull’s Eye or Bingo! The outcry always describes the same thing – a precision landing. The Austrians would have sorely needed that with the revised KTM 1190 RC8 R Superbike, because Brenner’s manners have left a lot to be desired so far. PS moved to Valencia, Spain for the final exam.

Finally there is a big grin under the helmet. Despite the slippery road surface, which is only slowly drying, the laps in Valencia in Spain on the Austrian start to be fun. The new Dunlop Sportsmart had to be approached carefully, but that is now a thing of the past. Like so much with the KTM Superbike 1190 RC8 R of the new model year. But it looks like the old one…

S.top! Although nothing has been changed in the shape of the fairing, as with the entire revision of the RC8, great importance was attached to small details. That is why the new old cladding now consists of clear-coated plastic parts, not as before of partially matt and rough surfaces, which were very difficult to clean.

But back to the grin. The fat twin pushes down the start-finish straight with a lot of pressure, one gear after the other slips reliably into its lock as if by itself. You read that correctly: the gearbox actuator on the RC8 R looks like it has been replaced. What used to drive you to white heat now works in an exemplary manner. The 75-degree V engine, although actually the same, has become completely different. Exemplary throttle response, smooth running, spontaneous but not too aggressive response, linear power delivery, everything is there. Sapperlot! Nothing is left of the uncultivated Raubautz of the past. It took a lot of brainpower and dedication to bring about the change from Saul to Paul.

Keyword running culture: Just to raise the rustic twin to the level of a Ducati Desmo engine – and that was successful – every nook and cranny had to be worked on. In addition to the reworked crankshaft, the flywheel of the 1200 series has been increased by exactly one kilogram. The new double ignition required new maps anyway, so these were programmed individually for each spark plug depending on the cylinder, load, speed and gear. How it works? Very easily. You take a handful of programmers and let them do nothing for a year other than to optimally adapt the data and signals recorded by the sensors in the engine peripherals to the needs of the engine and the throttle valve position. In addition to the significantly smoother engine running and very good response behavior, more efficient combustion is achieved, which in turn allows sharper control times and thus increases performance. Incidentally, fuel consumption is also reduced, according to the developers.


KTM

The new KTM RC8 R stirs up a lot of dust.

Of course, the performance and consumption figures of the press conference have to be checked carefully in upcoming tests, but there was nothing to complain about on the slippery slope in Valencia. Thanks to the electronic idle speed increase in push mode (it replaces a mechanical anti-hopping clutch), it was possible to roll into corners stress-free and precisely. From the apex, the KTM shone with cuddly soft gas application and predictable power delivery. So the orange held its own when it came to fooling around on a damp stage.

A positive impression, which was further confirmed on a short but very realistic everyday tour on public roads. Not only is the engine now tuned to be smoother and smoother, the chassis now also demands less from the pilot. A little more comfortable (rear with a softer spring) and newly tuned, it swallows bumps well. And the engine, optimized for better concentricity, is in its element. Gondolas on the country road and even inner-city stop-and-go are finally easy with him.

Speaking of hand. If the RC8 R is to be maneuvered with the driver seated and with a full steering lock, it can easily happen that one of the mirrors gets your fingers caught. An evil that until now Italian women had a monopoly on.

But back to the smile under the helmet, which ultimately predominates. The KTM has developed into a burner that is completely convincing. In essence, a real superbike with a built-in killer instinct, the KTM has so far been able to convince on the race and will certainly continue to do so. From 2011, however, thanks to meticulous detailed work, she also shines with great manners in everyday life. And another bang: the revision also affects the price – it has been reduced. Direct hit!

Conclusion: who would have thought that! The KTM 1190 RC8 R has developed into a real soft-footer. Applause, the revision has had a big impact and makes the KTM a hot tip for 2011.

Technical specifications


KTM

The new KTM RC8 R.

drive:
Two-cylinder 75-degree V-engine, 4 valves / cylinder, 129 kW (175 HP) at 10 250 / min, 127 Nm at 8000 / min, 1195 cm3, bore / stroke: 105.0 / 69.0 mm, Compression: 13.5: 1, ignition / injection system, 52 mm throttle valves, hydraulically operated multi-plate oil bath clutch, chain, G-Kat

landing gear:
Steel tubular space frame, steering head angle: 66.7 degrees, caster: 96 mm, wheelbase: 1425 mm, inner fork tube Ø: 43 mm, spring travel from / h .: 120/120 mm

Wheels and brakes:
Light alloy cast wheels, 3.50 x 17"/6.00 x 17", Front tires: 120/70 ZR 17, rear: 190/55 ZR 17, 320 mm double disc brake with radial hand brake pump and radially attached four-piston fixed calipers at the front, 220 mm single disc brake with two-piston fixed caliper at the rear

Weight (dry): 184 kg *

Tank capacity: 16.5 liters of super (of which reserve: 3.5 liters)

Base price: 16 295 Euro (plus utilities)

Premiere: The new KTM RC8 R in the PS test

Super athlete


Supersport twins from Ducati and KTM (photo show and video)

Comparison test: Ducati 1198 SP and KTM RC8 R

read more

Changes in detail


KTM

The new crankshaft has been revised for better concentricity.

  • Revisions to the engine:
    – more efficient
    – higher torque
    – Double ignition
    – revised combustion chambers
    – revised crankshaft
    – one kilogram heavier flywheel
    – stricter tax times
  • New injection electronics with gear, load, speed and cylinder-dependent mapping as well as clean combustion
  • Gear indicator in the cockpit
  • Two selectable mappings for Super and Super Plus petrol
  • New suspension setup
  • Eccentric on the strut deflection with a larger stroke
  • Cladding with clear coat cheaper than its predecessor

Premiere: The new KTM RC8 R in the PS test

Super athlete


Supersport twins from Ducati and KTM (photo show and video)

Comparison test: Ducati 1198 SP and KTM RC8 R

read more

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