2008 KTM RC8 1190 Photos & Specifications

.OrgOwner · 05-28-2008, 1:05 AM

2008 KTM RC8 1190 - Some people are saying this machine is the most exciting machine to hit the market in 2008.

Some quotes..

"the RC8 is simply stunning and for all the right reasons"
"Its engine is powerful and usable"
" handling shames Japanese and Italian superbikes"
"The RC8’s premier level of handling will flatter any riding style"

Specifications
Top speed 178mph
Power 152.2bhp
Torque 88.5ftlb
Weight 198.5kg
Seat height 805mm
Fuel capacity 16.5 litres
Average fuel consumption 45mpg
Tank range 145 miles
Insurance group 17
Engine size 1148cc
Engine specification 8v 75° liquid-cooled V-twin, 6 gears, fuel injected
Frame Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment Preload, compression and rebound damping
Rear suspension adjustment Preload, compression (high and low speed) and rebound damping
Front brakes 2 x 320mm discs, 4-piston radially-mounted Brembo Monobloc calipers
Rear brake 1 x 220mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size 190/55 x 17

dicksneeed · 06-12-2008, 2:27 AM

Thats funny you bring up this topic, cuz I think this bike is great in all aspects. So the other day I was at my local dealer and when I go and talk to salesmen I like to act dumb to see what they know and how they react to certain questions. So I asked about the new KTM RC8 and if they were gonna get any in. His response was just pathetic as he said " oh you dont want one of those, they're crap" yet he knew nothing about them. I cant wait for them to come out here.

.OrgOwner · 06-12-2008, 2:32 AM

Kinda flies in the face of all the feedback you read on the RC8. Your right some sales people are not up to scratch when it comes to product knowledge.... Makes you wonder how they mange to hold down the job. The question I have to ask is this. Why can't Honda deliver us a product like this? I'm pretty sure they would sell a lot of them.

Maholli · 06-12-2008, 3:53 AM

IMHO opinion the RC8 is the best bike out of the new 2008 class.. It has more torque than any of the inlines and it handles much better.. The torque is also useable sooner, Its also as light or lighter than any of the other superbikes.. I'll trade my 08 RR for a black RC8 anyday..

MACI4LIFE · 06-12-2008, 9:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maholli

IMHO opinion the RC8 is the best bike out of the new 2008 class.. It has more torque than any of the inlines and it handles much better.. The torque is also useable sooner, Its also as light or lighter than any of the other superbikes.. I'll trade my 08 RR for a black RC8 anyday..

plus it's a good looking bike.

slickwill · 06-12-2008, 11:01 AM

Has all the right specs and great "bits" included on it but I think it is ugly. I hate the "angular" look, it reminds me of Transformers.

deez · 06-12-2008, 11:54 AM

MPG on the twin is much worse than an inline 4. With the gas prices soaring, this is a factor for many. The twin is also harder on rear tires so you'll be replacing them sooner.

Having said that, I like this bike. It looks killer in white.

dicksneeed · 06-12-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deez

MPG on the twin is much worse than an inline 4. With the gas prices soaring, this is a factor for many. The twin is also harder on rear tires so you'll be replacing them sooner.

Having said that, I like this bike. It looks killer in white.

I have to slightly disagree with the mpg issue. I have both an RC51(twin) and an R1(inline) and I must say the MPG all depends on the mods you have done to the bike. You always sacrifice MPG for HP. I run the Keihin flat slide carbs on the R1 and those just suck the gas right up. Minimal mods to the RC and the gas goes a lot further. Well maybe not a lot but enough to notice the difference.

Chum · 06-13-2008, 8:09 PM

Say, what will one of these set a person back? 12G's?

slickwill · 06-13-2008, 8:48 PM

I'd guess more like $15K

Chum · 06-13-2008, 8:49 PM

Cool. I wasnt sure, just making a guess. I dont really know anything about KTM. You could tell me that they are made in Antarctica and would'nt argue

.OrgOwner · 06-13-2008, 8:51 PM

Austria - They are very strong in the offroad market.

alcopaulic · 06-14-2008, 7:51 PM

2008 Ducati 848 or 2008 KTM RC8? Not that I can afford either one, and they are in a slightly different class but I would take the KTM if someone forced money upon me and then made me choose just one. I LOOOVE the way the new Duc looks but you just can't trust those italians and their build quality. ANd it seems almost anything germany (austria) makes is always just engineered so perfectly. Never really has any soul, just engineering at it's best.

Doomwitha929 · 06-14-2008, 8:14 PM

WHAT! As an Italian I take offence to that! OK, half Italian so I'm only half offended. I thought Ducati had very high quality, their bikes always seem to be top notch with good attention to detail. There is HUGE price diff between the 848 and RC8. Personally I rather spend 13K on an 848 then 22K or whatever on the RC8. The RC8 price is supposed to be about that of the 1098S so way higher then a lil 848. I agree it is way more bike the the 848 but for what I would do with it $10 grand more is a bit much

sundown · 06-23-2008, 8:19 AM

I guess rc8 will be a good bike to invest on.. Nice curves...

SynisterRC · 06-24-2008, 2:31 PM

The RC8 is stunning!

steingar · 06-24-2008, 3:14 PM

I'd guess more like 30. The dollar is getting beat up big time by the Euro, so those things are going to cost. They do look sweet though.

fireblade2020 · 07-05-2008, 2:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deez

MPG on the twin is much worse than an inline 4. With the gas prices soaring, this is a factor for many. The twin is also harder on rear tires so you'll be replacing them sooner.

Having said that, I like this bike. It looks killer in white.

Serioulsy - who cares about MPG, I ride for the fun - not the gas milleage. I can burn a tank of gas in one night!

MCR001 · 07-17-2008, 5:19 AM

interesting reading here.....

now how many of you have taken one for a ride...if you can get it into 2nd to start with? then take the thing to your closest Dyno and have them run it.....be prepared to be shocked, very shocked

. Im not going to quote spec's go see for yourself, beacause all Dyno's run slightly diff. but if you are comparing apples with apples on the same one then you will understand.

As most of you are Honda riders "As myself" dont expect a reinvention on the ride, if you want a great ride in the twisties...try an 08 Blade.
When you eventually get it back to the dealer again if you can get it into gear or outa 2nd

Quote:

dose not really matter - Im not saying there is a problem with the mechanics - but you will find out for yourself

park her in the sun then admire the beautifull way they have used different color oranges "or whatever color" to show of those fine lines, look a little closer...no I mean closer, yip dont scratch yourself on the bad finishes.

So next time your dealer says it crap...maybe listen and ask why.
As for the price, well in South African rands its R75 000.00 more than an 08 Blade, thats a Blade and a Half. I would rather spend the same money on a Finely crafted Italian machine.

As I mention guys dont sit and speculate, go ride, and come back to share your experiences with us Red Riders

, dont spend your hard earned cash on a donkey that aint going to win races. Bikes are not an investment by no means.

Oh before I log off, if the first one dont change gear try a second one

Im expecting to be flamed on this post - But what the hell throw it at me

Maholli · 07-17-2008, 5:33 AM

Quote:

IMHO opinion the RC8 is the best bike out of the new 2008 class

Um.. Can I change that statement to the Bimota DB7...

macca9540 · 07-17-2008, 9:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCR001

interesting reading here.....

now how many of you have taken one for a ride...if you can get it into 2nd to start with? then take the thing to your closest Dyno and have them run it.....be prepared to be shocked, very shocked

. Im not going to quote spec's go see for yourself, beacause all Dyno's run slightly diff. but if you are comparing apples with apples on the same one then you will understand.

As most of you are Honda riders "As myself" dont expect a reinvention on the ride, if you want a great ride in the twisties...try an 08 Blade.
When you eventually get it back to the dealer again if you can get it into gear or outa 2nd park her in the sun then admire the beautifull way they have used different color oranges "or whatever color" to show of those fine lines, look a little closer...no I mean closer, yip dont scratch yourself on the bad finishes.

So next time your dealer says it crap...maybe listen and ask why.
As for the price, well in South African rands its R75 000.00 more than an 08 Blade, thats a Blade and a Half. I would rather spend the same money on a Finely crafted Italian machine.

As I mention guys dont sit and speculate, go ride, and come back to share your experiences with us Red Riders

, dont spend your hard earned cash on a donkey that aint going to win races. Bikes are not an investment by no means.

Oh before I log off, if the first one dont change gear try a second one

Im expecting to be flamed on this post - But what the hell throw it at me

Austalian Motor Cycle News did a comparo and called it Australias Ultimate Sports Bike and the RC8 came in 7th out of the 7 bikes, Kwaka, Suzi, Honda, Yammy, MV Augusta, Ducati and KTM. They did'nt actually rag it but it just did'nt cut it with the rest. Although they did say that for a first attemp it was right up there. Maybe look out next year as KTM are super competitive and don't like to be outdone. By the way the 08 Blade won the comparo.

epyongsr · 08-03-2008, 2:08 PM

there is one bike you can "invest" in.. its pretty pricey.. but its the ducati desmocedeicci.. (not sure i spelled that right) pretty much the baddest sport bike available to the public.. more or less an exact replica of the moto-gp bike.. 16.5 in. wheels and all..

bjay51d · 09-10-2008, 11:23 PM

Well I just got back from my local bike night and there was a rc8 there.Its not as nice as the pictures almost funky looking in a way.The front has gloss paint with flake in it but the rest of the bike seems to have a matte orange finish.The headlight looked pretty funky as well(looked like the mask from I know what you did last summer movie)Maybe i need to see it in day light to appreciate it.

The owner did say the bike had nice ergos and it handled well...

FB1000inPA · 10-27-2008, 12:50 PM

I had the pleasure to take one for a test ride and I really enjoyed the ride. The only problem I noticed was the stability in turns. It was a little shaky but manageable.

The power is great, the engine supplies steady power in all areas.

I am sure KTM will work as hard on this bike as they do for their off-road machines. I believe they won several world championships in the past. Somehow the name Kinigartner (sp?) comes to mind.

My only handicap will be the price. I believe it will be beyond $17G.