KTM is bringing a track-specific RC8 sportbike to market in 2011 with the intent of bolstering the Austrian firm’s presence on closed circuits. 
Our testers found that the 2010 RC8R model was well worth the extra money during our 2010 Superbike Smackdown VII Track testing. However, even that bike was still a street machine, but the ’11 RC8R Track cuts right to the chase. Based on the RC8R that finished sixth in our shootout last year, this new full-fairing racer comes without any of the street hardware such as headlights, blinkers, mirrors, plate holder and DOT tires – lessening the amount of effort that riders will have to invest in converting a standard KTM RC8.
It isn’t street legal, but the stripped-out, hopped-up KTM 1190 RC8R Track sure makes us wish it was. With sharp, angular styling, the RC8 sure looks good but the first superbike from Austria hasn’t really been able to keep up with its competition from Germany, Italy and Japan.
2011 KTM 1190 RC8R
Now, while KTM aren’t really doing anything much about taking the RC8 to a level where it can compete with the likes of the S1000RR, RSV4 Factory or the 2011 ZX-10R, they’re making it easier for punters to go racing with this bike. The RC8R Track, which doesn’t come with headlamps, turn-indicators and other street paraphernalia, gets a new white/orange paintjob, Akrapovic EVO 4 exhaust, new fuel-injection mapping, Dunlop slicks, Brembo monobloc brake callipers, uprated WP suspension components with more adjustability and adjustable subframe, handlebars and footpegs. Oh, and to remind you that this is the racing-only version, it also has a thinner seat.
2011 KTM 1190 RC8R
A two-into-one Akrapovic EVO 4 exhaust is tucked away under the white/orange fairing and Dunlop slicks are mounted to the hoops. The bike is powered by V-Twin engine, makes uses of Brembo monobloc brakes, adjustable subframe, handlebars and footpegs. Plus the WP suspension is upgraded with the Track getting a hand knob for adjusting the shock. A racing wiring harness and automatic quick-shifter bring added performance to the powertrain as well as race mapping, a racing air filter and a thinner head gasket for higher compression. The RC8R Track is equipped with different brake pads, drive chain and an aluminum sprocket. Comfort is swapped for performance with a thin race seat.
2011 KTM 1190 RC8R
KTM knows there are riders who strictly need a race machine, and this is the answer, claiming it is targeted at hobby riders “competing in various championships.” With FIM Superstock homologation, KTM hopes it’s flashy, orange trellis chassis will be seen in official championships across Europe.
2011 KTM 1190 RC8R
The KTM 1190 RC8R Track was unveiled recently at the INTERMOT motorcycle show in Cologne, in Germany, by KTM factory racers Martin Bauer and Stefan Nebel, who won the Manufacturers Title in the German Superbike championship (IDM) this year, on their 1190 RC8R machines. For aspiring racers who want a ready-to-race 180bhp V-twin-engined superbike, the RC8R Track could represent good value at about €17,000.
Of course, KTM haven’t forgotten street riders – the V-twin-engined RC8R superbike is back for 2011, with a few mods and new white/orange and black/orange paint schemes (see pics below). Packing 175 horsepower, the 2011 RC8R is no slouch and can roll with the best that Europe and Japan have to offer. Compared with the newer, faster and more high-tech Aprilia RSV4 Factory and BMW S1000RR, the KTM is now beginning to look a bit old, but for fans of the Austrian motorcycle marquee, the RC8R’s style and handling prowess should still be compelling enough reasons to warrant a visit to their nearest KTM showroom.
Tags: closed circuits, dot tires, ktm rc8, wp suspension, zx 10r