The new 2022 KTM RC 8C Powerful Sports Motorcycle is as near to a factory race bike as you can get without actually buying one. When you combine high-quality, hand-laid bodywork with sufficient power and racing-oriented electronics, you have a formidable combo. Because just 100 are planned for sale worldwide, it also provides a level of exclusivity that is hard to match, much alone exceed.
2022 KTM RC 8C Powerful Sports Motorcycle – Features and Specs
Performance and Capability
The reliable LC8c engine powers the KTM RC 8C, a parallel twin derived from the Duke family and tuned slightly for the racetrack. The KTM RC 8C generates 128 Hp and 74.5 lb-ft of torque.
At 308.6 lb. (140 kg.), its dry weight means its power-to-weight ratio is about 1:1 by metric standards. That’s high quality by any measure.
Compression is high at 13.5:1, and displacement is high at 889 ccs; the bore and stroke measure 90.7 mm and 68.8 mm, respectively. Consequently, this will have its own specific fuel needs. That’s a bad thing that has to be done, but it’s essential if you want to have such enormous power. The KTM RC 8C can reach a maximum speed of 174 miles per hour.
There are eight valves in the head, with the largest being 37 millimeters in diameter. To extend their useful life, the cam followers are treated with carbon. The cams are built instead of forged to save weight, and they share a top end with a third balancer shaft to eliminate vibrations.
To further protect the back tire’s traction, a power-transferring slip-and-assist clutch is installed. The ratios are crushed by a strong chain and sprocket final drive and a six-speed gearbox.
Using ride-by-wire throttle inputs, the Bosch EMS responds to variables such as pit-lane speed governor, wet/dry engine mapping, and engine braking. Standard equipment also includes the Quick shifter+ feature, which allows you to work up and down the range without rolling off or releasing the clutch, allowing for lightning-fast hole shots and robust acceleration.
The handlebar switchgear is so well-designed for racing that it remains tidily organized and intuitive even while you’re under the gun. The sound levels are lowered thanks to a titanium Akrapovic exhaust with a carbon fiber end cap.
Design
Because the RC 8C is a genuine race bike not meant for use on public streets, the manufacturer spared no cost in perfecting the bodywork. Carbon fiber is used for the front fender, which reduces the unsprung weight of the front axle.
It has a large footprint because of the uprights’ dual role as spoilers for the forks and an air-scoop on top that helps cool the engine. Externally mounted biplane winglets provide downforce overhead to keep the front tire planted. They feature a vertical outboard part that prevents drag-inducing vortices from forming at the wing tips.
Instead of a traditional headlight, this plane has an intake window in the middle of each wing. When you reach triple-digit speeds, it automatically increases the volumetric efficiency by pumping pressurized air from the front of the bike into the intake.
The rider’s pocket is delimited by a bubble screen above, and you have to rest your chin on the tank to get inside it. Easy track access is ensured by the fairings’ quick-release, Kevlar-reinforced construction.
Behind the shield is a five-inch TFT dashboard optimized for speed. Thanks to the AIM Race Studio metric-tracking software, you may see the “battle tape” after the race.
The low, sloping design of the seat makes the rider feel tucked in and at one with the bike, tail up and pointy nose down. Having a tiny waist and plenty of room for body language, you can drag your elbow all you want.
Chassis
Chrome-moly steel tubing was chosen for the RC 8C’s frame because of the material’s flexibility and durability. The Trellis is hidden from view but for a few strategically placed cutaways in the cowling.
The typical rake angle is a razor-sharp 23.3 degrees, making it about as elegant as it gets. As part of the race-tastic modifications, the rake may be altered on the bike by a few degrees in each direction, letting you find the sweet spot for your riding style.
WP’s XACT PRO 75 forks measure 43 millimeters in diameter and have 4.72 inches of travel that can be customized through cap-mounted knobs. Regarding the rear end, a WP APEX PRO 7746 coil-over mono-shock with a 4.72-inch stroke and a wide variety of adjustment options is in charge.
To round off the rig, 17-inch forged aluminum Dymag wheels are wrapped in 120/70 front and 180/60 rear Pirelli Diablo Superbike racing slicks, with room for 200/55 on the standard swing arm. The hoops are the fastest option.
Two four-bore Brembo Style Monobloc calipers clamp down on front 290 mm discs, while a 230 mm disc and a twin-pot anchor take care of the back. The bite point may be fine-tuned by adjusting the front master cylinder and completing the race setup.
2022 KTM RC 8C Powerful Sports Motorcycle – Price
Twenty-second-century KTM RC 8Cs will set you back $38,999. Since the launch had just been going for ten days when this article was written, some of the 100 planned units may still be available for purchase if you move swiftly.
2022 KTM RC 8C Powerful Sports Motorcycle – Technical Specifications
Engine & Drivetrain:
| Engine: | Liquid-cooled 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, parallel twin |
| Displacement: | 889 cc |
| Bore x Stroke: | 90.7 mm x 68.8 mm |
| Power: | 128 hp (94 kW) |
| Torque: | 74.5 lb-ft (101 Nm) |
| Lubrication: | Forced oil lubrication with two oil pumps |
| Starter: | Electric starter |
| EMS: | Bosch EMS with RBW |
| Chain: | 520 dry weight 140 kg |
| Clutch: | PASC™ anti-hopping clutch, mechanically operated |
| Transmission: | 6-speed |
Design
| Ground clearance: | 5.9 in. (150 mm) |
| Seat height: | 32.2 in. (820 mm) |
| Fuel capacity: | 4.2 gal. (16 l) |
Chassis & Suspension
| Frame: | Chrome-molybdenum steel tubular space frame, powder-coated |
| Front suspension/ Travel: | WPXACTPRO7543/ 4.7 in. (120 mm) |
| Rear suspension/ Travel: | WPAPEXPRO7746/ 4.7 in. (120 mm) |
| Steering head angle: | 66.7° |
| Front brake: | Dual 290 mm discs, Brembo Style Monobloc four-piston, radially mounted caliper |
| Rear brake: | 230 mm disc, Brembo twin-piston floating caliper, brake disc |
Pricing
| Color: | Orange |
| Price: | $38,999 |
KTM RC 8C vs. Kawasaki Ninja H2 R
The engineering front fender, downforce-generating winglets, and racing-inspired cockpit are just a few of the racing-inspired design characteristics shared by the Ninja. Kawasaki has a significant power advantage because of its supercharged 998 ccs four-cylinder engine, which generates an impressive 326 horsepower and 121.5 pounds of torque.
The H2 also benefits from having one of the best electrical sets in town. As a result, it has more tuning flexibility than the RC 8C.
Kawasaki’s Intelligent Brake System (IBS) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) come standard on the Ninja, making it the safest production motorcycle in its class while offering a more standard brake lever feel than anything provided by KTM. It is what you get for your $56,500 investment in a Ninja H2 R, with all of its upgraded hardware and software features.
