2023 KTM RC 8C
KTM recently pulled the covers off the second generation of their track only KTM RC 8C and when on-line ordering opened overnight the 200 machines that will be made sold out in a couple of minutes for the asking price of $59,900.
Power has been boosted by seven ponies to now total 135 horsepower at 11,000 rpm from the revised LC8C parallel-twin underline that this is a bit more than some fresh paint and a bit more aero. Peak torque is 98 Nm and arrives at 8250 rpm.
The interal changes that have led to the improvements include new lighter titanium valves and con-rods, two piston rings, a higher compression ratio and bigger throttle body.
Increasing the clutch preload, removing the top balancer, and adjusting the crankcase balancer shaft have delivered durability gains and an additional PANKL oil cooler helps with thermal stability.
A new titanium Akrapovic exhaust system is fitted and the WP APEX PRO 7643 closed cartridge 43 mm fork and APEX PRO 7746 shock are now softer; for more feedback and confidence.
Refined electronics mean that any setting of traction control, mapping and engine braking can fettle the 2023 KTM RC 8C to match the level of ability (or ambition).
The race bike can be primed in a number of ways; from the adjustable steering head to the offset of the CNC-machine triple clamps, the throttle response and degree of bite from the unbeatable Brembo Stylema calipers and RCS19 Corsa Corta master cylinder.
A revamped dashboard with GPS data-logger will flash-up the lap-record attempts while the KTM RC16 derived handlebar switches put the rider’s left thumb in full control while the left foot hammers through the reverse pattern of the race QUICKSHIFTER+.
Downforce and efficiency under braking and acceleration are some of the gains claimed from the new aero package.
2023 KTM RC 8C Specifications
- Engine – Two-cylinders, four-stroke, DOHC Parallel twin
- Displacement – 889 cc
- Bore x Stroke – 90.7 x 68.8 mm
- Power – 135 hp @ 11,000 rpm
- Torque – 98 Nm @ 8,250 rpm
- Compression Ratio – 14:01
- Transmission – Six-speed
- Induction – DKK Dell’Orto (Throttle body 48mm)
- Valves – four valves per cylinder, DOHC
- Lubrication – Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
- Oil – Motorex, Racing Pro 4T SAE 15W-50
- Primary Drive – 39:75
- Final Drive – 16:41
- Cooling – Liquid cooled + additional oil cooler
- Clutch – Cable operated PASC Slipper clutch
- Engine Management – Bosch EMS with RBW
- Traction Control – 10 levels available (from 0=off to 9=max traction control)
- Frame – Cro-Mo steel frame (25CrMo4 tubular steel)
- Sub-Frame – Integrated with fuel tank HANDLEBAR
- Front Suspension – WP XACT PRO 7543 ADJUSTABILITY Compression, rebound, pre-load
- Rear Suspension – WP APEX PRO 7746 ADJUSTABILITY Compression (high/low), rebound, pre-load
- Suspension Travel Front / Rear – 120/120mm
- Front Brakes – Two × radially mounted four-piston calipers, brake disc Ø 290
- Rear Brake – Twin-piston caliper, brake disc Ø 230 mm
- Rims Front / Rear – Forged aluminum wheels 3.50 × 17″; 6.00 × 17″
- Tyres Front / Rear – 120/70 R 17, 180/60 R 17
- Steering Head Angle – 66,7° (± 1°)
- Trail – 98.6 mm
- Wheelbase -1,400 mm ± 15 mm
- Ground Clearance – 191 mm
- Seat Height – 820 mm
- Fuel Tank – approx. 16 liters
- Dry Weight – approx. 142 kg
