Road test of KTM1190 RC8 R 2009 Envy isn't everything

i had the opportunity to compare the KTM 1190 RC8R with its main rivals on the Almeria circuit in Spain. I have to admit, KTMs are renowned the world over. But is it enough to convince?

the KTM RC8 remained a prototype for a long time, first with a V4 and then finally with a V2, so no one really knew if this crazy orange machine would ever see the light of day. I, for one, was delighted to finally see it in its original dress after its world launch at Ascari in 2008. One wonders if KTM isn't a big Ducati fan, because from the L-twin configuration (V75-V90), to the launch at Ascari and now the presentation at Portimao, everything was done in the footsteps of the red giant from Bologna. But was this a wise decision, dear Austrian friends? Isn't the future in the V4?

in any case, these questions will remain unanswered, but I'm now in a position to say whether the RC8R 1190 is a Ducati killer or not.
The answer is no, so I'll compare it to the best 600cc four-cylinder bikes on the market today.

i can already hear the audience going wild. All right, it's not that obvious. At ease on the edge of the new Bridgestone BT-003RS, the RC8R leans with great will Diving from an extreme left to an equally severe right is the easiest thing in the world. Only the 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R performs better on this section of the Almeria circuit. The RC8R's Brembo monobloc calipers offer very precise braking and plenty of initial bite. The 43 mm fork reacts well, but lacks feedback. The new, fully adjustable monoshock is effective, and the RC8R's rear end doesn't flinch even when opening hard on corner exits. The RC8R proves as efficient as a 600 supersport on this circuit, which can be managed in second gear between two straights. Of course, the V-twin offers plenty of torque at low revs.

considering the fact that the RC8R 1190 loses its advantage over the 600 as soon as third gear is engaged, the RC8R 1190's performance is very good.s third gear is engaged in a straight line, braking ability has to be good to stand a chance. Fortunately for its owners, the RC8R makes mincemeat of all 600s on this criterion.

the KTM develops 170 hp at 10,250 rpm and 123 Nm at 8,000 rpm, which should have been enough to keep up with the mighty ZX-10R in a straight line. But the RC8R is left for dead after 3 gears, with the Kawa's Ram-air system adding a further 12 hp for a total of 200 hp. The CBR 1000 RR and GSX-R 1000 also outperform the RC8R. We end up wondering whether the technical data announced by Kawa are more reliable than those of KTM, but only a run on a dyno could prove it. With a 2 mm wider bore than the standard RC8, the RC8R's 1195 cc V75 engine took me up to 240 km/h on stretches where I reached 270 km/h with a ZX-10R.

the riding position is reminiscent of a sport tourer, but the rear end can be raised by 20 mm if desired. Compared to the other machines on display in the paddock, the RC8 R seems the sportiest and most aggressive, a feeling that fades once you're settled in the saddle. Those familiar with KTM's history will know that the brand has long specialized in the production of high-performance enduro bikes. Then KTM wanted to produce a superbike that was softer than a Honda Fireblade. The RC8 was born.

the 2009 KTM 1190 RC8R is still a very fast bike, but in the ultra-competitive hyper-sports segment, it just can't keep up. It does, however, enjoy good popularity even though it is not entered in any major competitions due to its performance.

conclusion:

the RC8 R is a very good sports bike, but it suffers from comparisons with its main rivals. I have the feeling that KTM has embarked on this adventure short of time and money, but I hope I'm wrong. Taken as a single machine, I'd have no trouble being tempted by the purchase of such a bike, as I love its performance and tormented design. Those wishing to replace their 600 supersport won't be disappointed by the RC8R, but it's definitely not a serious alternative to the tenors of its original segment: hypersports. Unfortunately for KTM, I don't think they'll be able to step out of Ducati's shadow with this V75. Good luck anyway.

By Tor Sagen - Translated by Sébastien de Malfin