Motorcycle specifications KTMRC8 prototype 2005 Race Concept

Lining up 125s in the Grand Prix has given KTM ideas. The Austrian brand does nothing like everyone else, and its first sportbike is no exception. The powerful V-twin already used on the Adventure and the big Duke has been tweaked to produce 130 hp. The usual equipment of modern sportbikes - inverted forks, radial calipers - is present, but KTM innovates in many respects.

The "strange", aggressive fairing is said to greatly enhance aerodynamics. The origami-shaped tank (KTM's trademark) doubles as a seat. Everything has been thought out to refocus the masses. Even the exhaust is relocated under the engine, as on a Buell. The result is a particularly streamlined, airy rear end. The chassis uses a trellis frame to hold the powerful, compact twin. The swingarm is truly impressive - you'd think it had escaped from a MotoGP machine. The weight of the machine is estimated at around 175 kg, remarkable for a sporty twin of this displacement. The KTM boiler is the lightest big twin on the market, weighing in at 56kg, 12kg less than theAprilia RSV, its lightweight runner-up. Given the expertise of KTM's engineers, this is a particularly incisive and efficient machine. But we'll have to wait until 2007 to get our hands on the bracelets of this "mechanical orange".

M.B - manufacturer's photos