KTM RC8R (2009 - 2010) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £100 |
| Power: | 159 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.7 in / 805 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (401 lbs / 182 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesUnashamedly a circuit-based blaster that will need a road-rider to be fully aware of what he is about to buy if it’s to be used on the road. From the competition-biased WP suspension to the 170bhp engine and the lightweight Marchesini wheels in between, the KTM RC8R cries out for corners to be taken at speed. Although it doesn’t need to be ridden hard to appreciate it. But when it is given its head the rewards are, possibly, the same as narcotics. KTM RC8-R in a sentence: styled to be different; made to please.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineIncreased trail figure (97mm total figure) over the RC8 makes the KTM RC8R a stable bike through long sweepers but still a quick steering, nimble tool through the twists. Front and rear suspension is race quality and has suitable adjustment (high and low speed compression adjustment at the rear) to dial in the bike to suit anyone and all road/track conditions – settings found under the seat.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe same LC8 engine as used on the current crop of large capacity KTM machines (990SM, RC8 etc) but with capacity increase to 1195cc and additional tuning work (new cams and timing, compression hike and so on). It’s a bloody gutsy lump down below and matched with an impressive amount of top end drive. What is the driving force is the linear torque output that makes riding the KTM RC8R as easy as opening the throttle. Sticky gearbox problems aren’t, thankfully, inherited from the RC8, thanks to new gear selector mechanism and revised gear cluster dogs. Comes with road or track throttle tubes: road version has a chamfered cam to smoothe out low rpm throttle delivery by reducing amount of throttle cable pull for a given amount of turn.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueNo complaints whatsoever on the way the bike is built and finished. As said, the gearbox issues that affected early RC8 models has been resolved, and on our test bike no major fuelling problems (still a slight flutter around 3500-4000rpm for noise emissions). There is a lot of forum traffic on the subject of engine reliability but KTM reckons it is now on top of past issues.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentBlimey: £14,995 – a lot of wedge in anyone’s book. For the performance and components that adorn the bike then maybe the price is justified when comparing to Ducati’s Ohlins shod 1198S at £16,495 – which the KTM RC8R has the edge over. Find a KTM RC8R for sale.
Equipment
WP suspension as a product doesn’t have the brand name and desirability of Ohlins when really it should have – the suspension on the RC8R is belting. Marchesini forged wheels are par for the course on a grade-A superbike as are the Brembo Monobloc race-spec brakes. But its other areas that will tickle your fancy: adjustable footrests, levers, handlebars, subframe position and rear ride height are all there and easy to achieve. Compare and buy products for the KTM RC8R in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1195cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Liquid-cooled, 75° V-twin four-stroke. Six gears |
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 16.5 litres |
| Seat height | 805mm |
| Bike weight | 182kg |
| Front suspension | Fully-adjustable |
| Rear suspension | Fully-adjustable |
| Front brake | 2 x 320 disc with 4-piston calipers |
| Rear brake | 220mm disc with two-piston caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 190/55 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 29 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £121 |
| Annual service cost | £100 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | £17,000 |
| Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 159 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 88.42 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 170 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 10.77 secs |
| Tank range | 125 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2008: All-new KTM RC8 sportsbike introduced
2009: UK introduction of RC8R – a tuned, race-ready machine
Other versions
More KTM RC models
Owners' reviews for the KTM RC8R (2009 - 2010)
4 owners have reviewed their KTM RC8R (2009 - 2010) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KTM RC8R (2009 - 2010)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £100 |
Version: Akrapovic edition 50/100
Year: 2009
Annual servicing cost: £100
Aggressive & unique looks, surprisingly comfortable with brutal power/torque!Full review on my Youtube channel - https://youtu.be/zqF37qeTwYk
Have covered 300 miles in a day with no complaints for comfort, you would think with its looks it would be awful but at 6'2 theres plenty of room & I'm sure taller riders would have no complaints. The Brembo's provide some of the best out of the factory stopping power I've experienced!
Tons of low down grunt that is more than satisfying to be revved all the way out! absolute pig to use round town with its heavy clutch & typical V-twin sub 3,000rpm lumpy power delivery- The engine is best suited to fast flat out riding! if you plan to use the bike for round town or the odd pillion use I would suggest fireblade/GSXR of this age if your set on a super bike that doesn't want to spit you off if your throttle happy. The low RPM can be improved with Lamda delete's & after market throttle tubes with different ratio angles.
Feels very well built overall with similar to most Japanese bikes of this age, really good but not as well built as an S1000RR. Carbon Akrapovic parts stone chip easily but seen that with all car/bike carbon parts over the years.
Typical service intervals for oil, plug & filters you would find on any super sport. Change the oil ever year and remember to clean the strainer screens (RC8 has 2 serviceable filters & 1 replacement cartridge type)
A pretty decent dash for a Superbike of this age, trip computer with minimum/max miles remaining when the fuel light pings on. The 2011+ RC8R also comes with a slipper clutch which (handy if your new to V-twins as the engine braking when letting off compared to an inline 4 is night & day difference) and a gear indicator. There is a road mode which can be switched to Race so they dash displays max top speed & tyre pressure if you have the suitable hard ware fitted. The bikes come with zero assists which once combined with the Evo4 tuning pack will see 180bhp/100ftb of torque which will easily allow front end lift with zero pull on the bars when pressing on.
Buying experience: Purchased in the winter of 2019 when they were at the lowest price i've seen in years, prices have rocketed the last few years especially for the "R" models due to the improvements on the gearbox as the earlier models had problems with false neutrals.
After a rotten honeymoon with a 09/R1, I traded it in for a RC8R. It was all I needed to restore my faith in bikes. It is uncatchable around the any bend on our very fast rides, powerful stoppers, stays on line and looks good just standing still. Always a crowd puller in a sea of Ducs. Only two complaints - an occasional false neutral which could be 'cos the bike is still tight and too light a throttle spring which cannot be fixed. Can't wait to start my track days.
I'm not a racer but recently had opportunity to test an RC8R at Donington. It has very light and rapid steering and drops into corners swiftly but smoothly without any instability - a bit un-nerving at first but quickly got used to it. On the second lap I was getting my knee down without trying and was extremely confident in the bike - even relaxed and knee-down through Goddards. The power is plentiful and smoooooooth just wind on the throttle and she flies really hard and deceptively fast. The seating position is comfy and surprisingly spacious - I'm 6' and felt right at home- not cramped like the 09'blade. By the end of the session I was having a great time and wanted to take it home with me and my R1 - KTM said no - dammit!
I had a go on a RC8 in 2008 when they were first launched . Only did 5miles and took it back --poor gearbox and down on power compared to a Jap 4 . Recently tried a RC8R --what a difference , lots of power , amazing handling , better than a 1098 ( not tried a 1198s yet) . All i need now is to sell my 2008 zx10r
KTM RC8R - Marchesini wheels, WP suspension and brembo brakes
KTM RC8R - stable through the sweepers
KTM RC8R - sharp styling
KTM RC8R - no major fueling problems
KTM RC8R - comes with road or track throttle tubes
KTM RC8R - 170bhp
KTM RC8R - not pillion friendly!
KTM RC8R - logo detail
KTM RC8R - front fairing
KTM RC8R - quick steering, nimble tool
KTM RC8R - cries out for high speed cornering
KTM RC8R - circuit-based blaster
KTM RC8R - pricey, but look what you get for your money
KTM RC8R - in action
KTM RC8R - in action
KTM RC8R - gearbox issues that affected early RC8 models has been resolved
KTM RC8R - Marchesini wheels
KTM RC8R - Brembo brakes
KTM RC8R - WP steering damper
KTM RC8R - underslung exhaust
KTM RC8R - led lights
KTM RC8R - KTM reckons it is now on top of past issues
KTM RC8R - tail unit
KTM RC8R - gearbox issues have been resolved
KTM RC8R - tail unit
KTM RC8R - engine
KTM RC8R - engine
