KTM RC8R (2011 - on) Review

Year: 2012

If only it was still in production, but with the next generation Superduke R motor. The latter is noticeably smoother and more tractable at lower revs. These are the real revs needed in everyday riding, not just the top end for trackdays.

Buying experience: Bought it new from the main KTM dealer in the South East. They were about to stop making them so I was able to secure a healthy discount. I've owned it for 9 years. It's value bottomed out 3 years ago and has been on the rise ever since. It's not far off what I paid for it now!

Year: 2011

Amazing power delivery, handles like a pro, exclusivity and in my opinion a real looker. Parts becoming harder to find at a reasonable price.

Buying experience: Dealer bought, came with a 'full' £750 Service and free delivery (50 miles). no complaints from me.. they wanted £7500 (18k on clock with full service history) and I paid it, just before the prices of the RC8R's started to climb.

Version: Akrapovic edition No. 50/100

Year: 2011

Annual servicing cost: £150

What a bike!! an absolute animal to ride on the road with endless amounts of torque which is amplified by its light weight especially when fitted with the Evo-4 club racer kit putting out 180bhp with zero aids/ rider assists A real head turner with an absolute thunder like sound track when fitted with the Akrapovic titanium exhaust capable of throwing 6-8 inch flames on the over run (the inner child approves) Incredibly comfortable even with the aggressive looks but an absolute pig to ride round town with the difficult low engine speed throttle input Full review on my YouTube channel (including the flames) https://youtu.be/zqF37qeTwYk

Buying experience: A sure future classic and always draws attention when out

Year: 2014

Sublime and stunning in a world look a likes

I hired a 2011 RC8R for a trackday at Snetterton recently and thought I'd share a few comments. When I first pulled out of the pits I couldn't believe I was riding a twin, it was so smooth and the power delivery wasn't lumpy at all. I've honestly never felt more at home on a bike, even though I'm 6'3" it was comfortable and roomy. Despite the fact it was raining most of the day the RC gave me the confidence to push harder and harder with each lap. It didn't put a foot wrong and even when I messed things up (slight lockup of the back when I changed down a gear too many), it never felt out of control. It's probably not as quick as a Jap IL4 in a straight line, but it's got so much grunt out of the corners you'll be having too much fun to care. My only gripe about it is the gearbox, I'm used to a slick and smooth Honda, but this was clunky and at times a little frustrating. It's probably just the case that I needed to get used to it, but I found myself wishing for a quickshifter. In summary, stunning to look at, stunning to ride, bags of personality and it makes you feel special. What more do you want in a bike? I'm saving up already.

OK, if you can only have one bike this is it, it is that good. I love this bike cause it is just so easy to ride, it is like a sexy Fireblade twin. It just feels nice to ride and own and happy to pile on the miles. 5 track days and 3000 fun miles since April with many more lined up. Comparing this to other recent bikes Fireblade, 999s, MV Agusta F4, 1198 this is the one that I have kept and abused. Might not be the fastest on paper but I am faster on it, I feel confident to push it further than the others and I get a great deal of feedback and know I don't have to worry about what it is going to do. Some may question why I have rated equipment as 5/5, when it doesn't have all the latest gadgets, well it has everything it needs to be a great bike. If your in the market for a supersports for fast road, track and loading up with luggage then this is the bike. The only thing I don't recommend it for is going two's up.

Superb twin, power everywhere, no trick gadgets, just predictable handling. I replaced a ZX10-R 2008 with this and the technology gap was so wide I couldn't believe the enhancements. My riding improved, my abilities improved. Race parts, race performance - high recommended. In line 4 converted to the Twin King!