KTM Releases 1190 RC8R Superbike to America
IDM Red Bull and Akrapovic Limited Editions also available
Long Beach, CA, December 2nd – KTM North America, Inc. will unveil the two newest street models, the KTM 1190 RC8 R IDM Red Bull and Akrapovic Limited Editions, at the Long Beach International Motorcycle Show December 4-6 at the Long Beach Convention Center.

After receiving positive reviews from the media following the successful launch at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in November, KTM is proud to show the bikes to the public during the Southern California IMS Tour.

2010 will mark the first year that KTM has brought the highly publicized 1190 RC8 R motorcycle to the United States. After a successful year in Europe, the bike will be sold to the US public in 2010 in its standard ‘R’ form as well as in two limited editions, the IDM Red Bull version and the Akrapovic version.

These 1195cc, 75 º V-twin, 170hp ‘R’ model machines include a host of engine upgrades to fulfill the fantasy of most all track day riders. The engineers started with super light pistons and increased the compression ratio, reworked the combustion chamber, and added adjustable camshafts. Its chassis features a revised geometry, race spec suspension and adjustable pegs, shifter, sub frame and ride height.

Both models come with a limited edition number plate, special edition body work, and an optional closed course race kit which includes an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, thinner head gaskets, improved air filter and a tool for adjusting the camshafts for race specifications. In addition, the two limited edition models have the KTM ‘R’ model upgrades including an orange powder-coated frame, carbon front fender and more.

We are excited to see the hard core KTM RC8R joining the V-Twin contingent from Europe which is principally the Ducati 1198 Superbike line. Aprilia has discontinued their out-dated 1000cc RSV 2- cylinder Superbike with the additional of the new RSV 4-cylinder. KTM seems to have priced the RC8R competitively with the top-of-the -market Ducati Superbike line, and the power and weight seems to be equal with comparable Ducati models when you add-in the optional Performance Accessory Kits.

The one big advantage the RC8R holds over the base 1198 and 1198S Ducati is the KTM's quicker 23.3 degree steering angle, compared to the Ducati which is a much slower 24.5 degrees. The Ducati is much to slow steering and handles like a truck as a result. You have to go for the much pricier 1198R model at $43,000 to get the adjustable steering head which you can modify to set it back to the necessary 23.5 degrees as used by the Ducati Corse race team (see Ducati 1198 Superbike in Paddock Garage).

The Ducati 1198S and 1198R models hold an advantage over the RC8R with their electronic traction control systems and high end Ohlins Suspensions, at a cost of $4,000 more than the comparable RC8R. Plus the Ducati's 90° V-twin engine is smoother running and slightly lighter than the more compact RC8R's 75° V-twin which as to run balance shafts to keep it smooth. The Ducati 1198R also comes with the full Termignoni Racing Exhaust and CPU, a Slipper Clutch and Titanium rods and valves to lightened the engine even further. While power is bumped up from 180hp near to 200 hp with the race exhaust. Our personal 1198R weighs in at 401 pounds with 1/2 tank of fuel, so we's assume its dry weight to be down around 370 lbs, maybe 10-20 lbs. lighter than the RC8R with its race exhaust installed.

Either way, the KTM RC8R will provide a lot of bang and performance for the price if you can afford it. KTM has been racing the RC8R in the German Superbike Championship this year 2009, and plans to do so for 1-2 more years before possibly entering the World Superbike Championship in 2012. With this hot ticket we'd like to see them there in 2011!

For more information on these models visit www.ktmusa.com or check out your nearest KTM dealer.

General information
Model: 2010 KTM 1190 RC8 R

Suggested RC8R Retail
RC8R Orange/Black: $19,998
RC8R Limited Edition Akrapovic, Red Bull: $$23,998

Performance Accessory Kits:
• Club Race Kit w/Apropovic EV04 Race Exhaust, increases power to 180hp: $4,699.99
• Superstock Kit w/Apropovic EV04 Race Exhaust, CPU, increases power to 186hp: $5,199.99
• Superbike Kit w/Apropovic EV04 Race Exhaust, CPU, Slipper Clutch, 190hp: $$11,999.99

Engine and transmission
Displacement: 1195.00 ccm (72.92 cubic inches)
Engine type: DOHC V-Twin Cylinder 4-Valve head, 4-Stroke
Power: 167.62 HP (122.4 kW)) @ 10250 RPM
Torque: 123.00 Nm (12.5 kgf-m or 90.7 ft.lbs) @ 8000 RPM
Compression: 12.5:1
Bore x stroke: 105.0 x 69.0 mm (4.1 x 2.7 inches)
Fuel system: Injection. Keihin EFI (throttle body 52 mm)
Starter: Electric
Lubrication system: Dry sump, pressure lubrication with 3 Eaton pumps
Cooling system: Liquid
Gearbox: 6-speed

Physical measures
Dry weight: 182.0 kg (401.2 pounds)
Seat height: 805 mm (31.7 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alternate seat height: 825 mm (32.5 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Ground clearance: 110 mm (4.3 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,430 mm (56.3 inches)

Chassis and dimensions
Frame type: Chromium-Molybdenum trellis frame, powder-coated. Aluminium subframe.
Rake (fork angle): 23.3∞
Trail: 97 mm (3.8 inches)
Front suspension: WP-USD, 43 mm
Front suspension travel: 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Rear suspension: WP-Monoshock
Rear suspension travel: 120 mm (4.7 inches)
Front tyre dimensions: 120/70-ZR17
Rear tyre dimensions: 190/55-ZR17
Front brakes: Double disc. Brem
Front brakes diameter: 320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes: Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:
220 mm (8.7 inches)
Exhaust system: Stainless steel underfloor silencer with regulated catalytic converter
Speed and acceleration
Power/weight ratio: 0.9210 HP/kg

Other specifications
Fuel capacity: 16.50 litres (4.36 gallons)
Color options: Black/Orange, IDM Red Bull, and Akrapovic Limited Editions

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