KTM RC8 The New KTM RC8 Superbike!
Here are some photos of this fantastic-looking machine, and…
Photos Courtesy of KTM. Photographers: H. Mitterbauer (Studio photos). P. Friedl (Track photo). R. Schedl (KTM On-track).
More: Stefan Nebel named as KTM RC8 test rider (below)
KTM 1190 RC8: Official Superbike premiere in Milan!
KTM first released some computer-generated images of the RC8 in 2005 and although they looked very intriguing, we weren’t sure if the images were an in-hour design exercise or if the bike would really be developed. Well, lo and behold, here it is, two years later, and in almost identical form to the original concept!
KTM, the “leader in the production of sports motorcycles”, now celebrates a milestone in the company history with the world premiere of the first ever “Made in Austria” Superbike, the KTM 1190 RC8. The bike was introduced in November 2007 at the EICMA international motorcycle fair.
KTM CEO Stefan Pierer unveiled the 1190 RC8 on Tuesday, November 6 at 13.00 hours to herald a new era in the company history. KTM presented the series version of the most elaborate development project ever undertaken by the company, which is at the same time the most powerful series motorcycle ever developed in Austria.
“The RC8 is the perfect embodiment of the collective know-how and the sporting passion of our development teams”, he said. “In addition, they have proven that KTM is capable of pushing through its own model strategy and in doing so, being absolutely true to our clear brand philosophy, also on the road.”
The world’s leading manufacturer of off-road bikes has already proved itself with its innovations and has also caused a sensation with its outstandingly dynamic factory riders on the road racing circuit. Now KTM takes another crucial step towards having a complete range of unmistakable sports machines.
At the heart of the 1190 RC8 is the completely newly developed supersport two-cylinder based on the well known LC8 range of engines, which, with a top performance of 155 hp and a maximum amount of torque of 120 Nm delivers an overwhelming amount of power to the rider.
A unique light tubular steel frame, highest quality suspension and brake components and unusual technical solutions such as the exhaust positioned under the bike complete the 1190 RC8, which weighs just 200kg with a full tank. The result is a Superbike that truly lives up to its name in every sense of the word.
With this brand new development, KTM also takes a new direction in the bike’s appearance. The concept of chief designer Gerald Kiska continues the notion of integrating high quality technology into the bike in a purist and very visible way.
As a genuine KTM, the 1190 RC8 also exhibits its pure motor racing genes even from a distance. The new KTM Superbike, available in both color variations of orange/black and white/black will be available starting in March of 2008, just in time for the start of the new motorcycle season. We will post more details as they become available.
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Date of Publication: November 11, 2007
Stefan Nebel New Test Rider for KTM’s RC8
January 24, 2008 – KTM is delighted to announce the appointment of Stefan Nebel, one of Germany’s most impressive Superbike talents as the official test rider for the new KTM RC8 machine.
With this appointment, on of the worldwide leading companies in the production of sports motorcycles takes one more step forward in the street bike sector, thus underlining that KTM intends to be “Ready to Race” also with the ambitious RC8 project.
The recently launched RC8 is KTM’s most ambitious development project to date and it is appropriate that a rider with Stefan Nebel’s skills and race track experience should be at the helm of this remarkable machine.
Nebel, born in 1981 and by his own admission, most at home on the Nürburgring and Brands Hatch racing circuits has clocked up an impressive list of results in Superbike competition in Germany and in international competition.
He won the Superbike IDM series in 2003 and again in 2005, his best ever season in the international German Superbike championship. The same year he took pole position at Magny Cours and was third across the line in the FIM Superstock race. In 2006 he finished fifth in the Super Bike IDM, a result he repeated in 2007.
Nebel has also performed impressively in the World Endurance 24h at Le Mans, the World Endurance 8h in Suzuka and the World Endurance 24h at Oschersleben, Germany. He also tested for MotoGP in 2006.
KTM is confident that with Stefan Nebel, the RC8 has a test rider that can help the company’s research and development department further refine the bike in preparation for successful future performances on the race track.
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