The KTM RC8 and his Stronger Brother, the RC8 R
Following close on the heels of the KTM RC8, the KTM RC8 R is a World Superbike-spec machine with a full 1195cc displacement courtesy of a 2mm increase in bore (up from 103 to 105mm). Those 47 extra cubes and a higher compression ratio (boosted from 12.5:1 to 13.5:1) put 10 extra horses in the KTM LC8 engine, producing a claimed 165 bhp and a enormous amount of torque.
KTM insiders made mention of a Sport Kit consisting of a full Akrapovic exhaust and fueling maps to match, claimed to boost output to a formidable 180 bhp. With a dry weight of just 181 kilo, the KTM RC8 R should be a serious contender to take on Ducati's SBK championship-winning machine.
Aside from punching out the cylinders and pouring different dyes into the fairing molds, not much else is new on the R-model. Wheelbase has been shortened by 5mm and trail increased by an equal amount.