KTM RC 8C 2024 — Specifications

Following renewed success (the 2022 models sold out in under 5 minutes; the 2023 models in even less than 3 minutes), KTM is offering a run of 100 units for 2024 of its RC 8C. No changes other than a white color scheme and a still-high price tag (€7,000 over 3 years).

When the first RC 8C was released, KTM brought a very different motorcycle into the hands of riders. Neither a 600 with a hysterical engine, nor a 1000cc hypersport with insane power, let alone a production bike in the style of a CBR, Daytona, R1, or GSX-R – no, much more sporty and incisive: it was almost a prototype, a fusion between a Moto2 machine and an 890 Duke, with a track-focused chassis.

Krämer Motorcycles, a small German constructor specializing in track bikes, was again commissioned to design the RC 8C phase 2. With the main evolution being a strengthened engine.

The first step was to take the 889 cm3 parallel-twin from the Duke, Adventure, and SMT. The unprecedented 947 cm3 from the last 990 Duke was not chosen to boost the bike. Too young? Too soon? Then, turning it into a race engine by installing new titanium valves and connecting rods, using only two segments per piston, increasing the compression ratio, installing a larger injection body, strengthening the fuel pump and fuel pressure. That's what allows it to gain 7 horsepower compared to the previous RC 8C. Combined with a new titanium Akrapovic exhaust, power now reaches 135 horsepower at 11,000 rpm. For reference, this engine produced 121 horsepower on the 890 Duke R. Boosted, manic, “racing-ized,” it now revs to 12,000 rpm.

This lineup would make the 200-220 horsepower of the big sportbikes laugh?! Not for long once engaged in the vibrators. The RC 8C weighs only 142 kg dry (two more than before). Once filled and ready to attack, it will be 50 kg lighter than the circuit monsters. Prepare for hallucinatory corner entries and pass speeds. Enough to outrun everyone, all the time.

From one RC 8C to the next, the engine has lost a little torque but still delivers 10 Nm at 8,250 rpm. On its way to the rear transmission, it will encounter a smaller and lighter anti-dribble clutch, held by stiffer springs. In a move towards greater reliability, the staff increased the clutch pre-load, removed the upper balance shaft, readjusted the lower one, and installed a Pankl oil cooler.

Against all expectations, the suspension settings are softer. KTM has softened the damping to give the rider more feel and took the opportunity to revise the WP components. The Apex Pro 7643 inverted fork receives new internal pistons and a spring system. The Apex Pro 7746 shock is equipped with new slow and fast compression adjustments. If it’s not Öhlins like on most premium sportbikes, WP isn’t mocking the customer: this equipment is the lightest and most advanced that can be found in the brand’s catalog. And it is developed exclusively for racing. An adjustable steering damper is also included.

To grip, the RC 8C has a specific frame, the headstock of which can be adjusted by + or – 1°. Yes, a bike like this can be adjusted everywhere. At the level of the fork, its inclination, the dropouts, the clip-ons, the neoprene seat, the footrests, and the electronics. The rider has two injection maps: rain or dry. No headaches – either it’s nice, or it’s raining, but you weld it. The RC 8C version 2 introduces a new slip control setting and engine braking management. The dashboard also announces that it has changed... Yet, we find the AIM MXS 1.2 Race 5-inch instrumentation. A real little telemetry system with GPS speed display, stopwatch, rev counter, data recording, and post-run analysis. The AIM Race Studio software will allow you to view for each lap the speed, times, throttle opening, stats on the engine, the position of the bike on the track to verify trajectories, etc. In the essentials for track sessions, let's not forget the Up&Down shifter and the speed limiter in the pits.

Apart from the suspension upgrade and electronic update, the most track-focused Katoche retains its structural components. This also applies to the braking system, which is very generous with its Stylema calipers, Brembo 19 RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder with 3 attack levels, and 290 mm discs. That may seem less aggressive than the 330 mm of a Panigale V4. Remember that the RC 8C weighs half a quintal less. And smaller discs reduce the gyroscopic effect, therefore more maneuverability. When you also see that the Dymag UP7X wheels are forged aluminum and shod with Pirelli Diablo Superbike slicks, you instantly expect a mixture of hysterical cornering agility and glue once inside.

Retention is just as important for the very typical racing technical solutions, such as the fuel tank integrated into the rear frame with a filling orifice at the end of the seat, the wings (with a little more downforce) and the carbon fiber fairing, the aerodynamic spoiler at the rear tire edge, the inverted gearbox, the original torqued screws, various protections placed in the most threatened areas, and even a special rain riding rear light.

Once, KTM entered the fight of hypersports with the 1190 RC8 with a powerful engine and an excellent chassis. It did not succeed in convincing the market but still remained in the catalog for 8 years. Today, proud of its GP experience and proud of the “Ready to Race” spirit, the manufacturer transcends pure riding with an 890 RC 8C with astonishing potential. The she-devil will struggle on the long straights against the monsters of the sector; but in curves, chicanes, small corners and trajectories, she will be unapproachable.

M.B - Photos constructeur