2021 KTM Track-Only RC 8C First Look

Admin · July 20, 2021

KTM has pulled the wraps off its limited-edition track-only RC 8C sportbike. (KTM/)

Although 128 hp doesn’t sound like much for a track-only machine in an era where you can buy a road-going superbike with well over 200 hp, KTM’s new RC 8C might well turn out to be one of the fastest-lapping machines short of a genuine world-class racebike.

As we suspected when KTM started to drop hints about the new machine on social media, the RC 8C isn’t a completely new design. Under the Kevlar and GRP skin that apes KTM’s RC16 MotoGP bikes lies the chassis and power unit from the Kramer GP2 890R. The RC 8C brings that project full circle; Kramer was started by ex-KTM engineers who designed the GP2 890 R around an officially supplied, 899cc LC8c parallel-twin engine, with suspension from KTM subsidiary WP. Reimagined as this RC 8C, the bike has become the official KTM that perhaps it always should have been.

The lightweight bike uses a retuned version of the 889cc LC8c parallel-twin engine found in the 890 Duke R to produce a claimed 128 hp. (KTM/)

Before we dive into the details, let’s go over the basic numbers; The RC 8C is said to output the aforementioned 128 hp, which comes from a retuned version of the 890 Duke R’s LC8c twin, with a peak of 74.5 pound-feet of torque. It sits in a bike that weighs only 140 kilograms dry (309 pounds), putting its power-to-weight ratio within spitting distance of a Moto2 bike’s.

Related: KTM’s Track-Only Sportbike Coming Soon

The chromoly steel frame is Kramer’s design, identical to the one used on the GP2 890 R, offering an adjustable steering head angle, 23.3 degrees as standard but movable by 1 degree in either direction for more stability or quicker steering. The CNC triple clamps also allow the offset to be adjusted to either 26mm or 28mm, while the pegs, bars, seat height, and rear suspension height are also adjustable to tailor the bike to your preferences.

Chromoly tubular steel frame is identical to that of the Kramer GP2 890 R, and also boasts an adjustable steering head angle. (KTM/)

At the back sits a self-supporting plastic tail unit—also taken directly from the Kramer—which doubles as the fuel tank, leaving the “tank” area clear to be filled by airbox. That larger airbox, allied to an Akrapovič exhaust and remapped electronics, results in the engine’s 7 hp power hike over the 890 Duke R. While the stock version’s pipe leads to a 103-decibel exhaust noise level, KTM will also offer a quieter 98-decibel option for use on tracks with stricter noise limits.

Up front you get a lightweight 43mm WP Apex Pro 7543 closed-cartridge fork offering numerous adjustments. Riders can also adjust the handlebars, and even tailor the “bite point” of the Brembo brakes from the master cylinder. (KTM/)

As befits a dedicated trackbike, the suspension is pretty special as well. A WP Apex Pro 7543 fork and Apex Pro 7746 shock offer a vast amount of adjustment options. Dymag wheels, Brembo Stylema brakes, and Pirelli Diablo slicks complete the package.

On the electronics front, there’s an AIM race dashboard with a 5-inch TFT display and GPS-based datalogging that allows lap times, throttle position, acceleration, and a host of other information to be downloaded and analyzed to help you track and improve your performance. An up/down quickshifter is included, of course, and there’s even a rain light if you dare take it out in a wet session.

The rear tail unit doubles as the fuel tank, leaving room for a larger airbox in what’s usually the tank’s spot. (KTM/)

Another element of the Kramer design that’s carried over to the RC 8C is the crash protection, including replaceable crash bungs bolted to the frame as well as plastic crash protectors on the purpose-designed cast alloy swingarm and on the bottoms of the fork.

They’re subtle elements carried over from the Kramer design, but the RC 8C does have crash protectors on the frame as well. (KTM/)

As you might have guessed, this lot doesn’t come cheap. If you manage to be one of the 100 customers in for the limited run of bikes when order books open on July 22, you’ll be expected to pay at least $38,999.

Lightweight Dymag wheels and Pirelli SC1 race slicks allied with front 290mm floating discs and Brembo Stylema calipers make the RC 8C racing intent clear. (KTM/)

For an extra cost you could be one of 25 customers permitted to take delivery of their bikes at KTM’s MotoGP test at Jerez from October 7-9, where you’ll get to ride alongside GP test riders Dani Pedrosa and Mika Kallio, who’ll provide riding tips. Those buyers will also get front and rear paddock stands, an extra set of Dymag wheels with rain tires, spare brake discs, plus a set of tire warmers, as well as hospitality and a hotel for the three days of the test.

Order books open at 16:00 Central European Summer Time on July 22, and despite the high price tag, we have a feeling the bikes will sell out fast.

Look for a price tag of close to $40,000 when the bike comes available on July 22. Only 100 units will be produced worldwide. (KTM/)
Pony up even more bucks, and you could be one of the lucky souls picked to ride at the KTM MotoGP test at Jerez this October. (KTM/)