2023 KTM RC 8C First Look

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KTM brings back the exclusive RC 8C for a second time, with 200 examples available. (KTM/)

The 100 customers who paid $38,999 for the limited-edition RC 8C track bike in 2021 might be a little put out when they see KTM is set to make another 200 examples in 2023. However, for the rest of us, it’s a second chance at owning a bike that sold out in minutes when it was first released.

This is as close as you can get to the styling of KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racer. (KTM/)

Visually there isn’t much to set the 2023 RC 8C aside from the original version. The orange paint has been replaced with a satin black finish, but the carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork, which mirrors the shapes of KTM’s RC16 MotoGP machine, is essentially unchanged. The same applies to the handmade chromoly steel trellis-style frame, which is built by Kramer Motorcycles, a company set up by ex-KTM engineers.

Kramer created the GP2 890R track bike using KTM’s LC8c parallel-twin engine a few years ago. That machine was the template for the RC 8C, which is effectively a restyled version that’s been adopted by KTM and given the official seal of approval.

Upgrades for the 2023 version focus around that LC8c engine. Where the previous RC 8C managed a respectable 128 hp from the 889cc twin, the 2023 version pushes that figure to 135 hp. Changes include new titanium intake and exhaust valves, connecting rods made from the same exotic metal, larger 48mm throttle bodies, an increased compression ratio, and modified combustion chambers. The pistons are now a two-ring design, the upper balancer in the cylinder head has been removed, the crankcase-balancer shaft is revised, and a new oil cooler has been added.

Like its long-distance cousin the RC16, the RC 8C gets aerodynamic winglets, and track-ready Pirelli Diablo SC1 slicks. (KTM/)

Other updates include a new titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, which helps keep the weight down to 313 pounds dry. The WP Apex Pro suspension has been softened compared to the original 2021 RC 8C, a change that’s claimed to improve rider confidence as well as comfort.

Like the original RC 8C, the 2023 bike has a mind-boggling potential for adjustment and fine-tuning of both engine and handling. In addition to a fully adjustable 43mm WP Apex Pro 7543 fork and 7746 shock, the triple-clamp offset can be altered to further modify the bike’s responses; both bars and pegs can also be adjusted to suit different riders and riding styles. Electronics include a new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash with an integrated datalogger, giving access to settings for the traction control, throttle mapping, and engine-braking.

MotoGP-style switch pod on the left clip-on lets you scroll through and select electronic modes. (KTM/)

The brakes themselves are Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mount calipers controlled via a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder; this can be adjusted to change the aggression of the brake response. The wheels are forged alloy Dymags, with 120/70-17 front and 180/60-17 rear Pirelli Diablo SC1 slicks fitted as standard; there’s the option of increasing the rear size to a 200/55-17 if desired, as the rear rim measures 17 x 6 in. The gearshift is set up with a race-style reversed pattern and fitted with a quickshifter.

Even with 200 2023-spec RC 8Cs available, doubling the original number, they’re likely to be snapped up fast. Orders are being taken from Thursday, October 27, at 15:00 Central European Summer Time (5:00 PST, 8:00 EST) via a dedicated page on KTM’s website. It took four minutes, 32 seconds for all 100 original RC 8Cs to sell in 2021, so if you want one of the new ones, don’t hang about. The MSRP for US customers is $39,599, $600 more than the original version.

If you want to get your elbow down on an RC 8C, you better act fast, as only 200 will be available worldwide. (KTM/)

There will also be the chance, on a first-come, first-served basis, for 30 buyers to take part in a dedicated trackday at Valencia on April 26, 2023. At the event owners will be able to take delivery of their bikes and ride them on the circuit with instruction from ex-GP riders and a full KTM and WP crew on hand to help with setup; the bikes will then be packed up again and shipped to the customer’s local dealer.

Is this the ultimate trackday weapon? (KTM/)
Side view of the RC 8C. (KTM/)
A better look at the winglets and down the throat of the RAM-air intake. (KTM/)

2023 KTM RC 8C Specs

MSRP:	$39,599
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	889cc
Bore x Stroke:	90.7 x 68.8mm
Compression Ratio:	14.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	135 hp @ 11,000 rpm
Claimed Torque:	72.3 lb.-ft. @ 8,250 rpm
Fuel System:	Electronic fuel injection w/ 48mm throttle bodies
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate, anithopping slipper; mechanically operated
Engine Management/Ignition:	Bosch EMS; ride-by-wire
Frame:	Chromoly steel trellis frame
Front Suspension:	WP Apex Pro 43mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Apex Pro shock, fully adjustable; 4.72 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo Stylema radial-mount 4-piston calipers, 290mm discs
Rear Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 230mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Dymag UP7X forged aluminum; 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 6.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Pirelli Diablo SC1 Superbike slicks; 120/70-17 / 180/60-17
Rake/Trail:	23.3°/3.9 in.
Wheelbase:	55.1 in.
Ground Clearance:	7.5 in.
Seat Height:	32.3 in.
Fuel Capacity:	4.2 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight:	313 lb.
Contact:	ktm.com

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