KTM 1190 RC8 R

Quick Review by Maxabout

Similar to other super bikes, 1190 RC8 R also has an aggressive face but it features the typical styling of KTM. The oval shaped face of this bike differentiates it from others. The long headlight has been placed artistically in its front fairing which also has a stylish visor. You will also notice rear view mirrors integrated with LED side indicators which are neither mounted on its fairing nor on its handlebar. They arise from just behind the visor of this bike which gives it a unique identity.

The broad front tyre, fender and big disc plate at its front gives macho look to this bike. The five-spoke alloy wheels and semi exposed engine follows the all black theme and suits the orange color of its exposed steel frame. The racy decals on its semi side fairing looks very sporty and you will also like the way KTM has integrated its engine cowl with muffler.

The up-raised fuel tank has been neatly designed with 3D sharp cuts on it. The awkwardly tall positioned rear cowl of this bike grabs your attention instantly. There is huge gap between its rear cowl and rear tyre which gives naked looks to this super bike. The rear cowl features two horizontal layers of its LED tail light while its short rear fender carries its number plate and side indicators.

KTM 1190 RC8 R has a fully digital instrument console which features an orange colored LCD. The bike features bar style tachometer and digital speedometer, odometer, 2-trip meter, clock and fuel gauge. All other essential indicators are also placed in this dashboard which provides important information to the rider.

The bike is powered by a V-twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled 1195cc engine. This DOHC engine is capable of producing a peak power of 173 bhp at 10250 rpm. The maximum torque production of this engine is of 123 Nm which is accessible at 8000 rpm. This engine is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox with one gear down and five gears up-shift pattern. Despite being a fast performer, the bike manages to return respectable fuel economy thanks to its light weight. You can expect a mileage of around 10-15 kmpl from RC8 R.

The light weight of RC8 R helps it to achieve an impressive power to weight ratio. This is surely one of the most powerful V-twin engines available worldwide. The bike picks up smoothly in any gear and can reach the top speed of 280km/hr. The aerodynamic design of this bike also improves the acceleration of this bike. The engine shows high level of refinement similar to any 4-cylinder engine.

It never disappoints you with its performance rather you enjoy lightning fast throttle response. The short gear ratios of this bike help it to catch pace easily. There is no need of frequent gear shifts in this bike as its maximum torque arrives at 8000rpm. The bike reaches 0-100km/hr in less than 4 seconds and it completes 0-200km/hr in less than 7.5 seconds. RC8 R offers you strong low and mid-range. The power delivery is quite linear and the bike gets into serious power production after 7000rpm. The twin throttle bodies of RC8 R give it an instant throttle reaction and it works well with its Anti-hopping clutch which perfectly supplies torque amount to this bike.

The bike has a very comfortable seat for the rider which gives you proper comfort on long journeys. There are many setting options in this bike which increases your level of comfort on this bike. The bike has two ways height adjustable seat, foot rest and handle bar. To give your knees firm grip, its fuel tank offers nice cuts on it. The handle bar, hand and foot levers can also be adjusted at different angles by the rider to get comfortable position on this superbike. The road visibility is also quite clear but its small instrument panel is not easily readable.

The bike has adjustable suspension system at its both ends. RC8 R features WP inverted 43mm telescopic forks at its front and gas charged mono shock absorber at the back with swing arm. RC8 R sports twin disc brakes of 320mm at it front with radially mounted 4-piston brake callipers. The single rear disc brake of 220mm comes with two-piston calliper.

The bike has a low ground clearance of 110mm which improves the aerodynamics of this bike and makes it faster on highways. The bike also stays quite confident around sharp corners and maintains its stability thanks to its fully adjustable suspension system. The long wheelbase of 1425mm also contributes to the high speed stability of this bike. The steering damper also adjusts itself according to the speed and gives positive feedback to the rider.

The braking system is capable enough to stop this bike accurately. It handles quite easily on highways and feels very light in terms of handling. The tyres of this bike maintains good road grip and keeps it stable on uneven conditions. The low speed stability of this bike could have been better though. The bike is equipped with 17 inches alloy wheels. KTM is likely to launch a single variant of this bike in two different shades.

Undoubtedly, this is the most powerful bike of KTM which offers incredible performance, ride and handling. The bike looks distinctive and offers exclusive setting features which are not available in other super bikes.