KTM 1190 RC8 R

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

In due course, I gathered much experience on motorcycles and reviewed them as well. However, very few of them have figured as the KTM 1190 RC8 R. Quite an old Austrian superbike, a model which is sadly retired today but which showcases the very essence of the KTM motorcycle, which is to break the rules and build a better motorcycle. When the RC8 R came to the Indian shores, it definitely made a splash in the performance motorcycle segment. The factor of styling was accentuated by its V-twin engine and speed which made sure that no export models would gladly rest. Coming to the bike for the first time, I couldn’t help but notice its geometrical design and bright orange parts signifying the undoubtedly fun ride that was there.

Design and Aesthetics

Wherever the KTM 1190 RC8 R shows up, that would leave heads resulting from its remarkable visual appeal. It is a beautifully gratifying piece and it rightly loses no site of function orientation feature. The motorbike thus has an enclosing fairing that protects the motorbike and gives it the smart and aerodynamic look. The open trellis frame which displays the trademark orange color of KTM adds to the violent element in the general design.

"Looking around the bike as I happen to do, one thing that captured my attention was the attention to detail on this bike. The twin underseat exhausts, LED taillights mounted to the cowling and the ultra-simple instrument party — all outbreak shapes of markup of RC8 R. Riding posture is very aggressive, with the use of clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs' position, everything is at the right places to tackle the corners with the bike." "Adventure riding generates fatigue. So, the seat is okay for this mode of riding and high-speed cornering but not for covering long distances. The absence of such adjustments in relation to the rider, however... "In my opinion, one of the selling points of the bike is the RC8 R design and the well-thought and angular aerodynamic shapes pleasing to the eye. The image suffers because this motorcycle is lost among the whole army of intermediate cruisers of Japanese and Italian manufacturers. KTM exactly so, absolutely records it." The perceived velocity of the motorcycle when still is warm-up as well as its forward aggressive stance is enough to get anybody's attention."

Performance and Powertrain

The engine which powers the KTM 1190 RC8 R is nothing less than breathtaking, a 1195 cc V-twin to be precise. Capable of hitting 173 bhp at 10,250 rpm and 123 Nm at 8,000 rpm, this particular engine is most satisfying through its low-end torque and a very high-rev screaming power. The engine is V-twin in every sense of the phrase: a high-end throttle response that comes with a gravely and melodic exhaust that can almost make anyone tingle in excitement.

However, once I took a test ride. The first thing to catch my attention was the bike's acceleration. The RC8 R however gets off the mark like a fury and the power spread is fairly flat and thus less intimidating than some of the more peaky competition. 100 km/h is attained in slightly above 3 seconds and the top speed is well above 280 km/h – impressive stats which see it firmly dwarfed by superbikes, leave alone sports bikes.

There are no awkward intervals and the 6-speed transmission does not fight against the low-engagement high range of the engine. The slipper clutch, which appeared in later models of the machine, does its magic allowing aggressive downshifts without ruining the rear-end under braking.

When it comes to tackling curves and bends, the RC8 R will not disappoint. The lightweight, trellis frame marries well with a fully adjustable WP suspension to offer superb user feedback and stability. Whether negotiating winding mountain roads or racing around a track, the RC8 R is stable and reactive. The weight of the bike aids more in its nimbleness as changing of direction is rather easy owing to the dry weight which stands at 184 kg.

The same is true for braking, with Brembo monobloc calipers delivering strong as well as fade-free braking power in any situation. The absence of ABS may make certain riders feel captive within the bike, however, for bipolar riders who love the feeling of being more one with the bike, this is of no concern.

Decor and Equipment

However, it is thanks to their omission of any whiz-bang electronic gismo that the KTM 1190 RC8 R does not struggle any growing populations who would like to sit on the more modern superbikes. This approach limits the features of the bike to be stripped of fanciful electronics and provides adequate power and versatility.

Thanks to the WP fully adjustable suspension, a rider can calibrate the suspension settings to achieve the desired handling under prevailing weather conditions. The steering damper has the initial setting which helps in controlling the damping when there is hard acceleration and head shake is experienced.

Even though the instrument cluster seems crude as compared to the sophisticated devices today, it definitely communicates all the necessary information in the most comprehensible way possible. Among the other things, a speedometer with a digital readout, a tachometer, a gear indicator, and signal lights are definitely present.

The RC8 R gets its unique significance from the fact that it can be customized in many ways. Handlebars, footpegs, subframe, seat height, everything can be adjusted to the dimensions and requirements of riders and their riding styles. The superbike market hardly accommodates this level of allowances and hence contributes to the attractiveness of the RC8 R.

Variants

KTM 1190 RC8 R was launched with one variant in India, however, there were some changes through the lifecycle of the bike. Models after 2011 had features like a slipper clutch, retuned engine, and some other minor changes added to their look. From my point of view, late models of production of the RC8 R of interest to us do not have any serious disadvantages – the most reasonable compromise between the speed of the motorcycle and its refinement reliability and refinement is exactly the model after 2011.

Market Position and Pricing

As you could get a KTM 1190 RC8 R in that time, it competed well among superbikes inclusive of Ducati 1198. Its price position placed it within the upper end of the market which targeted customers who had a different taste from the usual Japanese market.

As it is known in the today's used market, the RC8 R bike is a good purchase. It is also rare and has enough character which intrigues the collectors and the enthusiasts. An average price for good condition examples is around 8 – 12 lakh rupees considering the model year and condition.

Target Audience

KTM 1190 RC8 R is not the type of bike made for everyone. The target audience here is mostly composed of experienced riders who wish pure performance and do not mind some features of modern superbikes missing which are elevated controls. It is for those who, by nature, are nonconformists and will not settle for a bike which blends in.

The performance and adjustability of the RC8 R will definitely appeal to track day riders and club racers. Sadly, due to its aggressive stance and all intents and purposes nature to be on the racetrack, aspiring sport tourers will not find it so friendly.

Value for Money

In order to offer the best price-quality ratio, the KTM 1190 RC8 R does its job well. It can keep up with more expensive superbikes in most performances as well as being one of the most distinct models ever produced which assures that it won’t blend in with indistinguishable units on the road. It is indeed a plus to the long-term value of the bike as owners can always modify it according to their preferences and needs as their riding skills grow and change over time.

Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

Fuel economy is not usually, in any case, the major issue for the owners of superbike motorcycles and it was the same with the RC8 R. As far as my personal experience is concerned, this motorcycle rides burn around 12-15 km of petrol for every liter within mixed conditions. The 16.5-liter tank provides a fair amount of distance range but this motorcycle into extended ride so long distance nope this not this not this motorcycle’s strength.

Competitors and Comparison

In the competition with the KTM 1190 RC8 R some of the models include Ducati 1198, BMW S1000RR, and Aprilia RSV4. In comparison with them, RC8 R provides a comparatively more harsh and primitive riding experience. The electronics present in BMW and Aprilia are absent but the bike compensates for this by its riding peculiarities and its adjustability.

In terms of engine layout and general principle, the Ducati 1198 is perhaps the closest. There’s no shortage of visceral vibra-vv-twin cranks on both machines but in my book the leaner and younger structures and better ergonomics of the KTM give it.

Conclusion

The KTM 1190 RC8 R may have hit the end of the line, but this exquisite superbike with all its performance, appearance and rarity is still very much striking. It is raw, unfiltered sensation of being behind the handlebars of a motorcycle when electronic assistants were not present on every ride that conservatists will enjoy.

To review such a bike is a pleasure, as one can finally get away from the ‘standard’ superbikes available today. It has such an unforgettable appearance, excellent characteristics, and numerous details of adjustment that simply do not allow ordinary motorbikers to be ordinary.

The RC8 R may not be the most comfortable bike for long mope-to-mope runs and does not largely lend itself to practical usage, but what it is built for and what it has been doing very well is being a track weapon during

the week and a fun motorcycle during the weekends. But for those who want to consider its single-mindedness as a virtue instead of weakness, there is perhaps no other motorcycle that can offer exhilarating riding in the way that the KTM 1190 RC8 R does.

Within the Indian context, the RC8 R is an attractive rare and exotic option that is expected to attract attention and generate discussions. It has only contributed to its charm since it is out of production making it a candidate for a future classic. As for the enthusiastic connoisseurs in search of a different superbike ride, the KTM 1190 RC8 R stands.