But what did the discontinuation of the KTM 1190 RC8 R mean for the superbike market?
The KTM 1190 RC8 R was a unique sword in the super bike blade drawing, a different persona to the publicly perceived V twin with a very adjustable ergonomics. When it ceased production in 2015, it was the end of KTM's superbike involvement, leaving a void in the market for those wanting to buy something other than Japanese and Italian superbikes. However, the decision by KTM to cite safety concerns for road use opened up a conversation about the future of high-performance motorcycles and the power vs. responsibility balance. And without the RC8 R, there were questions about the range of options for consumers in the superbike category and the room for new, innovative designs in this ultra-high-stakes part of the motorcycle market.
That left a gap in the market for a truly bonkers, no-compromise superbike. It makes everything else seem a bit sanitized by comparison.
I honestly don't believe it made much impact. Always a niche player in the superbike world, the RC8 R was.
Sad because it was one of the last bikes that still put mechanical grip ahead of electronic aids.
That discontinuation proved that it's tough for smaller manufacturers to play the superbike arms race.
The superbike market was made a little less interesting. The big players had a wild card to worry about in the RC8 R.
I believe it encouraged other manufacturers to be more focused on adjustability and ergonomics on their super bike designs.
It was one less option for tall riders in the superbike segment.
This was shown to be a shift towards more street-friendly superbikes. Uncompromising track weapons are looking like the days of yore.
With the RC8 R gone, more powerful naked bikes quickly filled the vacuum. Perhaps that is the future of performance motorcycles.
It was the end of an era. In a world going digital, the RC8 R was one of the last analog superbikes.
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Discussions and Questions But What Did The Discontinuation Of The Ktm 1190 Rc8 R Mean For The Superbike Market
But what did the discontinuation of the KTM 1190 RC8 R mean for the superbike market?
14 January 2025 07:38
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