The KTM RC 8C sits in an interesting limbo between highly modified track machines based on high-end street bikes and purpose-built race machines. There has been some discussion about what its true capabilities are in a competitive environment. Riders and racers argue whether their lap times, handling, and performance stack up against dedicated supersport and superbike race machines. The argument is made that its state-of-the-art electronics and lightweight design give it an edge, and others say that purpose-built race bikes still have an edge because of their specialized parts and continuous development. It’s a good conversation, touching on how versatile the RC 8C is, how easy it is to set up, and whether its performance justifies its status as a track-only bike. Real-world feedback from riders who have ridden both the RC 8C and dedicated race bikes on the same tracks gives us a real-world comparison.