Is the KTM 1190 RC8 R simply too dangerous for public roads?

Question

KTM's discontinued high-performance superbike, the KTM 1190 RC8 R, was a high-performance machine that was deemed too dangerous for public road use, according to KTM's CEO. The decision caused debate among motorcycle enthusiasts, particularly when you have KTM still producing other powerful bikes like the 1290 Super Duke R. The RC8 R's track-focused design, powerful engine, and aggressive ergonomics push the envelope of what is acceptable in terms of performance versus safety on public streets. For some, the skill and responsibility of riders are far more important than raw power (some even claim that high-performance machines aren't appropriate in normal traffic and are better suited to the controlled environment of a racetrack).

@sourabh-ku · Accepted Answer

Of course it was probably discontinued because of poor sales. The "too dangerous" thing is marketing spin.

@varun-khan · Answer

It’s not the bike, but the absence of proper rider education and licensing standards in most countries.

@prem-shank · Answer

I have ridden one on the street, and it’s a handful but not unmanageable. It's all about self-control.

@nirati-sri · Answer

By that logic, any bike over 100hp is 'too dangerous.' It's all about rider responsibility and rider training.

@abhijeet-r · Answer

The problem is that most riders don't have the skill to ride a bike like the RC8 R on the public roads. It's a track weapon.

@sana-ifran · Answer

I'd say the electronics and chassis design make it safer than most other bikes out there.

@richa-mitt · Answer

It’s a little bit hypocritical to call the RC8 R dangerous when they still sell the 1290 Super Duke R. It's a wheelie machine, that thing!

@preeti-yad · Answer

Have you looked at the power figures on naked bikes these days? These RC8 Rs aren't any more dangerous than those.

@arjun-gupt · Answer

It’s just KTM’s CEO covering their ass. They couldn't keep up with Japanese superbikes, they pulled out and used "safety" as an excuse.

@aditi-vars · Answer

The bike is not dangerous; the rider is. The wrong hands and any bike can be dangerous.

Is the KTM 1190 RC8 R simply too dangerous for public roads?

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