I've just bought Bike mag and in the June issue The Big Test puts the RC8 against the 1098,848 and RSVR Factory.
And the winner is the RC8 !!!!!
It has exactly the same power as the 1098 on the dyno-142.3 bhp,is the only bike to get to 60 in under 3 secs and has the 1098 beat everywhere,including handling,and comfort.
A few snippets:
On power output:
The KTM's spread pf torque-70+ lb.ft all the way from 4500rpm-gives a beautiful straight power curve and response at any revs.Up to 7000rpm it has a major advantage over the 1098,which waits for large bores and aggressive cams to work before it gets going,the steep curve from 6000rpm feeling impressive.The 848 is in a higher state of tune-122bhp from 849cc would be a theoretical 158 if it was 1099cc.And the Aprilia is impressive considering the RC8's capacity advantage.
The RC8 doesn't lack guts,but the torque is spread so evenly and thickly that acceleration is the same regardless of revs.Open the light,very responsive throttle and it just goes.But this means the RC8 often doesn't seem truly fast-the 1098's large bulge of torque at 6000rpm gives a massive kick as it bellows to the redline,feeling far stronger on the road.But in every measurable way-acceleration,flexibility,power output,top speed-the KTM is an exact match for the potent benchmark Ducati,and the unintimidating delivery makes all that performace easier to access.It gets on with the task of going hellishly fast,instead of wasting time reducing front tyre wear.
Verdict :
So the new RC8 is top twin:performance is the equal of the benchmark 1098;the handling is the lightest and easiest by a good margin,in every situation from city centre to open test track;and the adjustable,welcoming ergonomics make it simple to ride,day after day.It might not have the heritage of a Ducati or the plush suspension of the Aprilia,but it more than makes up for this with the quality components,contemporary styling and a can't-quite-put-my-finger-on-it sensation of being something special.Different.And with as much emphasis on road manners,rider comfort and usability as track pace and sharp handling,KTM have produced something that's been missing from the market.A genius road sports V-twin
Captain Pugwash
2008-04-30 14:21:00 UTC
weeksy
2008-04-30 14:27:00 UTC
But can it dodge several speeding macaques in the road is me question...
Captain, joe loves yer pics, cracks me up everytime i look at it.
It's like therapy, it works.
Captain, joe loves yer pics, cracks me up everytime i look at it.
It's like therapy, it works.
Captain Pugwash
2008-04-30 14:30:00 UTC
They did the same test on a bike mag in Germany,
it came 4th
it came 4th
SDSmurf
2008-04-30 15:34:00 UTC
Post missing.
weeksy
2008-04-30 16:20:00 UTC
Post missing.
weeksy
2008-04-30 19:20:00 UTC
Post missing.
Captain Pugwash
2008-04-30 19:37:00 UTC
Post missing.
weeksy
2008-04-30 19:42:00 UTC
Post missing.
weeksy
2008-04-30 20:04:00 UTC
Post missing.
SDSmurf
2008-04-30 20:06:00 UTC
Post missing.
weeksy
2008-04-30 20:08:00 UTC
Post missing.
Captain Pugwash
2008-04-30 20:59:00 UTC
Post missing.
Twisted Jester
2008-04-30 21:00:00 UTC
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topendz
2008-05-01 18:15:00 UTC
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Captain Pugwash
2008-05-01 19:52:00 UTC
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Captain Pugwash
2008-05-02 05:56:00 UTC
The only run-ins i had with the full faired bike is the many broken bones from riding them on track
SDSmurf
2008-05-05 09:11:00 UTC
From the same ultra-reliable source that weeksy got the 'RC8 came fourth' quote :
German "Motorrad" magazine tested RC8, Aprilia Mille Factory, Ducati 1098, BMW HP2 and some others.... RC8 was second, Mille won and Ducati was third or fourth.... cant remember just flicked through... anyway, Ducati was behind the KTM
German "Motorrad" magazine tested RC8, Aprilia Mille Factory, Ducati 1098, BMW HP2 and some others.... RC8 was second, Mille won and Ducati was third or fourth.... cant remember just flicked through... anyway, Ducati was behind the KTM
SDSmurf
2008-05-12 18:35:00 UTC
Post missing.