There is far too much info to reproduce here.
But a few interesting snippets :
The engine has a theoretical limit of 180 bhp.
Felber:The RC8 is very rider friendly,which is why it has just 155bhp.We have made a bike with excellent gas flow at lower rpm for a very smooth throttle response.The torque curve is very flat.
The race exhaust doesn't make much difference,power and torque is almost the same,but the race silencer is 8kgs lighter.
The initial plan to produce 2000 bikes in 2008 has had to be doubled to 4000 to satisfy demand.
Bilek:although we targeted the engine at 180bhp as it's design limit,the RC8 will only have 155 bhp,we are keeping something in reserve for the future !And it will only lose about 1.5% in the drive train,it should have close to 150bhp at the rear wheel.
To ride the RC8 will feel a revvy V-twin.It's track designed and revs are essential on track.It revs high because it is a short stroke engine,something we are used to in our motocross engines.
The motor is reliable.we have done alot of testing and have blown up about 50 engines.The engine has proved very strong-it is not very stressed at 155 bhp.
The RC8 will go into full production in February.Expect to see it tested in magazines in March and in dealers a few weeks later.
Ref the Venom-it's almost certain KTM will unveil the bike at the end of 2008,and if the company's spirit is anything to go by expect it to have almost the same power as the RC8,so near to 150bhp !!!
Currently there are 25 test bikes and 50 test riders employed endurance testing in all weathers.
