2011 KTM RC8R first ride – Hey Guys, do you know what do you know what has been said in 2011 KTM RC8R first ride? MCN Michael Guy has returned his first impressions of the new KTM RC8R world launch in Spain. 2011 KTM RC8R first ride.
While reviewing the bike in my last post, I knew that the changes done in the fueling, inclusion of the Twin Spark Plug per cylinder, changes to the cam and heavy fly wheel would work spells to the performance of the bike.
Now it was time to see if the bike wouldn’t disappoint. KTM’s liter-class Twin had some issues in years past, which it claims have all been resolved though ‘a host of minor updates.’ While the small European manufacturer has been quite modest regarding the 2011 RC8R’s updates, simply calling them a few tweaks here, and tricks there, the truth is within a single lap at speed the bike felt like a totally new and completely improved motorcycle. This equates to a much more V-Twin-like feel, emphasizing areas like corner-exit torque and further aiding in rear-end traction on under acceleration. Following last year’s magazine and test rider reviews, as well as extensive in-house testing worldwide, they went back to the drawing board for 2011 and the result is one seriously updated RC8R.
The ‘11 model feeling more like a proper V-Twin, with loads of usable torque down low, whereas as the old bike vibrated excessively and spun up with a frightening amount of speed, especially for a two-cylinder ‘V’.
Delivering fuel to the updated powerplant are remapped 52mm throttle bodies, which feature a reprogrammed idle speed controller as well as new ECU mapping. These updates make the most of the added power and smooth on-off throttle response to make for a much more seamless transition when going from corner-entry to corner-exit, a time which it’s critical to have precise throttle control. KTM embraced what it is that makes Twins special, went back to the drawing board and created a machine that exploits the characteristics of a what a Twin all about: Corner-exit torque, driveability and a chassis so planted and stable mid-corner that confidence oozes from every last revolution of the crank.
(Aboave) Further aiding corner-entry is the addition of a mechanical slipper clutch.(Below) A WP fork and monobloc Brembo calipers grace the front end.
Wheels are now of the tasty cast aluminum Marchesini variety, 3.5-inch front and 6.0-inch rear. These come shod with Dunlop’s UK-made SportSmart rubber front and rear, 120/70-17 front and 190/50-17 rear, a tire that is currently only available for general sales overseas. The ultra-hot new combo the graces the KTM in 2011 for the first time and this bike looks like a Lamborghini on two wheels, the perfect combination of white, orange and a hint of black accents. If looks alone sold bikes, there would be a five-year waiting list on this new KTM. No more lurching mid corner and overly quick revving on corner-exit; just truckloads of torque in any of first four gears, followed by plenty of top-end as the speed increases. This allows a rider to easily push the street-bred rubber right to their limits without falling, as the feedback given by the bike is quite impressive.
Further aiding corner-entry is the addition of a mechanical slipper clutch. There’s no question that on race tires this updated-for-2011 Austrian Superbike should be a serious contender come shootout time.