KTM’s RC8 spent so many years being a concept - a V4 and then a V2 - that no one knew whether this crazy orange design would ever see the light of day. I for one am glad to see it in its first evolved state after the 2008 world launch at Ascari. KTM must be a huge fan of Ducati as everything KTM has done with the RC8 from the L-twin (V75-V90) configuration, Ascari launch and then Portimao launch is all in the footsteps of the red giant from Bologna, Italy. But was it a wise move? Isn’t V4 the future now?
Those are questions yet to be answered, but one question I do know the answer to is whether the 1198 RC8R is a Ducati killer or not. It definitely isn’t yet, so today I’m comparing it to the liter fours and the latest and best 600cc in-line fours instead.
And it wouldn’t stand a chance there either I hear you whisper? Well, it’s not quite as clear cut as that. While cornering on the brand new Bridgestone BT-003RS tires the RC8R leans with great willingness and turning from an extreme left lean to an extreme right is the easiest thing in the world. Only the 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R felt better in this area on Almeria.
The Brembo monoblocks worked very precisely on the RC8R with a fantastic initial bite. The 43mm WP USD fork felt fine, but not with the same feedback as the Ninja. The new fully adjustable WP mono shock must have helped a lot at the rear because the RC8R could be fired very hard out of the corners without much of a rear wheel slide. The RC8R was also of the best bikes along with the 600s for a circuit that can be ridden in second gear between the two straights. Plenty of low-end, traction-friendly V-twin torque.
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