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Already, Ducati’s 1098S is turning out to be the motorcycle to
beat. In the 2008 World Superbike (WSBK) championship, the
1098S—with Troy Bayliss on board—is tipped as most likely to
take the crown. Things would be different in 2009 though, as new
contenders from BMW and Aprilia step into the ring. Now add to the
list the KTM 1148-cc V-Twin RC8 superbike and Ducati faces serious
competition after this season.
KTM, together with Ducati, lobbied the WSBK for
rule changes that will allow 1,200cc twins to compete with 1,000cc
four-cylinder bikes. The result worked out in favor of the oversized
twin models as the 1098Ss are already first and third in the
championship standings after two rounds of the 2008 season.
Apparently, KTM also seeks to benefit in the rule change, as the RC8
has similar weight and horsepower figures as the 1098S.
The RC8’s V-Twin matches the 1098S’s rating
on the dynamometer with over 150 horsepower at the rear wheel.
It’s also very light at a race-spec 188 kilograms (minus
fuel)—identical to the 1098S.
Reportedly, test results show the RC8’s engine
is powerful and extremely smooth with linear delivery. A heavy
slipper clutch was discarded in favor of a trick software-based
system that calculates when the rear wheel is subjected to excessive
downshifting or braking forces. It then blips the throttle a bit to
stop the wheel from sliding.
But while this MotoGP-derived technology works
excellently on the track, the RC8 is apparently intended to perform
equally well on the road. KTM says road riders will appreciate the
bike’s surprisingly comfortable riding position, claiming it makes
the RC8 a good a tourer as it is a hardcore superbike. The RC8 has a
16.5-liter tank, which KTM reckons is good for a 200-kilometer
range.
The bike has fully adjustable WP suspension at
both ends, as well as a steering damper—although KTM says the
RC8’s excellent front-end stability and balanced weight makes this
last item unnecessary. Expectedly, the RC8 is stopped by Brembo
brakes.
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