KTM's new superbike

**wkid_one** · 24th October 2003, 20:38

from http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/d...183891&navID=1

These are the first pictures of KTM's new LC8 1000cc V-twin superbike.

The RC8 is one of the most radical bikes we have seen in recent years with styling like nothing offered by the Japanese or Italian factories. See more exclusive pictures in this week's MCN, out Wednesday October 22.

The bike was premiered at the Tokyo motorcycle show this week, in Japan. And although it is still just a prototype, all of KTM's recent projects, such as the 990 Super Duke, have made it to production with only minor tweaks to the overall design.

The RC8 has a tubular steel chassis with a solid aluminium swingarm, the most compact V-twin engine in its class making 130bhp, race-spec WP suspension, and a class-leading 175kg weight. But it is not expected to be ready for production until 2006 and will cost an estimated £10,000.

For full details of the stunning new superbike, check out this week's MCN, out now.

Also in this week's issue we reveal the first two-wheel-drive production bike. Yamaha has been developing two-wheel drive off road bikes for a number of years but the new system will go in to full production by spring.

We also reveal the secrets of BMW's new R1200GS, show you Suzuki's new throttle-less V-twin engine, and get the first ride on the Ducati ST3.

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**wkid_one** · 24th October 2003, 20:46

I love this bike

**Antallica** · 24th October 2003, 21:44

Interesting design, it's not very heavy huh.

Not my style though, give me dual headlights anyway

**Motoracer** · 24th October 2003, 22:36

hmmmm....interesting... Its almost a slightly chubbier motard lol

**Antallica** · 25th October 2003, 07:31

At least it won't be a huge money frainer when you smash it... doesn't have a smackload of stickers

She's an angled wonder, reminds me of geometey.... I don't like it anymore

**wkid_one** · 25th October 2003, 07:42

I like the exhaust being hidden tho

**Dave** · 25th October 2003, 14:31

I like it-with all those angles-probably got stealth capabilities,
No tickets yeah!

**Coldkiwi** · 25th October 2003, 15:53

aiiee. a few too many angles for me. That'll date pretty quick too. Shame really cause it sounds like its got some awesome lightweight V-twin goodies packed away for a tasty treat on the open road!

**Lornce** · 28th October 2003, 04:00

Wowzzah!

Think ya'd have ta be Valentino bloody Rossi ta wring that bugger out....

Gotta hand it to Katoom fer showin the world how to build a light v-twin superbike. Honda, Ducati said it couldn't be done for under 425 lbs.... an along comes those crafty Austrians with this 380 pound wonder.... Very sweet.... Good on em.... An I dig the Buell-esque muffler placement.... Seems ol Erik was onto sommat with his "mass centralization" mantra....

Now.... if KTM would just provide Buell with LC8 motors.... Oh what a wonder the XB12R would be then, eh?

**Lornce** · 28th October 2003, 04:05

Wowzzah!

Think ya'd have ta be Valentino bloody Rossi ta wring that bugger out....

Gotta hand it to Katoom fer showin the world how to build a light v-twin superbike. Honda, Ducati said it couldn't be done for under 425 lbs.... an along comes those crafty Austrians with this 380 pound wonder.... Very sweet.... Good on em.... An I dig the Buell-esque muffler placement.... Seems ol Erik was onto sommat with his "mass centralization" mantra....

Now.... if KTM would just provide Buell with LC8 motors.... Oh what a wonder the XB12R would be then, eh?