2011 KTM RC8R Superbike Picture
KTM brings more power to the table with its 2011 RC8R Superbike. The Austrian marque had previously announced a race-ready version of its Twin-powered superbike, dubbed the 1190 RC8R Track, at the earlier INTERMOT show in Cologne. For Milan, the Orange and Black announces changes to the base RC8R with horsepower up to a claimed 175.
The structural architecture of the 1195cc 75-degree Twin is unchanged, including the 105mm bore and 69mm stroke. Internal modifications to the four-valve heads feature a “newly developed dual-plug ignition.” Other changes includes a new crankshaft spinning in the crankcase. The mods add up to an impressive 10 horsepower leap over the previous generation RC8R, with 175 horsepower and 93.7 lb-ft of torque (previous version claimed 165 horsepower and 90.7 lb-ft torque).
The chassis features “a completely new suspension and damping set-up” for the suspension. A revision to the rear shock linkage is also touted, along with a wider array of suspension adjustment settings. Other tweaks include a new gear shift linkage and LED running lights.