The second generation of the KTM RC 8C required much more than a fresh coat of paint and a tweak to the aero package. As motorcyclists and racers quickly embraced the concept, KTM once more got excited about raising performance thresholds. The result is that the 2023 version boasts a radically evolved LC8c engine, molded specifically for the circuit, upgraded electronic features, even more, weight-saving solutions, and a raft of high-end components that ensure the bike’s competitiveness.
Performance, durability, and all-out capability: these were the central priorities for the dedicated KTM R&D crew for the 2023 KTM RC 8C. The increase of 7hp for a maximum power of 135 hp at 11,000 RPM (with torque flushing 98 Nm at 8,250 RPM) was achieved by mods like the installation of new, lighter titanium values and conrods, as well as two piston rings (to refine the oscillating masses), higher compression ratios, a bigger throttle body, and a bolstered fuel pump/pressure. Increasing the clutch preload, removing the top balancer, and adjusting the crankcase balancer shaft have delivered durability gains, and an additional PANKL oil cooler helps with thermal stability.
The 2023 KTM RC 8C’s dry weight has been optimized to just 142 kg and the superb agility of the CrMo4 steel frame gives a prototype vibe to successfully attack the inside lines against any superbike. Measures such as the brand-new titanium Akrapovic exhaust system have helped the slimming, but the rapier feel has been augmented by enhanced settings from the very latest configurations of WP PRO Components. The WP APEX PRO fork and shock are now softer; elevating comfort, contact, and confidence.
Working again with Krämer Motorcycles for fabrication, the 2023 KTM RC 8C is now one of the company’s clearest racing expressions: full of capability and intent. Whether a rider is the next Brad Binder seeking training mileage or the next Red Bull MotoGP rookie on the path to Grand Prix stardom, the refined electronics mean that any setting of traction control, mapping, and engine braking can fettle the 2023 KTM RC 8C to match the level of ability (or ambition). The race bike can be primed in a number of ways; from the adjustable steering head to the offset of the CNC-machine triple clamps, the throttle response, and the degree of bite from the unbeatable Brembo Stylema calipers and RCS19 Corsa Corta master cylinder.
A revamped dashboard with a GPS data logger will flash up the lap-record attempts while the KTM RC16 derived handlebar switches put the rider’s left thumb in full control while the left foot hammers through the reverse pattern of the race QUICKSHIFTER+.
For the final reminder that the 2023 KTM RC 8C is for racers and born from a company with racing at its very soul, the use of winglets and aerodynamics is a direct correlation to the successful MotoGP™ program where the KTM RC16 has won seven Grands Prix in only six years of presence on the premier class grid. Downforce and efficiency under braking and acceleration are some of the gains. If rivals and observers are quick enough to catch the 2023 iteration of the KTM RC 8C then they can only be impressed by the menacing black shade, which speaks ‘speed’ and ‘exclusivity’. The project in a nutshell.
To get the wheels rolling in the best (and quickest) way the official ‘handover’ of the 2023 KTM RC 8C will be toasted with an ultra-special track day for 30 customers at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on April 26th. Select, first-come, first-served places can be secured with former Grand Prix riders offering track tuition and a full KTM and WP Suspension technical crew on hand to dial in the configuration of the new bike to the 14-corner Grand Prix venue.
