An image of a KTM sportbike sparks rumors of the RC8's return.
In 2008, KTM launched the first generation RC8, a sports bike based on the LC8 engine. Though KTM never really invested in WorldSBK, its highly enjoyable RC8 and RC8R remained in production until 2015, but since then it has turned its attention to the new Duke series.
With the RC 8C, which is very expensive and highly selective, the Austrians obviously cannot expand their range beyond the 125 and 390, as can be seen in the photo published by Motorrad.
According to the description, the bike has an inline-twin engine derived from the 890's LC8c supercharger. We've seen photos of the next-generation Duke at least twice in 2022, accompanied by information that it was the new 990.
There's probably a fire somewhere, so let's see what else we can find out.
This is nothing close to production, as it looks like it has various "temporary" parts - like that beastly passenger footrest mount with its dozens of different holes. However, it fits into KTM's new design trend which appears soon to abandon its characteristic triangular headlight.
According to Motorrad, it will produce 130 to 140 horsepower, has a different aluminum swingarm and subframe than the 990 Duke in tests, a larger TFT screen, and a passenger, which indicates that KTM is currently testing the subframe's characteristics.
The new World Supersport (WorldSSP) regulations that have paved the way for bikes like the Ducati Panigale V2, MV Agusta F3 and Triumph Street Triple RS should have prompted KTM to think.
It would be great to run a production RC990 in WorldSSP, and it would be preferable to a collector special RC 8C than a regular production one.
source: Motorrad Online
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