Track racing enthusiasts, hide your wallets; the spicy 2024 KTM RC 8C has just broken cover. Built by hand and limited to just 100 units worldwide, the RC 8C is a track-focused machine with a near 1:1 power-to-weight ratio and a spec sheet that’ll make your eyes water.
At the heart of the 2024 KTM RC 8C is KTM’s peachy 889 cc parallel-twin engine, derived from the KTM 890 Duke R. It’s been tweaked for the RC 8C to produce 133.2 hp—more than enough for the bike’s 142-kilo [313-pound] dry weight.
The engine is suspended from a custom chromoly tubular frame, with a rotationally molded plastic fuel tank out back that doubles up as the bike’s subframe. You might recognize that combination from the brilliant Krämer GP2-890RR—that’s because the RC 8C is built in collaboration with the German boutique race bike manufacturer.
The chassis is wrapped in carbon kevlar bodywork that takes its cues from KTM’s MotoGP contender, the RC16. It also borrows bits of the RC16’s aero package, and is finished in fetching black, white, and orange livery that beats anything on the current MotoGP grid.
A bespoke air box and filter are tucked away under the hood, and the tank and body panels are designed to be swappable in minutes, just in case you end up in the gravel. Tucked behind the windshield is a 5” full-color AiM MXS dashboard with a built-in, GPS-enable data logger. With adjustable clip-ons, GP-style switchgear, and a brake lever protector out the box, the idea here is that the RC 8C is ready to set up and race.
The running gear is equally impressive. 43 mm WP APEX PRO 7543 closed-cartridge forks sit up front, with a WP APEX PRO 7746 shock out back. Both ends are tuned for track use and feature a full range of adjustability, with the addition of a remote preload adjuster for the rear shock.
The RC 8C rolls on featherweight Dymag wheels, shod with Pirelli race slicks as standard. The brakes are an all-Brembo affair, with MotoGP-derived master cylinders controlling a pair of Brembo Stylema front brake calipers and a single two-piston rear caliper. The twin 290 mm front and single 230 mm rear discs are fully floating, fitted with aluminum rotors and titanium screws.
The RC 8C also comes fitted with a race-spec Akrapovič exhaust system. And if that doesn’t satisfy you, there’s an optional race parts package too.
Pre-orders for the 2024 KTM RC 8C open on the 20th of March at 15:00 CET and are limited to Europe, the USA, Mexico, Canada, and South Africa. You’ll have the option of picking your preferred dealer for the collection of your RC 8C, or you can book a trip to Portimão, Portugal for a special handover event and track day.
A €1,000 [$1,089] deposit will snag you one of the 100 machines on offer, but you’d better be faster than Brad Binder on a hot lap if you want it. The last KTM RC 8C sold out in a blistering two minutes and 38 seconds.
Source: KTM
