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Next Gen Track Machine The KTM RC8 - First Supermodel from Austria  In the fashion world supermodels are at the very top of their game - stunning looks, extremely sure-footed on the walkway and adaptable to every photo-session demanded of them. The same can be said of the KTM RC8, the first production supersports motorcycle from Austria. The KTM RC8 was the first attempt by the Austrian company at a production track/ street racer and boy have they done a terrific job getting it right off the starting grid. Looks-wise the RC8 blends a sweet mix of clever ergonomics and striking looks. Like a supermodel, body panel lines are the sharpest we've seen on any sportsbike but never obtrusive or out of place, a look that clearly distinguishes it from the rest of the more ‘rounded-looking' Asian rivals, and even its Italian cousins. The fairing is designed to produce the least possible crosswind drag and aid in the RC8's spell-binding agility and aggressive steering ability. The look from the cockpit at its comprehensive instrumentation controls is just as spellbinding, with basically two modes - "Road Mode" gives you speed, revs, time, engine temperature, trip, fuel level, remaining range and riding time, and "Race Mode" adds a lap timer as expected. However, KTM should do something about the RC8's red LCD (perhaps to color-match its race orange colors) which actually makes it tiresome to read for extended periods. Imagine trying to check for information with tinted visors on the track. The one unique feature we want to mention in the beginning is the RC8 offers serious component adjustability not found on other production sportsbikes. Handlebar height, lever span, gear linkage, peg positions, seat height and ride height are all fully adjustable. In fact KTM recommends rides to dial-in a street riding mode or track configuration depending on where they are or what situation they are in.  The Motor Culture Asia (MCA) crew rode the RC8 at the Pasir Gudang Circuit and we can safely say that the KTM rides brilliantly off the rack with a few pleasant surprises thrown in. Firstly in the handling department the RC8 corners very sharply and allows riders to come into any turn quite early. This was the first time we were on the bike but the steering was sport on and neutral, making you forget about worrying if the front rubbers can grip well as you approach the bends. Handling is also very light and easy when you are upright in a less stressful posture.This RC8's chassis is also very good and did we mention the RC8 weighs in at only 178kg dry? Once you get over the tallish angular tank and trust your instincts the bike glides with minimal input from your body and almost by mental thought alone. Various suspension options front and rear in standard, medium and sport settings help to dial-in your riding preferences which we left on standard rear and sport front, to access the steering characteristics on the track. Surprisingly the softer rear didn't give us any rebound problems at all no matter how we twisted the front (a lot more vibration feedback than we would have liked but that's track work!) and we ended up finishing the track session in this setting. Perhaps we should have adjusted the seat and pegs from standard to place more of our weight upfront to really push the front forks. The compliant rear would be a bonus on street rides which the RC8 can be easily set up for.  The small screen and broad fairing are well-designed and deflected much of the windblast as we swept down the straights. Minimal windblast at all speeds means that the RC8 lives up to its claim as an everyday streetbike (and tourer). Its low seat, roomy ergonomics and relaxed riding position with higher bars press the same point - street rideability. We found the exhaust tucked low under the bike, directly under the engine and adding to RC8's mass centralization of weight and keeping the rear tail clean and uncluttered. The seat is also the petrol tank and the RC8 works on dry sump lubrication on a smooth gearbox (but not as smooth as its Japanese rivals - understandable and totally forgivable anyways). Perhaps after all the adjustments and hard riding we feel anyone with a class 2 license can ride this bike straight off the showroom floor. In standard settings, the engine is raw with usable power making the bike an entertaining and enjoyable ride on both track and street. Riders will claim that the RC8 twin has a character all of its own just like the rest of its legendary dirt-focused brethren. Handling is sublime and predictable. And the most impressive thing is that once riders get fully-accustomed to the bike's handling, all positions can be readjusted again to bring a whole new level of feel and function to the RC8 for more competitive riding. After a day on the Pasir Gudang track with the RC8 1190, the KTM gets everyone's nod for a solid first effort and transition from dirt to track. The RC8 makes good on its promise of a streetbike and delivers comfortable, practicality and rideability in spades - with the clever idea of full riding posture adjustability to deliver the other promise of sharp steering ergonomics, aggressive acceleration and track worthiness. Incredible. MOTOR SHIOK! (WHAT WE LIKE!) • Exclusiveness. You have a track racer from Austria too? Show me. • Adjustability, adjustability, adjustability - literally best of both worlds. • Excellent engine, chassis, suspension, brakes .... The works! • Lightweight and stunning looks. • Not so pillion friendly. MOTOR AIYOH! (WHAT YOU MUST CONSIDER LAH...)
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