Interesting, I’ve always been curious about this bike. I have a similar vintage Aprilia RSVR which has a much more aggressive riding position but is nice to ride in heavy traffic etc. due to nice gearing, flat torque curve and smooth feeling controls. Also taking a pillion is not a drama on the RSVR.
Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoy the Ducati's when we get out on them, but they've become hugely refined over the past couple generations of bikes. In some ways that steals a bit of their exotic nature. They've also become quite common, at least here in Vancouver.
@mission100uk I love looking the fool on me 690 Enduro R, broke down and bought one a couple months bake. Not as mad as the 950 SE, but still tons of laughs.
I test-ride one a couple days ago at the local KTM mania 2011 event. This machine rocks! Only think I didn't like was the abrupt on-off throttle response from idle. Actually, it felt easier and more comfortable than my Buell at low speeds around town, so if anyone is put-off by mentioning that in the review, don't be, it's easy, fun and feels very light!
I know, they got the carburation just right on the 950 Advs, its almost a shame they switched. I think part of it is down to the RC8 not having secondary butterflies to soften low-end response. Still I'm not sure it would deter me from the bike. Outside of traffic it was amazing to ride. Wish the weather had been warmer, there's a shot where you can still see snow in the background. Made for a more upright review than I would have liked.
dude...I like his reviews...he's good at describing how bikes handle. I bought a 696 based on his review and loved the bike until I outgrew it it less than a year and got my duke.
my RC51 had the same throttle issues until I put a power commander on it. It turned out that the RC51 form the factory was very rich and leaning it out a bit resolved the issue significantly. Perhaps it's the same issue with the RC8.
"If robots were given souls, this is what they'd use for porn." What a great line. Mr. Johnson, You are the best VLog blog writer on the planet by many magnitudes.. Keep it up, please.
@Aleksandra92Rae A twin is MUCH narrower than a 4-cylinder engine. It's not "bad". I think you are thinking of a Harley V-twin, which are push-rod engines and are technically out-dated. KTM uses a DOHC twin, which is every bit as sophisticated as a modern super-sport bike engine. KTM gave up a little bit of power (2 large cylinders can't rotate as quickly as 4 smaller ones), but the chassis improved greatly from it. KTM thought of the big picture.
I appreciate your review, I must admit I love the looks and technology behing the KTM. But when it comes down to it, if it doesn't function like it should at it's price point, it's all show for saying either "I've got deep pockets" or "I'm up to my eyeballs in debt!" Mind you, I will see for myself, But I do appreciate reviews that are not impressed and overwhelmed by awe and exclusivity.
Matter of style isn't it, "slow, cumbersome and grating" really doesn't have any flair. We're aiming for something occasionally more entertaining and literary in a review. We might not achieve that, but we do aspire to it.
Yes. Finally. There are people who can make good use of the English language. Great review of a stunning machine.
Great , honest and REAL world review !!!
Interesting, I’ve always been curious about this bike. I have a similar vintage Aprilia RSVR which has a much more aggressive riding position but is nice to ride in heavy traffic etc. due to nice gearing, flat torque curve and smooth feeling controls. Also taking a pillion is not a drama on the RSVR.
Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoy the Ducati's when we get out on them, but they've become hugely refined over the past couple generations of bikes. In some ways that steals a bit of their exotic nature. They've also become quite common, at least here in Vancouver.
@mission100uk I love looking the fool on me 690 Enduro R, broke down and bought one a couple months bake. Not as mad as the 950 SE, but still tons of laughs.
I test-ride one a couple days ago at the local KTM mania 2011 event. This machine rocks! Only think I didn't like was the abrupt on-off throttle response from idle. Actually, it felt easier and more comfortable than my Buell at low speeds around town, so if anyone is put-off by mentioning that in the review, don't be, it's easy, fun and feels very light!
I know, they got the carburation just right on the 950 Advs, its almost a shame they switched. I think part of it is down to the RC8 not having secondary butterflies to soften low-end response.
Still I'm not sure it would deter me from the bike. Outside of traffic it was amazing to ride. Wish the weather had been warmer, there's a shot where you can still see snow in the background. Made for a more upright review than I would have liked.
For sure. Maybe this spring!
dude...I like his reviews...he's good at describing how bikes handle. I bought a 696 based on his review and loved the bike until I outgrew it it less than a year and got my duke.
my RC51 had the same throttle issues until I put a power commander on it. It turned out that the RC51 form the factory was very rich and leaning it out a bit resolved the issue significantly. Perhaps it's the same issue with the RC8.
Great review..a great bike.
BUT would this be your first choice of sports bike ??????
Never have I seen I review that's so poetic it could put Jeremy Clarkson to shame with those superfluous ammounts of metaphors and similes. XD
Love it! The best RC8 review!
"If robots were given souls, this is what they'd use for porn." What a great line. Mr. Johnson, You are the best VLog blog writer on the planet by many magnitudes.. Keep it up, please.
@sholto7 Was one of the earlier reviews. Things have settled down a bit.
Subbed!, at the first video i saw from you, nice review man!
Hey you're in vancouver? I'm just a few hours south near Seattle. I should head up that way sometime and you can show me around canada!
@mbhobby Thanks man. Greatly appreciated!
great review, makes me want to buy one and sort out the fuelling :-)
LOL - dressed the KTM 640 Adventure up as Rudolf and took it Christmas shopping today.
@Aleksandra92Rae A twin is MUCH narrower than a 4-cylinder engine. It's not "bad". I think you are thinking of a Harley V-twin, which are push-rod engines and are technically out-dated. KTM uses a DOHC twin, which is every bit as sophisticated as a modern super-sport bike engine. KTM gave up a little bit of power (2 large cylinders can't rotate as quickly as 4 smaller ones), but the chassis improved greatly from it. KTM thought of the big picture.
I love my 2009 RC8 but i have to disagree about the mirrors i can only see my elbows, awesome review though. thanks
Where did you get to ride it? In town, open roads, track?
great fn review truly one of a kind :) u should do one on the honda 2012 cbr600rr(my dream bike) :)
I appreciate your review, I must admit I love the looks and technology behing the KTM. But when it comes down to it, if it doesn't function like it should at it's price point, it's all show for saying either "I've got deep pockets" or "I'm up to my eyeballs in debt!" Mind you, I will see for myself, But I do appreciate reviews that are not impressed and overwhelmed by awe and exclusivity.
@onewheeldrive haha yes I have retired my KLR for the year
Matter of style isn't it, "slow, cumbersome and grating" really doesn't have any flair. We're aiming for something occasionally more entertaining and literary in a review. We might not achieve that, but we do aspire to it.
This bike is so beautiful except for the headlights. They're kinda hideous, imo.
@Inv4derxXx Nope, in general I can't sell my way our of a death sentence.
For myself? Personally? I'm to cheap.