KTM RC8 RC8R review - ** 180bhp/180kg torque monster!!** RC8 review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- The review I have been waiting months to review that was sadly paused due to Covid-19..
Join me on this video when I take out the monster 1200cc V-twin on UK roads! - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
getting my rc8 soon, im super excited! its been my #1 dream bike for so long
Incredible things, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed 😎
Great video! I've had both the Honda sp1 and 2 and so much of what you've said brings back so many memories. Would love to ride one. V twins really grow on you.
Glad you enjoyed 😎
Yea once they get under your skin there very addictive 😬👌
Great vid, still thinking about RC8 as always was a dream bike sadly not many of them left
Thanks 👍
Yep as mentioned I’m confident your money will be relatively safe in one of those - certainly a lot prettier than cash in the bank 😎
This Video helped me lots just got mine today 🎉🎉
Glad to hear Patrick 👍
Fantastic bikes, should have kept mine really! Enjoy the beast 😎
Nice bike! I can definitely recommend a slipper clutch. Installed one of Neil Spalding's suter slippers on my MT07 and now downshifts are buttery smooth. You can just bang down the gears on the brakes. Great mod!
Thanks 👍 this one will still get light on the rear so maybe needs adjusting a little lol
Sigma?
@@nickcosgrove5065 ah yep I meant sigma, yep...
Great video.. I’ve had a RC8R for a few years now and I love it. I might give one of those Oberon slave cylinders a go! Cheers
Paul Elliman thanks 👍 well with doing the Oberon slave cylinder - makes for a nice improvement on the clutch feel
if you are fitting an oberon slave it is best to fit a new star drive while you are at it. this is the root cause of issue in finding neutral. (not an issue on mine fortunately).
@@stoneautomotive The Oberon adds almost nothing to clutch feel. It did help with my leaking slave cylinder, but it still wasn't prefect. I eventually switched fluids and haven't had another issue in almost a full year of riding.
Excellent video. Im trying to decide between an EBR 1190RX and a KTM RC8 R. Thank you for breaking down the differences between the years! That information isnt readily available (Or easily found) on the internet.
Glad you enjoyed the video - This is what pushed me to discuss the models as I spent weeks researching the differences!
Sure you won’t be disappointed if you do choose an RC8 👍
You couldn't give me a Buell.
@@maximusmax4557
Why not? They have some pretty strong racing pedigree and that booming twin which is fun.
Maybe I just like V-2s for the novelty 🤷♂️ I'd really only race on a cheap inline 4 that I wouldn't hate myself for dropping. Imagine dropping something like a RC8 at the track haha
I have one of these (with the evo4 kit)
It was my brothers bike and I bought it from his estate when he died. I've never ridden anything with this sort of power. (and I spent 20+ years on the spanners in bike shops) The thing will wheelstand in 3rd at way above our national speed limit. I'm 61 years old and constantly reminding myself of that fact when I'm riding it, but coming out of a low speed corner and wheelstanding to the next corner is ageless LOL
Makes my Griso 1200 8v feel like an old tractor
Glad to hear you’ve kept it in the family, awesome bikes and sound investment currently (sure your brother would have been happy to see you on it 👍)
Yep they are savage, it’s hard to explain to people who haven’t ridden one!
Swollen tanks are another thing to look for. Dream bike for sure though!
Yep discovered this when I removed the tank to complete the service - google suggests it’s very common & almost seen as the norm 😅
Have had my mint 2011 twin spark from new, only 4k of road use. Would love to sell it for the much needed £'s but I know I'd deeply regret it, it's brilliant.
The Oberon works a treat as did a JCE exhaust, Acrapovic map and O2 delete.
Put the latest oil pump cog in after reading some great info on the UK ktm forum.
Enjoyed watching this 👍
They are certainly special bikes 👌😎
I picked one of these up beginning of this year with 2 owners and only 5000miles for 9k, amazing bikes and mines number 32 👍
Akrapovic edition friend 😅
Wow that was a good price, love mine to bits but I have put it up for sale a I’m worried about the miles going up on such a rare bike. If it does sell (it’s up for all the money) I would buy a normal R again in the winter with a few more miles.
@@stoneautomotive is this still for sale mate ?
@@thediaryofanaveragedad939 I had it up for £14k, had a genuine enough chap offer £12k but declined as I would rather just keep it tucked up in the garage so fear not there will be more from her on the channel 😬
With how well KTM are doing in the Moto GP the values seem stronger than ever
How do you know what number it is? I have an RC8R. Is it on a data plate somewhere?
Great video 👌🏾. I am a Ktm fan, already riding on a 2010 990 smr. Now investigating an rc8r. Hesitating between 2010 and 2011. What’s your advice ?
Thanks & glad you enjoyed the video 😎
Really tough, for me now I would want to try the 2011+ model, it’s supposed to be smoother and more refined plus I love the orange/ white colour scheme 😎 genuinely miss this bike and will 100% have another in the collection
@@stoneautomotive thanks for the answer. I like the rough part of the engine same as my smr I guess. I agree the 2013 color scheme is just gorgeous. I will have to try to make my mind ✌🏽
I will definitely buy one after this video :) and tx for the year info, will get a 2011 :)
Glad to hear the video helped - sure you won’t regret RC8 ownership as they are fantastic things 😎
youll be better off with a 2013+ model. the earlier suspension does have a Dlc coating which does reduce stiction by a small degree, however this needs to be lubed every 800 miles or so otherwise you will not outperform the later suspension as the only difference is the stiction coating.
when taken care of the normal suspension vs the coated suspension has a difference in stiction of about 1mm. not any meaningful difference there.
a 2013+ comes standard with a twinspark engine which produces more horsepower, itll have a slipper clutch stock, a gear indicator in the dash (you cannot get this on a pre 2011 r model and it may not have come until 2013). youll get two positions for the clip on adjustments built into the yoke meaning you dont have to measure the angle. you also get a lighter rear spring at 85nm compared to the overly stiff 90-95nm spring on the earlier models. (you would have to weigh over 250 pounds to make use of that spring). this means on a 2013+ r model you get more hp, slipper clutch, gear indicator, heavier flywheel for reduced stalling, smoother gearbox, softer race spec rear spring, etc. the only real benefit of an earlier model rc8r is the forged wheels, youre looking at about 1 -2 pounds of difference which is better than nothing but it doesn't beat aftermarket or carbon.
Alex Filliez cheers again for the info 👍 still relatively new to RC8 ownership myself but tried to provide as much guidance as possible for those in the market for one
@@greyravendreamwalker Tx for the info Alex but I found a 2011 in mint condition ;) so will be that I belive :)
@@haraldkitel1474 either way youve got a great bike now, they are all great and all model years have interchangeable parts. yours will have lighter cams, keep them even if you switch to twinspark cyl
Nice review sir! So you mentioned 100 ft lb of torque. Is that correct? That's 135nm! Would be amazing!
Glad you enjoyed 😎
Yep 100ftb at the flywheel with the Evo 4 pack (increased compression, camshaft timing change, Akrapovic & race filter)
My first bike was a zx6r which I recently sold and just bought a 2011 KTM Rc8. It will be delivered in the next week or so but having watched all these Rc8 vids... I'm a bit scared to say the least.
Mine is not the R version but is 2011. Any advice on how not to die? Or where I could get a slipper clutch for it?
You’ll be fine if you take your time getting used to the torque, it will be a completely different experience to the ZX6R where’s on that you are chasing the 10,000rpm+ sweet spot all the time this is happy to make monster ground from 4,000rpm. Low speed round abouts are a pig with the jerky throttle/ high torque but you soon get used to it and as detailed in the video the Oberon slave cylinder provides improved feed back on the clutch
you can install a yoyodyne slipper or retrofit one from a 2013+ r model. the clutches are interchangeable and the stock slipper is very good.
youll be fine on the bike, throttle control is key, do a remote tune with dave moss for 40 bucks and have him do all the math to have the bikes suspension optimized for you and your riding pace, itll make a a huge difference and its the very first thing you should do. the bike will perform better in almost every aspect.
How not to die on it? What a moron. LEARN HOW TO RIDE, N00B!
I own a 2013 and it’s a beast! I have a Jester exhaust on mine. Only thing is no one has any ECU flashes for it in the states. I may just have to take it to a local dyno and get it tuned.
I’ve heard custom calibrations can be difficult outside of Europe due to how rare the RC8 is ☹️
@@stoneautomotive Well if no one can do anything for it here than it will just stay with the the stock mapping. 😢
@@itsmeericb ☹️
Got on the RC8 Facebook owners group, few owners in the states that may know 👍
I scrolled past this video some many times because I thought it was some dumbass looking at a picture of the bike on Google while talking about the specs he found on wiki.
You actually have the bike, and a great camera/mic set up at that too. Awesome video, and you really get in to the nitty gritty of how this model year compares to others.
Anyone who wants an RC8(R) needs to see this video. I already knew about the mechanical issues with the 8's, but now I also know my 8R (hopefully mine) is a '13 and will lack those forged wheels and the upgraded suspension. Not a big deal to me, but I like knowing all this stuff.
Almost picked up another cool bike, more familiar and probably easier to own. 2014 Honda CBR1000RR SP. The deals keep falling through so it never happened, but I ended up knowing so much about that bike like how few were here in the United States. A guy also from the UK did a great review on one of those, that specific bike has less of an internet presence than these RC8s.
Thanks 😅
I understand what you mean as I’ve been stung by a few videos with click bate cover photos!
Glad you gave it a chance and found the video helpful 👍
I worked at Honda when the SP was released in 2014, special thing & nearly bought one myself - every dealer in the UK was given two (one ABS and the other non-ABS) when I was at Honda UK on training they had one on the dyno and although Honda never officially claimed an increase in power over the standard they showed the blue printed engine made 10bhp more 😮
I had that same slave/master in my S2R 800 dark ducati
Sweet spot for the RC8R is 7k RPM when the secondary sparkplugs kick in. :) This bike is my baby.
What tail tidy is it. I have looked at a few but have not seen the one you have with the indicators.
Hi Robert, it’s one I built for myself after being disappointed with the after market ones available (few more pictures on my instagram @stone_automotive)
@@stoneautomotive I really don't know what is a good one. I don't like the r&g one. And having to mess about with resistors and the indicators are too small. There's no choice like other bikes. I just want a plug and play type. I really don't know what's the best. There's nothing online about others
@@robertcharlesworth8579 sadly it was the same position as me so just ended up purchasing some 2mm aluminium and making my own
Have a 2009 rc8r With evo 4 exhaust with a Rottweiler intake and a power commander goes well ,will try the Oberon slave cylinder cheersd👍
Still need to fit one of these Rottweiler kits 😎
I want one of these but I'm tempted with a v4 panigale. Decisions Decisions
Hi! Can you help me a bit? Now i have a Panigale V2, now i'm thinking of selling it and buy a cheaper bike. Also i'm only 173cm and the V2 is a bit tall for me. I love the sound, but it's a bit shaky and raw for me at lower revs. Is the ktm the same? or does it run smoother? maybe even rougher?
Hi,
The RC8R is a tall bike and sadly as it’s a highly strung v-twin it’s very lumpy/ rough at below 4,000rpm especially round town! I did a video on Lambda delete video which helps a lot but certainly no where near as smooth as an inline 4 powered bike if that’s what your hoping for
Sweet. Duno if they changed the throttle cam in later models but you can get an orange one that is much smoother
Interesting, to be honest with the amount of riding I do especially round turn I’ve just accepted it’s part of its character 😂
@@stoneautomotive Definitely worth it if its snatchy: www.gear4motorcycles.co.uk/products/ktm-black-grip-set-open-end-progressive/ (part number: 69002021100)
Thanks for the link - shall keep that in mind 👍
motion pro rev 2 throttle kit. includes various cams for various rates of twist.
@@stoneautomotive if you improve the air intake with a rottweiler intake, map the bike, it is very smooth at all rpm. delete sas for those who havent.
RC8R FROM 2011 onwards. Twin spark is best for your 💰, 170hp at the crank maybe but certainly not at RWHP.
Better wheels and forks on the 2009 model but agree the twin spark and slipper clutch as standard would be nice 👍
Yep flywheel figures, could only dream of those at the rear wheel 😅
You're installing a stainless bolt into an aluminium casing, yes you do have to worry about corrosion.
Sorry I meant no visible corrosion as found with mild steel than hasn’t been treated with plating such as zinc coating etc. (Mine were looking corroded at time of removal) hope you enjoyed the video other than that 👍
150 - 155 bhp. the only rc8 reaching 180 is the IDM race bike. with full system, air, map, etc you can get to 174 rwhp on a generous dyno.
The previous owner had the Evo-4 club race kit fitted so I would expect it to make the claimed power - be good to get it on a Dyno to confirm though 👍
@@stoneautomotive you wont find any rc8 making over 175 even on the most generous dyno. you can get it to 180 in theory but youd have to replicate the german IDM race bike, most people are just throwing superduke engines into them instead.
Alex Filliez - interesting, in all honesty it’s plenty fast enough for the road especially as the previous owner upped the rear sprocket size - only picked the RC8 up in the winter so still plenty to learn (thanks for taking the time to advise 👍)
@@stoneautomotive ive yet to meet anyone better than the bike that is for sure, its lack of rider aids does force one to become a better rider in my mind. youll enjoy it for years, very unique feel and the mid-range is unbelievable.
Alex Filliez again agree, I’ve ridden many bikes over the year and this is certainly the one that demands the most respect but boy does it reward when your on it 😎
What front/rear sprocket sizes you running?
Standard front sprocket & 1 up on the rear (previous owner installed) feels great on the road 👍
@@stoneautomotive Thanks, was looking at your RPM/road speed and thinking you must have made a change from standard. Thinking of going up a couple of teeth on the rear too.
Keep in mind it does also benefit from the Evo4 pack kit which with the Akrapovic system is supposed to gain 10bhp over the normal R model (I will get it on the dyno to confirm at some stage 👍)
Marmite bike , I'm in the market for either an 848 Evo Ducati, one of these or a Gen 2 mille
I like these alot but the fact it's quite limited and there's not many worries me if it develops issues
I've never ridden an inline 4 thou but Im considering a zx10r and a blade to..£5/6k to play with o just can't make my mind up 😂
You need to ride each one to really decide also having a Ducati the KTM was far more reliable 😅
The RSV is a cool bike too, reviewed one on the channel 😎
@@stoneautomotive yeh I've watched the review I had a Gen 1, is the power a significant increase although I know it's all about torque
Ktm stop producing rc8 cause they said it’s harmful n dangerous bike to ride on the road .. what the heck about superduke😅
Exactly 😅
enquired about an rc8 immaculate with 4k mi, seen an rc8r redbull limited edition for the same price 8k mi sooo I think it's gonna be the redbull
I would go for the “R” model 👍
@@stoneautomotive popped a deposit on an RC 8 R 14k mi but impeccable service history and condition 10 reg though so single spark I think but the bastarding redbull edition was sold
@@liamvickerman4745 you wont be disappointed - awesome animals to ride 😅
@@stoneautomotive yeah I passed my A license last week and can't wait to try something a little bigger, finally upgrade from my RC125! - (Jokes aside I've had an sv650 gpz500s mt125 rc125 ZX6 (the 599 one!) got an RSV4 the start of the month but that got returned due to it being faulty and having no oil in it at all so I decided on the RC8R)
😅
i think it needs an open pipe. stock 650 twins and supertwins sound better...
The video does no justice for how evil this thing sounds, makes my 748 SP with Termi pipes sound tame 😅
uh-CROP-o-vich
I have seen/ heard the correct way of saying it, most of my UK viewers wouldn’t have a clue if I pronounced it the correct way 😅
Uh-KROP-oh-vitch. And it's abbreviated "Akra," not "Akro."
Pretty sure they're only 160BHP at the rear wheel
Yes the 180bhp Evo4 pack is quoted as the “flywheel figure” (makes us feel better living in the dream of higher power out put 😅) yes wheel power is certainly the most accurate 👍
I do want to get it on the dyno this year so can hopefully confirm 😬
WHAT DID YOU SAY?!?
It’s a long video, what part are you referring too lol?
"180 horsepower." LOL The 2008 model had 151 horsepower, and the later models had 173. That's roughly 147 at the rear wheel.
Standard RC8R is 170bhp & the Evo4 pack as detailed in the video increases power another 10bhp I don’t understand the “LOL” 🤷♂️
Its not 180bhp at the wheel if that’s what you’re assuming I meant? Have a look at the Evo4 pack
@@stoneautomotive you tell him bud lol
Nice review exept that i cant watch it because of that terrible shouting! 😬😬😬
Audio has improved since this video, one big lesson being a one man band, lots of trial and error back then 😅
How in the hell do you get your leg over that behind, you gotto be a gymnast to be able to get on that bike 😅
Your the first person to notice that and yes it is really high compared to others 😅
@@stoneautomotive haha is that so, well I had an Aprilia rsv mille r and that was already bad to get on but that ktm tho dang. Looking out for a bike myself but still doubting about what to buy. Just had back surgery 4th october and I do want a race bike like this one but also fell in love with the first bike I ever had, not because it was my first one but just because it was so comfy and drove so well and easy (buel xb9sx) but if I by one will buy the xb12s, the big engine. It all depends on the results of the surgey which at this stage are fantastic but wanna wait a bit longer. Also have my eye on a rare 2009 mv agusta f4 312 rr 1078 with full titanium zard exhaust and recalculated eprom with 209hp but thats just a coffin on wheels :D
@@swansmeister I like the idea of a Super Duke R but heart still wants super bikes 😅
@@swansmeister haven’t ridden either so I wouldn’t be able to assist mate 😅
@@stoneautomotive just sheer looks but ok np.