2023 KTM RC 8C

Down The Straight

• AERODYNAMICS: The KTM RC 8C is designed and aerodynamically optimized by the same team who brought you the KTM RC16. Making use of ultra-strong but lightweight GRP with carbon Kevlar reinforced fairings, it is the closest you can get to an out-and-out GP racer - complete with stability winglets! Not only do these keep things steady at high speeds, but they also act to provide downforce when it's needed most. A swingarm scoop also aids in downforce, as well as providing a significant amount of cooling to the rear tire.
• RIDER ERGONOMICS: Getting tucked behind the screen down the straight is vital for reaching top speeds. Thankfully, the KTM RC 8C has been designed to allow for perfect ergonomics, creating the optimum triangle between the footpegs, handlebars and seat. Adjustable clip-on handlebars, footpegs and an eccentric subframe mount used to change the seat height make sure there's always space to get your head down, and elbows in.
• CARBON FENDER: The carbon fiber front fender features a quick lock system, and an air scoop to channel air over the brakes and into the radiator for enhanced cooling. This ensures maximum braking performance when you need it most at the end of a long high-speed straightaway, and because it's made from rigid carbon fiber, it's stable too.

In The Pits

• DATA LOGGING: On the track, data equals speed. The KTM RC 8C makes use of a full factory AIM MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard and data logger. This is controlled by a 5" TFT display with integrated data recording functionality and GPS function. All data is logged into the AIM Race Studio for easy and concise studying later. Once logged, the data can be analyzed in the AIM RaceStudio, at no additional cost. Here, riders and pit crews can track speed, position on the track, lap times, throttle position, and critical engine stats in real time.
• RACE PREPARED: In the truest embodiment of our famous slogan, the KTM RC 8C is 100% READY TO RACE. Boasting the ultimate top-shelf components from race-spec braking systems and suspension, it is truly race-prepped right out of the box. This includes thoroughly engineered protection parts fitted as standard, and essential safety-wired items such as the oil drain screws, oil filter cover, and caliper bolts.
• ULTRA-FINE ADJUSTMENT: Refined down to the millimeter, the KTM RC 8C can be adjusted to suit any rider or riding style. Both the handlebars and footpegs can be adjusted to fit individual rider preferences and body sizes, while the steering head and triple clamp offset can also be tuned to allow for faster turn-in or high-speed stability.

Lap After Lap

• FUEL TANK: The 4.2-gal (16-liter) fuel tank is integrated into the rear subframe and seat unit, weight centralization is spot on. The tank has also been cleverly developed to be easy to drain, thanks to a click on the fuel line connector. This allows accurate fuel consumption measurements on the track but also makes draining the tank for transport or maintenance in the pits as easy as setting blitzing the pack off the line.
• SLIPPER CLUTCH: Lightweight and pressure lubricated, the slipper clutch on the KTM RC 8C features improved cooling and reduced friction over other units. The slipper clutch opens when the engine back-torque becomes too high, it also assists when you open up the throttle. The former prevents destabilizing rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating, while the latter reduces the hand force required for changing gear, allowing the clutch to be controlled with the little finger - saving you energy when riding.
• QUICKSHIFTER +: Lightning fast shifting is thanks to KTM’s proven QUICKSHIFTER + system, allowing racers to click up and down gears without using the clutch lever. This means quicker, more focused shifting, with specific settings unique to the KTM RC 8C.

On The Apex

• WHEELS & TIRES: Boasting a set of the lightest wheels on the track, the KTM RC 8C makes use of lightweight Dymag UP7X forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Superbike racing slicks. Up front, you'll find a 120/70R17 NHS SC1 and a 180/60R17 SBK SC1 on the rear - with the possibility to upgrade to a 200/55/R17 should the need arise. And thanks to a quick-change assembly and axle setup, wheels to be swapped out without disassembling the brakes for faster pitting times.
• MASTER CYLINDER: The KTM RC 8C is fitted with an innovative, adjustable Brembo 19RCS CORSA CORTA radial master cylinder, with many of the technical solutions adopted directly from the master cylinders used in MotoGP™. This means riders can tailor the "bite point" exactly where they want it, with an easily accessible selector on the top of the master cylinder itself, with the NORMAL setting allowing for a more gradual feel, or SPORT which provides a proper, dynamic, race response. The Brembo 19RCS CORSA CORTA also features the Ratio Click System (RCS) system which lets the rider select a fulcrum-to-piston distance of 18 or 20 mm by simply turning the adjuster screw.
• SUSPENSION: At this level of refinement, only the very best WP Pro Components will do. Updated since the KTM RC 8C was introduced in 2022, the hand-assembled suspension package is put together in the very same department responsible for the assembly of the KTM RC16. Upfront, a fully adjustable 43 mm upside-down WP APEX PRO 7543 closed cartridge fork keeps things in check. This is supported by an equally impressive WP APEX PRO 7746 Shock on the rear, which is also compression, rebound, and length adjustable.

When The Lights Go Out

• FINE-TUNED PERFORMANCE: Rocketing the KTM RC 8C off the line is an ultra-potent, lightweight, and compact 889 cc LC8c engine tuned to deliver more power and reach a higher rev limit of 12,000 RPM. The engine has been given a thorough makeover internally. These include new titanium intake and exhaust valves, titanium connecting rods, machined cylinder head ports, a 48 mm throttle body, and a machined combustion chamber to mention a few. The addition of an extra oil cooler also ensures this machine keeps its cool while on the charge.
• AIR INTAKE: The KTM RC 8C has a decent set of lungs. Featuring a completely unique air filter box with a Twin Air filter, it maximizes air intake and throttle response. This, together with precision engine management system and a new fuel pump to meet the demands of the ram air intake system. A channeled body panel design also means air is forced right into the heart of the machine. And with air comes explosive off-the-line power.
• EXHAUST: Providing the bark to the KTM RC 8C's bite is a lightweight full Akrapovič racing exhaust with a carbon silencer cap. Not only does this give the KTM RC 8C a unique tone, it also perfectly complements the READY TO RACE nature of the machine.