autoevolution
 

KTM RC8 to Be Ditched, Replaced by Track-Only V4 Superbike

The fans of the mighty KTM RC8 superbike should prepare to say good bye to this model, as Stefan Pierer, KTM’s CEO confirmed that the model will be phased out. A certain date was not mentioned, but we are pretty sure it will not take too long until the last RC8 will be manufactured. In fact, it appears that the end of the model is linked to KTM’s MotoGP plans so it will definitely be less than three years to the day when the sun sets over the RC8.
KTM RC8 1 photo
Photo: KTM
We recently announced that KTM’s interest in MotoGP became strong enough to have things set in motion, and Pierer officially declared that the Austrian manufacturer is getting ready for a new entry in the premier class for the 2017 season.

The bike will be powered by a V4 1,000cc class engine and its model name will be RC16. The first public appearance is scheduled for the fall of 2015, with the final development stages due for 2016. Even more, Pierer does not exclude at least one wildcard appearance during the 2016 championship.

However, the new KTM RC16 will be available for customers, and will be a mass-produced machine, with KTM CEO estimating a maximum capacity of 100 bikes per year, and a price varying between €150,000 and €200,000 ($200,000-270,000). Both the KTM CEO and the head of design Gerald Kiska believe that any bike with more than 200 hp has no place on the public roads and should be limited to closed-track racing only.

With the upward trend for the industry, it’s rather easy to understand that the upcoming superbikes will go even further in terms of displacement and power, and this seems to be not-that-ok with KTM’s plans for road motorcycles. Pierer also adds that the company is extremely pleased with the adventure bike sales and that the decision to ditch the RC8 was already made, and the factory and engineers are working on the new production racer while you’re reading this piece.

Pierer did not offer too many reasons for sacking the RC, and only mentioned that the bike was old, greyed out bike. That is, grab one quickly if you say you like it so much, because we’re fed up with it. Wonder how the 1290 Super Duke R will fare…
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories