A new track bike from KTM RC 8C is revealed for 2023

The KTM RC 8C 2023 track-only motorcycle has been introduced to international markets, and there will be only 200 units available for purchase. It is relevant to note that (for the uninitiated) KTM first released the RC 8C in 2021, and the 100 units that were available at the time were sold within five minutes. A number of updates have been made to the 2023 version of the KTM RC 8C. These updates are expected to make the track machine even more potent than it was in the past.

• RC 8C 2023 has a 889cc engine which produces 135hp and 98Nm of torque
• It is equipped with titanium valves and con rods as well as revised engine internals
• WP suspension has undergone a few changes to make it more effective

What’s new in the KTM RC 8C for 2023?

First of all, we need to point out that the 889cc parallel-twin engine has been upgraded with a number of improvements that make it not only more powerful but also more durable. In addition to the larger throttle bodies, titanium intake and exhaust valves, and connecting rods are some of the changes that have been made. There is a two-ring piston design, and the compression ratio and the fuel pressure of the engine have been increased. In addition, KTM has slapped on a brand-new Akrapovic exhaust, which has resulted in an increase of 7hp in power, putting it at 135hp at 11,000rpm; the figure now stands at 174hp at 18,000rpm. However, the peak torque remains the same at 8,250 rpm, 98Nm at a speed of 98Nm.

In addition to the increased power, KTM has also worked on improving the durability of the engine as well. The upper balancer has been removed from the cylinder head and the crankcase-balancer shaft has been adjusted in order to correct the balance. In order to improve the thermal management of the system, a new oil cooler has been installed.

A number of other changes have also been made to the suspension system on the KTM Apex Pro as well. In order to make the ride more comfortable over bumpy sections of a racetrack, the base setting has now been softened in comparison to before. 

As part of the digital cockpit of the bike, there is a GPS data logger. The bar switches derived from the KTM RC16 are used to toggle through the menus. In addition, there’s a quick-shifter with GP-style reverse shifting.

Despite the fact that the bodywork looks the same as the KTM MotoGP machine with its aggressively styled panels and wing, as well as its aggressively styled panels, one of the main differences is that the orange paint has been replaced with a matt black finish.

In 2023, KTM will introduce the RC 8C, a track-specific machine

Aside from the changes mentioned above, the rest of the bike is pretty much the same as it was before. In order to make the bodywork look as slick as possible, Kramer, a company founded by former KTM engineers, has used a Chromoly steel trellis as a framework under the bodywork. In addition to the Dymag forged wheels which are shod with Pirelli SC-1 slicks, the bike rides on Brembo Stylema calipers which take care of the braking duties. It is possible to adjust the amount of aggression of the brake response by the Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder, allowing the rider to fine-tune the way the bike slows down in response to the brakes. It is imperative to emphasize that the clip-on handlebars are height-adjustable as well as span-adjustable, and the position of the foot pegs can also be adjusted.

Also Read: KTM Introduced New KTM 390 Adventure at Rs 3.35 Lakh

Price and launch date of the 2023 KTM RC 8C in India

Another benefit of buying this track-only machine is to be able to participate in a special track day at Valencia in 2023 if you buy it. There will be 30 customers out of the 200 who will be able to test their RC 8C on the track under the guidance of ex-GP racers on a first-come-first-served basis. There will be a special team of engineers from KTM and WP suspension on hand to assist customers in setting up their bikes for the track day in order to make the most of their experience.

In terms of the price of the track-only KTM RC 8C, it has been set at a whopping GBP 34,999 (approximately Rs 33.22 lakh). While it is unlikely that the bike will make it to India, considering that the 2021 model did not make it here either and that there has been no official communication from the company regarding this issue, it is highly unlikely the bike will make it here.