The KTM RC16 MotoGP race bike will be on the grid in 2017 and made its debut at the track with an intensive test programme lined up for next year.
KTM will be making its official return to MotoGP in 2017 and will be a treat for the automaker’s fans globally to watch the Orange brand lock horns on the track. Keeping things exciting, the automaker finally made its debut with the RC16 MotoGP race bike as the first outing on the track took place in Austria at the Red Bull ring. KTM has been working on the MotoGP bike since quite some time now, testing it on the dyno but this was the first time the bike was made to go on a Grand Prix circuit.
A stunner to look at, the front of KTM’s RC16 comprises of 60 percent of the fuel tank and is covered in black carbon fibre with the rear getting a long swingarm for improved stability. In terms of power, the RC16 will be drawing power from a 90-degree V4 motor with an 81 mm bore and 48.5 mm stroke and is said to belt out around 240-245 HP of power, redlining close to 16,000 RPM. The bike gets underpinned by a trellis frame and uses an Akrapovic exhaust, WP suspension and Brembo brakes.
KTM test rider and veteran Alex Hoffman took to the saddle on the RC16 over the three day test run while Mika Kallio has been signed for further testing this year. The automaker is extremely impressed with the track session and the data accumulated that will further help in the development of the RC16. The Austrian bike maker plans to continue running dyno testing to prove the reliability of parts with more circuit based testing will take place in the coming months.
In fact, KTM has lined up an intensive test programme for the MotoGP bike next year before it makes an official debut in the premier class race in 2017. It is said that KTM will be coming out with a more civilised customer version of the RC16 in 2016 for track-day use which will be priced around €1,40,000 (approx. Rs. 1.01 crores without taxes).
