KTM has unveiled the 1190 RC8 R superbike in India today, at the Delhi Orange day. The Austrian automaker has already confirmed its plans to launch the RC250R in India next year, which will be a full faired motorcycle. The 1190 RC8 R will be displayed at KTM showrooms across the country, in a bid to create brand awareness. KTM doesn’t plan to sell the 1190 RC8 R superbike in India anytime soon and is following a bottoms-up approach of product launch in the country. The company plans to launch locally developed products which will enable them to price them aggressively.
The 1190 RC8 was first launched by KTM in 2008 and was replaced by the RC8 R model in 2009. The company showcased the RC8 concept in 2005 and received a lot of applaud for the same, resulting in this beast going into production. KTM claims the 1190 RC8 R has one of the most powerful V2 engines of our times and one of the best chassis in the world. This motorcycle might look like a complete track machine, but it is totally street legal. If brought to India, the KTM RC8 R will cost in excess of Rs. 20 lakhs, as it will be a CBU model.
KTM 1190 RC8 R is powered by a 1195cc, twin-cylinder engine which has a 75 degree V arrangement. This liquid-cooled motor churns out 173 HP of power at 10,000 RPM and 120 Nm of torque at 8000 RPM. The motorcycle’s frame is made of powder coated chrome molybdenum steel and the bike uses WP suspension all around. Weighing in at 184 kgs, the RC8 R has twin 320 mm Brembo four piston caliper at the front and 220 mm single disc, two piston caliper at the rear. The front sports 120/70/ZR17 tyres, while the rear sports 190/55/ZR17 rubber.
