KTM has introduced the 2023 RC 8C track-only motorcycle in international markets, and there are only 200 units up for grabs. For the uninitiated, KTM first launched the RC 8C in 2021 and the 100 units available then were booked in five minutes. The 2023 version of the KTM RC 8C features a raft of updates, which are said to make it an even more potent track machine.
889cc engine on 2023 RC 8C makes 135hp, 98Nm
Features revised engine internals with titanium valves and con rods
WP suspension has undergone few tweaks
2023 KTM RC 8C: what’s new?
To begin with, the 889cc parallel-twin engine has received a bunch of updates that make it not only more powerful but also durable. The changes include larger throttle bodies, titanium intake and exhaust valves as well as connecting rods. The pistons have a two-ring design and the compression ratio and fuel pressure sees a bump. KTM has also slapped on a new Akrapovic exhaust, resulting in a 7hp bump in power; the figure now stands as 135hp at 11,000rpm. The peak torque, however, remains the same, 98Nm at 8,250rpm.
In addition to the rise in power, KTM has also worked on improving the engine’s durability. The upper balancer in the cylinder head has been removed and the crankcase-balancer shaft has been adjusted. A new oil-cooler has been added for better thermal management.
KTM has also revised the WP Apex Pro suspension on the bike, and the base setting is now softer than before, making the ride more comfortable over bumpy sections of a racetrack.
The bike’s digital cockpit features a GPS data logger while the KTM RC16-derived switches on the handlebar are used to toggle through the menu. There’s a quickshifter as well, with GP-style reverse shift pattern.
As for the bodywork, while they are the same, aggressively styled panels, replete with the wing that’s all reminiscent of the KTM MotoGP machine, the orange paint has been replaced by a new satin black shade.
2023 KTM RC 8C: The track special
Apart from the above mentioned changes, the rest of the bike is pretty much the same. Under the bodywork is the Chromoly steel-trellis frame that’s sourced from Kramer, a company founded by ex-KTM engineers. The bike rides on Dymag forged wheels, shod with Pirelli SC-1 slicks, and braking duties are taken care of by Brembo Stylema callipers. The Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder controls the aggression of the brake response, enabling the rider to adjust the way the bike slows down. Speaking of adjustments, the clip-on handlebars are span- and height-adjustable, while the foot pegs’ position can be adjusted as well.
The other perks of buying this track-only machine is a special track day at Valencia in 2023. On a first-come-first-serve basis, 30 customers out of the 200 can experience their RC 8C at the track under the guidance of ex-GP racers. A special team of engineers from KTM and WP suspension will be present to help customers set up their bikes to make the most of the track day.
2023 KTM RC 8C: Price and India launch
The track only KTM RC 8C has been priced at a whopping GBP 34,999 (around Rs 33.22 lakh). The bike is, however, unlikely to make it to India, considering that the 2021 model didn’t make it here either and that there has been no official communication from the company regarding the same.
Would you like to see these limited-run KTM track bikes in India? Let us know in the comments.