KTM’s new RC8 proves that good things really do come to those who wait.

Though in the case of the Austrian firm’s superbike good is an understatement.

The RC8 is bloomin’ marvellous.

Its 1148cc 75-degree V-twin makes 155bhp which might not sound like much up against the likes of Ducati’s 1098 and Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 - but the power is linear all the way to the 10,000rpm redline.

A lightweight powder-coated trellis frame coupled with KTM’s featherweight engine and components mean the RC8 has a wet weight under 200kg.

And KTM’s racing DNA is no more apparent than in the bike’s suspension.

The 43mm WP upside down forks at the front and a WP monoshock at the back ensure sublime handling. And just about everything is adjustable including steering head angle, handlebars, rearsets, hand and foot brake levers so you can really personalise your bike.

The special one ... no other superbike looks like the RC8

KTM have gone out of their way to think outside the box and the first thing you’ll notice is its styling.


Focused

There’s not another superbike on the planet that looks like it - the angular bodywork means it’s instantly recognisable, especially in KTM orange.

And although it looks like the most uncomfortable bike ever, it’s actually a very nice place to be.

The saddle is minimally padded, but the riding position is spot on and very roomy for such a focused bike.

Thumb the starter and the engine springs to life, blowing warm exhaust gasses on your right ankle.

From low revs it pulls cleanly all the way through to the redline and it’s so smooth.

The RC8 is a deceptive bike because you don’t feel like you’re going fast. But glance at the ultra-trick digital dash and you’re in for a nasty wake-up call.

With such power delivery, truckloads of mid-range oomph and super-smooth WP suspension you soon find yourself in licence-losing territory.

Thankfully there’s a set of Brembo Monoblock callipers at the front gripping 320mm floating discs which, coupled with the trick forks, offer an unsurpassed level of feedback.

KTM spent four years making the RC8. Thankfully the end product has proved worth the wait.

It really does live up to the hype.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/motors/article1026025.ece

By CRAIG MARTIN