KTM has this afternoon unwrapped a hand-built track special powered by the familiar LC8 engine in a bespoke chassis.

The RC 8C is a purpose-built, lightweight racing prototype which uses the engine from the KTM 890 Duke R in a bespoke, track-ready chassis, bristling with high-end racing componentry.

Under the lightweight, KTM RC16-inspired carbon Kevlar reinforced GRP bodywork lies a 128 Hp, 889 cc LC8c, DOHC, 8 valve parallel twin, bolted into a dedicated 25CrMo4 steel tubular frame, augmented by a selection of WP Pro Components at either end.

Upfront, a hand built 43 mm WP APEX PRO 7543 closed cartridge fork made from high quality, lightweight material is used. Developed with the experience gained from KTM Factory Racing efforts across a number of international championships, the suspension is assembled in the same department which builds and maintains the suspension of the KTM RC16, it guarantees the best performance for race-oriented motorcyclists and professional racers. The fork also boasts zero hydraulic stroke limitation, meaning riders can continually control the damping properties.

A WP APEX PRO 7746 shock with preload adjuster takes charge of matter at the rear, and can be easily adjusted to suit all riders, and almost any situation by means of separate high and low-speed compression and rebound settings.

Being a focused track-only motorcycle, every detail is dedicated to race craft. From the quick-release tank and body panels, to the lightweight Dymag wheels and Pirelli SC1 race slicks, the KTM RC 8C makes its intentions known.

Maximum braking performance is taken care of by Brembo race-spec equipment, with Brembo Stylema front brake calipers grabbing 290 mm fully floating brake disks with aluminum rotors fastened by titanium screws, and for the rear a Brembo two piston caliper with a 230 mm fully floating disk mounted directly on the hub.

The KTM RC 8C is also fitted with a Brembo 19RCS CORSA CORTA radial master cylinder, which features a host of innovations, with many of the technical solutions adopted drawn directly from the master cylinders used in MotoGP™. The most significant being that riders are able to tailor the “bite point” exactly where they want it, with an easily accessible selector on the top of the master cylinder itself.

Ensuring data is collected and collated, the KTM RC 8C makes use of the AIM MXS 1.2 RACE dashboard and data logger with integrated GPS function. All information is displayed via a 5“ TFT display with integrated data recording, which is continually logged and can be analysed in AIM Race Studio.