If you’ve been fishing behind the net in the past year, we’ve got some good news for you. KTM is going to run a new production series of the RC 8C, the racer that brings you the closest to a Moto2 experience. However, it gets even better, because they have also given the 2023 model a major update, with more power and less weight.
They could have kept it with a new color and new aerodynamic winglets, but they probably thought that was much too thin in Austria and so they tackled it thoroughly. KTM talks about a radically evolved LC8c twin, specially developed for the track, improved electronic functions, even more weight-saving solutions and a range of high-quality components that ensure the bike’s competitiveness.
Starting with the 890 parallel-twin block, which has been given 7 hp and is now good for a top power of 135 hp at 11,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 98 Nm at 8,250 rpm, which has been achieved, among other things, by using titanium connecting rods , new twin-ring pistons, a higher compression ratio, a larger throttle body and a reinforced fuel pump/pressure.
In addition, KTM has increased the clutch spring preload, removed the top balancer shaft and modified the balancer shaft on the crankshaft, which should have resulted in longer life. An additional PANKL oil cooler should now keep the block better thermally balanced.
The dry weight of the 2023 KTM RC 8C has been optimized to just 142kg, where something like a brand new titanium Akrapovic exhaust system certainly helped. According to KTM, the faster feeling should be further enhanced by new settings of the WP PRO suspension. The WP APEX PRO fork and rear shock are now softer, which should have increased comfort, contact and confidence, according to KTM.
The 2023 KTM RC 8C has unprecedented adjustment options; from an adjustable head angle to the offset of the CNC-machined triple clamp, the throttle response and the degree of bite of the Brembo Stylema calipers and RCS19 Corsa Corta brake pump. In addition, KTM has renewed the dashboard with an improved GPS data logger.
If that’s not enough for you, the first 30 customers will be able to toast the official ‘handover’ of the 2023 KTM RC 8C on April 26 next year at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Valencia during a super special track day, during which you will receive guidance from ex-Grand Prix drivers and mechanics from WP. Accommodation, food, transport from Austria to Spain and then to local dealers is all arranged. You can’t get any closer to a factory racer experience.
Only 200 units will be made of the 2023 RC 8C, fitted with slicks. Each model comes with a special serial number stamped into the triple clamp.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.