Sébastien Loeb and his new KTM 1190 RC8 R

By Toni M.

The last time we mentioned World Rally champion Sébastien Loeb was back in 2009 when he took part in KTM “Track’N’Test” with his 2008 RC8 at the French circuit of the Bresse, and after winning the championship title in 2009 and 2010, the French driver decided to treat himself to another KTM motorcycle, the 1190 RC8 R.

Loeb took KTM’s Superbike for a spin, always at the Bresse track, and had this to say about the 2011 model which is fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust system and mounts Michelin tires, “I was out on my RC8 here back in April 2009 and how it compares to the new model is really interesting. The way the power unfolds in the RC8 R is smoother, it has more power and at the same time has less vibration. The motorcycle is more agile, it’s much lighter to ride and suits this very technical circuit much better.”

Jerome Delziani, KTM’s marketing manager for Southern Europe was quoted as saying, “I am very pleased with our collaboration and the interest Sebastien has on our models since 2006. It now follows the evolution of our range with our Superbike. At KTM, we have the DNA of the competition and Sebastian is a model, an inspiration. He rolls with the same passion, regardless of the number of wheels. It is a great champion and a great man. Its ease is also notable on two wheels and we are proud to contribute to the popularity of the bike.”

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KTM 1190 RC8 R, 990 Adventure Dakar and 350 EXC-F Factory at 2010 EICMA

By Alison

We’ll be bringing you more live pics from EICMA as get them, but here is a look at the 2011 KTM range which includes the KTM 1190 RC8 R, the 990 SMT ABS, the 990 Adventure Dakar, the 350 EXC-F Factory, the 125 Duke and the RC8 R Track. Some of these appeared at the Intermot show in Cologne last month while the others make for a complete range of KTM at the 2010 EICMA Milan show.

The KTM 1190 RC8 R for 2011 has a hot new look making it more aggressive and racing-style. White and orange have never looked so good together. Other than that the RC8 R gets new crankshaft, dual-plug ignition which increases power to 175 hp, updated fuel injection, and new suspension components to improve handling. The RC8 R Track is basically the race version of this bike with racing exhaust and fairings.

The 990 Adventure Dakar gets the same 115 hp engine as the Adventure R but utilises the components of the standard 990 Adventure. We get fancy new blue and orange livery, ABS brakes and a suede seat about as comfortable as you can get on these purpose-built bikes. It’s a limited edition KTM made to celebrate the company’s 30 years in the Dakar rally.

Continue reading: KTM 1190 RC8 R, 990 Adventure Dakar and 350 EXC-F Factory at 2010 EICMA

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2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R Track, 990 SM-T and 125 Duke in pics

By Alison

In this huge gallery we finally bring you all the pics from KTM’s new models presented at the 2010 Intermot show in Cologne. The new kid (literally) on the block is the KTM 125 Duke, which most likely already has 16-year-olds around the world wanting one. Some families are going to be in for a tough Christmas wish list this year.

After the hype surrounding that model, the new KTM RC8 track bike with 180 hp was also shown. The KTM 1190 RC8 R Track is an impressive ready-to-race performance-oriented bike with 123 Nm of torque and (probably) a dry weight of less than the 182 kg of the road version. It’s the first KTM that can go straight from production line to track and is homologated to FIM Superstock regulations.

Not only that, the 1190 RC8 R Track is very sexy - it’s got lovely clean lines, and the white fairing is quite spectacular. The third model presented was the new KTM 990 SM-T with ABS. The other technical characteristics of 115 hp and 193 kg dry weight remain unchanged. Check out all three in the big gallery below.

Continue reading: 2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R Track, 990 SM-T and 125 Duke in pics

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Eicma 2008: KTM 1190 RC8 R

By Alison

At the Eicma in Milan, KTM has presented its new 1190 RC8 R, whose style is all about the ‘ready to race’ philosophy. Performance is up to 1195cc with power at 165hp. The R version is truly brilliant thanks to great response and better riding feel. With a touch of class, it includes Marchesini super-light alloy wheels.

The 1190 RC8 R is perfect for track riding, with its reduced weight and racing elements. The engine is a twin cylinder, 1195cc and uses a bigger oil radiator, updated transmission, and a new central injection system.