Surprisingly favorable reviews on both street and track. KTM really seem to have gotten it right their first time out, although the design is certainly not for everyone, with its extremely angular lines.
I think it looks great. Wonder what the maintenance is gonna be like? Seems the euro bikes take allot to keep running right unlike my Honda!
Wonder if they are going to put an 848 type unit out?
SBK is going to be interesting next year or two with BMW, Aprilla, KTM and Buell (doubt they will but it would be cool to have an american bike out there!)?
I'll take the one in silver and black. They say in that article that the price point will be lower than a 1098 but power, handling is aimed at the 1098s, the bike I was going to buy. I want to wait on the Aprilia V4, but it will be hard waiting any longer. I'm really liking this KTM.
I like it from every angle but the front. I LOVE the Aprilia from every angle if it stays looking like the early pictures. I still think the 848/1098 is better looking though and seems to get very positive reviews in every aspect I don't need open class power so I'm probably still leaning toward an 848 unless Aprilia brings out a middleweight V4.
...dude you ride an offroad bike with slicks, 1/2 the weight of a GS, double the suspension, with a browning 50 cal going off 32" from your skull as a daily freaking driver - I'd expect anything except a nitro dragbike to be bland by comparison - SSG
I wonder if that exhaust gives a hot-foot? Looks like it exits just above the right foot.
Good lookin' bike.
Just below right foot?
...dude you ride an offroad bike with slicks, 1/2 the weight of a GS, double the suspension, with a browning 50 cal going off 32" from your skull as a daily freaking driver - I'd expect anything except a nitro dragbike to be bland by comparison - SSG
They have one at a local dealer. It is sexy, much moreso in person than in the pics.
The orange is kinda funky, but I like it. It's semi-gloss in areas, and shiny metallic in others like the 990s.
If I was in the market for a twin sportbike, it'd be very tempting.
"It's not debt per se that overwhelms an individual, corporation, or country. Rather, it is the continuous increase in debt in relation to income that causes trouble." --Warren Buffett
My local KTM dealer is also a Duc dealer so they only carry the KTM dirtbikes so as to not piss off their Duc distributor (their words). They said they will order any KTM that someone wants but only with full price up-front so my chances of seeing one in person is pretty slim.
...dude you ride an offroad bike with slicks, 1/2 the weight of a GS, double the suspension, with a browning 50 cal going off 32" from your skull as a daily freaking driver - I'd expect anything except a nitro dragbike to be bland by comparison - SSG
For 20 bones, I don't know if I like it more than a 1098S.
Yep, that is the question.
In some ways I actually prefer the looks of the Katoom and I love their orange, but aftermarket support is so much better for the established and proven Duck...no Ohlins forks either.
"It's not debt per se that overwhelms an individual, corporation, or country. Rather, it is the continuous increase in debt in relation to income that causes trouble." --Warren Buffett
Here's what Ken Hill had to say about it on one of the Ducati forums:
Having ridden an RC8 and a bunch of other twins, here are a few comments from a track ride:
The KTM had a weird riding position, very sport touring or even like a dirt bike, high bars, low pegs. The pegs were set to the highest position on the one I rode.
Good power, but not great, obviously less than a 1098, about the same as the 1125R, maybe less low-mid than the Buell but more top end, but not by much. Tons of vibration. Abrubt throttle response.
The transmission on the one I rode shifted well, but popped out of gear a few times...I talked with the owner since then and he said it is better via some adjustments.
Chassis worked pretty well, great brakes, great front end feel and fork action. The rear felt really soft and low. I'm sure that could be adjusted out. The erogonomics held it back for me...Gas tank shape was weird.
I think the RC8.1 will be great. This is KTMs first sport bike and as such is less refined. I think it speaks well of them that it is this good on version 1.
If everything tastes like chicken..... what does chicken taste like
Thanks for the links, Serial. I didn't know the Katoom has fully adjustable ergos. That's pretty slick. I'd be real interested if the fueling issues weren't so bad. (I already think the fiddyfo's is touchy.)
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Originally Posted by Repeater
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