Visordown: KTM RC8 riding impression...

Is the KTM RC8 'Ready to race'? You bet...

From the time we saw the first pictures, we have, somehow, been hugely impressed with the KTM RC8. And like us, we’re sure there’re thousands of people waiting to find out just how good is KTM’s latest, greatest sportsbike. Well, here you are – John Cantlie (Editor, TWO magazine) has gone and ridden an RC8 at the Ascari circuit in Spain, and Visordown have carried his first impressions of the 1190cc, v-twin machine.

‘Having seen both bikes in the flesh, I tell you, you wouldn't even look at the orange paint scheme once you have seen the white one. It's stunning. But both bikes just ooze quality and style,’ says Cantlie. ‘To ride, despite looking all angular and short, the RC8 is actually really roomy. For a tall person like myself, there is plenty of space to move around the bike. When you ride it, the bike feels classy. The suspension has that feel and subtleness that you only get with real quality. It's very impressive,’ he adds.

Can the RC8 take on the 1098? Probably yes...

Pics: Motoblog

Comparing the KTM RC8 to Ducati superbikes, Cantlie says ‘The motor has loads of smooth mid-range, it's surprisingly unvibey, and has a very sophisticated feel about it. It revs out to 10,500rpm and feels like the old Ducati 998R and 996R, with rich v-twin power. It's not a smooth power curve – if you get it to third gear in a wheelie, you can feel the front rise an fall as it goes through the various power curves. It would probably benefit from a Power Commander. But it's fast, exciting and great fun, but not totally hassle free. The brakes are absolutely outrageous, insanely strong.’

‘As a road bike, it's exactly what a superbike needs to be. It's fun, involving and not intimidating at all. But it's still very rapid, even though it doesn't feel it. I found myself doing over 240km/h almost by accident! Compared to the older Ducatis, such as the 998 and 999s, it feels a much more sophisticated bike,’ concludes Cantlie.

So, yes, it does indeed look like the KTM RC8 will live up to the hype. We can’t wait for the full road test and a shootout between the RC8 and its competition from Japan, Italy and Germany!

The RC8 is good, but it isn't the quickest, fastest KTM ever. This is!

Also see:
Motociclismo's Bimota DB7 road test
Noré Sébastien: Airbrush magician for your bike!
The amazing BMW HP2 Sport...
Dannii Minogue likes motorcycles but bikers would rather have Angelina Jolie ride with them!
Japan-only, race-spec Fireblades and CBR600RRs...
Blast from the past: Honda CB1100R once more!
Face off: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R vs Yamaha R1!

External links:
Motorcycle USA: Ducati 1098R first ride...

Riding hard on the track? See these riding tips from Ron Haslam before you open that throttle! Cruising on the street? These 50 tips from Motorcycle Cruiser magazine are handy...

And here's tennis ace Maria Sharapova, on the Harley she recently won at the Qatar Open!