Is The KTM RC8R The Best 1000cc Superbike Ever?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

How many people have gone onto eBay for a look? 😂

[@127069]

In about 10 minutes!

[@NickThake]

You can buy mine if you want Chris 🤣 Such a great bike. I’ve got a 2014 final edition. Epic bike! Great review, hopefully you’ve added some value on to mine 😉

[@paul.vanhout57]

I am a fool and sold my 2011 in 2017 - regret it to this day☹️. Without doubt, a very road worthy sport bike and an enjoyable track day bike for my “normal” skills.

[@tommo3204]

Yup 😂 Would like to see you go out on that buell bott thing he’s got next never heard of it before but looks smart

[@ChloeV-c3d]

Had a 2010 RC8R, traded it towards a panigale V4..... I have to say I found the RC8R waaaaaay more engaging and fun to ride, the V4 has performance but it lacks that certain feel. If I could have it back I really would.

[@pauln6803]

This is still the only superbike with fully adjustable ergonomics to date. Why other manufacturers haven't cottoned on to the simple mounting points and spacers is beyond me.

[@musguelha14]

GSX-Rs had adjustable rear sets mounts from factory on older models. But honestly, most people never even adjust the adjustable stuff. Even the basic stuff like brake/clutch/shift levers is never adjusted. It's the first thing I do when I get a new bike.

[@motorjack141]

My 2013/14 rsv4 factory has adjustable engine mounting to the frame. But non adjustable rearsets.

[@Naptownstreetsquid]

​@@musguelha14so did zx10r 4th gen for sure

[@ODGreenZa]

The chasis on this bike is what makes it. Handles so well. Loves a bend and provides heaps of confidence

[@jvbphotos]

the chassis is absolutely superb. makes 150mph feel like a dawdle. stupendous under braking into corners. unflappable even if you downshift into first and skitter about.

[@flyaroundyourfire]

Chris’ body language is enough to show how much he likes this bike

[@SB-bu5fq]

Good observation 👍 lol

[@riccardo-nr4]

He doesn’t like this bike. He adores this bike ❤

[@dukabear2640]

@@riccardo-nr4 The channel - like countless others - exists to enable companies large and small to increase profits. He’s a nice guy who knows his stuff but don’t lose sight of reality

[@riccardo-nr4]

@@dukabear2640 you are pushing through an open door with me. That’s where I come from and I have always appreciated Chris competence and objectivity.

[@marioturkalj1239]

The way you talk about RC8.....that is how I feel about my RSV Mille.Pure riding expirience and joy. Great video.😎

[@jvbphotos]

so i stumbled across this machine in the background of the new fancy film for the forthcoming 990rcr. i said to myself “what the f*** is that thing? it’s epic?” fast forward three months, and i’ve had a 2014 RC8R for two months. it’s legitimately hilarious. it won’t appeal to every rider - the shakes and rattles and noise and HOLY GOODNESS that unending, unearthly wall of torque - but if you’re attracted to a truly analog twin superbike (news flash, first grail was an RC51 sp2… now it’s a 1299 superleggera) there is literally zero substitute. and if you want to genuinely SHOCK a ktm dealership, rock up on one of these. it’s easily the sickest bike i will probably ever own and i couldn’t be happier with it. note: jet makes an up QS… which is fitted to mine. it’s recalcitrant, difficult, it hates low speeds, the throttle is twitchy, it’s louder than god’s farts, and it has a pure austrian heart of gold. fast as ever-living s*** too. that power figure fools a lot of literbike riders. 😎

[@paulred158]

I had one (non R model) for a bit, it was an event to ride. It looked and sounded amazing but I’ll be honest it was just too raw for me and the fuelling was super abrupt. Swapped it for an RSV Mille R which was much less “ I’m going to kill you if you don’t focus” The RC8 remains one of the best designs out there, I actually prefer the original matte orange (looks wise) as you can see the origami body work more easily. Special machine and a great video. Always a pleasure watching Chris give a bike the ride they deserve.

[@retroracer6518]

@@paulred158 before RC8 (not R) I had Rsv Mille R’02. I thought RC8 would be much more aggressive. But I found these two bikes very similar. And surprised that older Aprilia had better handling, braking, more willing and easier to cut curves and lighter. And RSV was more aggressive and frightened me more. After RSV, KTM seemed to me much more friendly. But for truth, RSV was tuned by previous Japanese owner for racing.

[@paulred158]

@@retroracer6518 it was the snatchy fuelling that was the problem on mine , the rsvR mille was just so linear and confidence inspiring, now riding a gen 1 tuono racing and it’s a weapon (a very comfortable weapon) I love this era of bikes. As I’m sure you do too :)

[@jvbphotos]

@@paulred158it is snatchy as hell. for sure. one gets a bit clenched in low-speed tight corners in first. 😵‍💫🤣

[@Showmetheevidence-]

This channel deserves so many more views than it currently has...

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

@@Showmetheevidence- Thanks, we’re also a TV show in the UK and in over 100 countries. Could always do with more KZbin followers though.

[@jonno94]

​@@BikeWorldTVshow I live in the UK and have never seen the show on TV, which channel is it shown on?

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

@@jonno94 We're on a couple of channels, next episode is on Saturday night at 10pm SKY channel 420, it's free to view on what's usually a subscription channel. Plus, SKY channel 186 every Monday a 7pm. Cheers

[@jonno94]

@@BikeWorldTVshow Thanks, i will check it out 👍

[@Balafoutre]

The only motorcycle that is a sculpture on 2 wheels....!!! Apart the 916 ( and I know its a bold statement)....this is a, from a design point of view...., unique!!! Absolutely unique!!!

[@Emily-ou6lq]

Ah yea, the bike that got copied off of the HONDA NR750.

[@lolbruah]

My first large VTwin Bike was the 1190 Adventure. It was just a slightly heavier Supermoto with 150 HP out of that sweet LC8. The thing was so nimble on the Austrian Mountainrodes that you could just could conduct it effortlessly through the corners by just the handle bars. Unfortunately had a slipper clutch so it needed the rear break to slide it into the corner. Sometimes I miss her ;D At that time a lot of RC8‘s got shredded around here since a lot of „heroes“ went out and about with it. It‘s still a race bike, which needs a proper hand and good tyres at the right temps.

[@Rmp9927]

Rode one back in 2013 and thought was most comfortable sport bike I've ridden lots of fun to ride as well.

[@touiederosas2013]

Spot on! Very very comfy.

[@tubemunkytoast7760]

I love my earlier RC8, suspension needed sorting out for the road (way too stiff for bumpy roads) but the engine is stonking, love the mid range grunt. Despite some injuries it’s still comfortable for a sports bike, I can’t see myself changing it for a long time.

[@sn00pgreen]

to be perfectly honest this is how I regard all KTMs..they seem to get a lot of hate, usually from people who don't ride them and don't "get" the KTM thing

[@dmandhelen]

I absolutely love riding over the Strines ...one of my favorite roads ...i can tell by how many bikes you ride on here you love it too ..great choice ..!!

[@luddite6239]

It's rare for a manufacturer to enter a market and get the product right first time, but I think KTM did it with the RC8R. It's a shame the factory didn't develop it and field a WSBK team.

[@hexagonosaurus5848]

The RC8 was a flop at launch. S1K is a much better example of your statement.

[@michaelmckenna2882]

Awesomeness on two wheels. I wanted one when they came out and still do! If only I could find a mint example. Thanks for bringing us this series Chris and Bike World.

[@markg_r1751]

I test rode one in 2009 after sitting on one at the NEC and loving how it looked and how surprisingly comfortable it was, also sat on an 1198 ( I think) and wanted to get straight back off it! Hugely underrated bike

[@andrewprice1189]

Dream rides are my favourite videos on this channel. Chris always brings over how bikes make him feel so well

[@wiwwee1]

Loved both of mine. (Totalled one on track and bought another) I do get everything he is saying. The Chassis is sublime. Way the RC8(R) power slides without getting too sideways is a special feeling. And it's a superbike that suits tall people. I am 196cm (6'5) and the RC8 had the best rider ergonomics of any superbike on the market. ❤❤❤❤

[@cecilwilson5442]

Great video you bring an awful lot of experience and enthusiasm to this series with of course James for letting you ride the awesome bikes ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ from northern Ireland

[@djwozzawoz]

Always been a Favourite...I've got a 640 LC4 supermoto. Animal.

[@Dailyrider94]

Chris can make me excited for bikes i never even had interest in before lol.

[@owenarmstrong201]

If they had put the 1290 engine in it, I would still have one today. The chassis was amazing. Only bike I've ever regretted selling.

[@duncandehulst2016]

Chris is the best dude ever, whatever bike you bring, he will find something he likes 😂

[@magellanicspaceclouds]

I'm really curious what he would like about a giant Harley bagger. 😆

[@duncandehulst2016]

@@magellanicspaceclouds the slowness 🫣

[@barryvercueil2346]

My All time favorite bike. Thank you for the awesome video. Cheers

[@Motorhead225]

Same reason I love my gen 1 tuono 😮

[@LushmanGB]

I own a 1st gen rc390 and I love it for similar reasons you mention except it does need more power. I have modified the suspension so it is more adjustable and upsets a few big bikes on track. I also own a 1990 Fzr1000r Exup. You need to ride one of these. It was my dream bike thanks to Performance bikes magazine back in 1990.

[@scotwilson4169]

Love it, my kind of riding as well, absolutely love finding some back roads with a few crests where you can just loft the front wheel a bit and feel like a hooligan, as well as some open corners you can see around. Generally theyll be a 60 as well so dont even have to break the speed limit by much (if at all) to have loads of fun, with loads of visibilty to see traffic. I'd say I've matured massively since I started riding, dont take unnecessary risks or make stupid mistakes because I'm always thinking ahead, but safe doesn't mean slow by any means😎 Just thankful I matured as a rider by close calls and my dad pointing out the atupid shit I was doing instead of the hard way

[@davew8841]

I had a white, 2008 RC8 several years ago...and it was hard to get along with. A gorgeous machine, with that full titanium exhaust and various carbon fibre panels and fenders, it had a throttle response like a light switch. On or off. I have fond memories of the 2000 R1 I once owned, that had the most linear throttle I've ever experienced. I would try to gel with that RC8 for 2 years, before selling it and getting an MT01 with Over Racing pipes. Not much go, but what a sound!😏👌 They say you shouldn't meet your heroes because you may be disappointed. True...but, better than never knowing.

[@FinolaShaw-mi1vr]

Own 2014 1290r v1 since nearly new and totally agree ...those early bikes with mcwilliams having some input felt like they had been built by and for people who could ride to have a real giggle on. Sad to see whats going on recently.

[@superdukerandy]

I had a RC8R Race Spec for a few track seasons. Loved that bike.

[@jvbphotos]

i bet that was both an handful and also hysterically fun.

[@dawn-moon]

After my 690DukeR, I went for an 1190Adventure R, wanted more offroad, but I was afraid it would want to wheelie any more, haha, was I wrong, even in the big adventure, that engine was still bonkers. I've never ridden an RC8R, but to me it's also still the most stunning bike ever build by KTM. Especially in Orange/White. I can't imagine having that engine in the light chassis, those raw analog like KTM's are pure emotion machines.

[@andy198712]

Absolute nail on the head on so many points!!

[@JonMurray]

Awesome lads. I remember seeing one for the first time thinking, yup. Checks out. That is definitely a KTM superbike hahah! Another bike you can tell how much you genuinely love. Top work mate.

[@chriswalker8378]

I remember seeing 1 when they first came out bright orange & totally different to anything else, great

[@urbanstrencan]

Chris this bike is legendary RC8R Akrapovič you should ride it to Slovenia to Akrapovič factory ❤❤❤, can't wait to see you riding it's 2024 version ❤❤❤. Great video keep up with great work bringing us videos like this 🤟🤟🤟

[@Tommyweston]

I had a test ride of the RC8 when it came out and I wish I had traded in my R6 for it now but I wasn't ready for the extra power. I remember the handling was fantastic and it had loads of torque 👍

[@boostaholic7116]

I'm 53 grown up numerically but never mentally still a child who thinks wheelie's are big and clever! 🤣🤣🔥🔥

[@Blinp182]

I am 49 and think exactly the same.

[@AceNZ1964]

Thanks Chris What a great bike, Just your description tells me this bike would be at the top of the heap for me as well. Cheers from New Zealand

[@Pepo-1969]

My Aprilia Mille did 75.000km with no issues, miss that bike so much!

[@Pmason718]

I own this bike. I bought it brand new in 2013 and I won’t sale it. I have a 2020 Duke 1290 GT and the Duke 200.

[@neodurden6793]

Keep it, it will become a collector !

[@tonymarcella13]

What about 1098/1198? Pretty similar as also trellis framed. Great vid as always!

[@10secondsrule]

Its like comparing Ferrari with Lamborghini both are great for different reasons.

[@jayfilmer2594]

One of my favourites as well. But alas, i cant afford to run two bikes. If i could, this beast would be in my top 3 for sure

[@red.riot.2280]

Beautiful bike. Always wanted one. But my very Ktm is my 23 super adventure and man… I love that v-twin…

[@1armenduro]

I've got a 2nd Gen Tuono factory that's converted to be ridden one handed...... now that thing puts a smile on my face every time I take it out! It can be a handful with two hands but with one....... well I'll let you imagine 😂 Absolutely love a thumping V-twin! P.s. you're welcome to have a ride on it anytime buddy! 👍🏻💪🏻

[@niallodriscoll3399]

Awesome review as ever, Chris. The bike that not only myself but I'm sure many other avid viewers of yours would like for you to road test, is the kawasaki zx9r E1/E2 or one of the later F models as these are arguably the best. It's not really defined as a dream ride, but most definitely is an underrated unsung hero compared to its litre bike brethren of the time. There only seems to be one recent professional review on KZbin of the E1 model, which is an epic video, but it would be great for you to get your hands on one and provide your honest and professional opinion on the machine...

[@aleokyn5757]

This pure beast, no such electronic helping like today sbk

[@henrymarkstewart1067]

Know what you mean about a Vtwin that doesnt Imitate an in-line 4. Had my Blade now for 1yr and despite the power and speed there’s something missing compared to my last bike which was a 5th gen VFR800FI and my full Micron shoe SV650S before that. Considering an SV1000S or FireStorm for that V-twin character but not sure what’s going to be best or if another VFR would be the obvious answer (with a Delkavic!)?

[@robertmaitland09]

I lusted after one of these back in the day but the only thing i could afford to come away from the KTM dealership was an orange toaster.

[@StoatLoxley]

The guy who owned my local bike shop had an embargo on buying these. The 990 engine that was so good on the adventure, didnt pan out on the RC. In the UK only a handful of people brought these because a R1 is so much better.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Imagine.... a 1390 engine in an RC8R chassis, with cable throttle, zero aids, zero nannies, just down to your own ability to twist it and put the power down.

[@Pmason718]

I own the bike and a 1290 Duke. All the RC8R needs is a quick shifter from the factory.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I sampled the engine the RC8R had, but in the 1190 ADV guise. That motor had pretty wild stomp. The 1350cc version would be wild, without all the electronic nannies.

[@Captndarty]

I had a 13 RC8 and 05ZX 10. I loved the RC8. Oddly it had better brakes, better ergonomics, and better throttling than the ninja. Were the KTM shined was It was a proper bar bike where you could rev it, make incredible noise and took it around at 30 to 50 mile an hour range whilst torquing monster wheelies. However, anything over 6000 RPM it was a paint shaker and I couldn’t imagine racing this thing on a track compared to my ZX 10.

[@retroracer6518]

Just bought RC8' 09 😍😍😍

[@brianrobinson9979]

This is one of my dream bikes too. My first bike was a 2002 Suzuki SV650S and I could keep up with liter bikes in the back roads of southern California it was a blast. I ended up trading that in for a 2007 Yamaha R6R, and I loved the high revving high speed 4 banger too. I'm trying to choose my next bike now after 14 years of not being able to afford a bike, I'm trying to choose between RC51 RC8R 05/06 GSX-R 1000 And CBR1000RR (06-07 OR 12-16)

[@leooneill1693]

So now that you've ridden a multitude of the older sports bikes, do you have a favorite, or ranking for the top 3?

[@henrymarkey6940]

wish still had mine sold it 3years ago had it from new

[@NoisyBoy04]

I sat on one but didn't rode it unfortunately but this bike sounds grumpy so good ❤️

[@Rocketboy-qg6ts]

How do you compare it with the beast Superduke R Chris?

[@topperharley6731]

Yip would love one of these in the garage

[@GregOwens-vh4se]

That is one good looking bike I prefer the 08 all orange one.

[@elvulch2710]

I love my RC8R.

[@sahilbalmiki813]

I will choose this bike over any other bike in the world ❤. It's A Pure Emotion Machine 😻

[@JMyers6T4]

I was just thinking about these and how I was surprised there hadn’t been a dream ride on one.

[@leedavidson7314]

Nice bike look awesome in blue and redbull graphics

[@per1th794]

You need to get out on that sxv 550 he’s got

[@nunyabizness9885]

Any chance you have a Buell 1125 kicking around for Chris to test? It and the 1100 hypermotard are two bikes that brought out my inner hooligan every ride

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

The 1100 hyper is one of our favourite bikes, I used to ride into London on one every day, best commuter bike ever. Al 😂

[@abstractspaces8186]

Chuck a TFT dash on and it would still be perfect today.

[@tomdavison46]

Strines is a wild road 😂 can tell Chris secretly wanted a supermoto on there too

[@eikeljanuss]

I had the rc8 none R and it was the best handling track bike i had but the normal rc8 was way underpowerd imo.

[@pauln6803]

I have the twin spark revision R and it could do with a bit more power. But it's one of those deceptive bikes. I stepped straight off an 03 RSV-R (last of the chunky Milles) and the sensation of speed was greater on the Mille, despite the KTM having a dyno measured 36hp advantage and lighter weight.

[@Hugo_WP]

Awesome bike 🙌🏻 love the big v-twins 🔥

[@Jerbartolo]

Is there a 04/05 ZX-10R C1 in the background? Have a go on that!

[@nickrider5220]

Nicely said Chris - a great bike 😎

[@perryburns6515]

I'm the same Chris, always had the chubbs for the RC8. But have heard a number of mechanical horror stories. Topped by one this Saturday from an ex owner who spent thousands a couple of times only to move it on after excess smoke started coming out the exhaust for a third time! Don't know about you but I don't have the money or time to deal with that

[@JDeezle21]

Chris if I had the money I honestly would buy you one and hopefully you would make a bunch of videos of it

[@jhollisf4senna]

Those look like KTech fork internals?

[@jack14kd]

When u gonna take the v4 superleggera out chris

[@mochabear88]

ty

[@terrycrawford1982]

Very nice bike. Never took off that model.

[@AnythingEvil78]

I could have bought one of these for peanuts when the dealer was running them out, been regretting not buying it for the last 10 years or so as they never pop up for sale second hand (in Australia)

[@williamfischer3990]

Let’s be honest bike guys like you are I we never really grow up, because still have one of the childest hobbies ever.

[@martinhughes9769]

Watching this at 630😊 very interesting, didn't know anything about this particular bike , Like the idea of a kTM ?? Reliability ?? And maintenance costs 😢, Great video 👍 .

[@916chidori]

Toppling the 1199...Whoa.

[@Nekminute]

We need a RC13R

[@antonios2846]

Fantastic video!

[@TheINDIAN]

When this bike was launched it had a sound way too close to a Britten V1000 and I always thought that KTM would buy the rights to build a 1290 KTM Britten V1000 both as a road version and a track bike. It would be nice if that happens.

[@eddieman8350]

He needs to do an overview on the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450

[@marksmit8112]

Dont know about that, think I will stick to the RSV4

[@Blazemon9999]

I wish we had a bike specialist here

[@theCycleReport]

best sportbike ever made. Love any lc8 bike.

[@hexagonosaurus5848]

Oh no its not 😂 You only understand how bad these are when you ride it back to back with something Jap/Italian.

[@Fearless154]

I never found myself to like this bike; it the gearbox feels clunky and the bike has a very specific riding style it demands from the rider. Contrary to Chris, I actually prefer Ducati V2s. I remember testing both 1098r and RC8r, and Ducati felt so much better in every aspect.

[@BoomerZ.artist]

Love these videos. But man do those roads look thin and bumpy as shit.

[@DucRiderNL]

I like it, but prefer the more spartan 998R.

[@scotteastham505]

The reason I own one.

[@JD2ndcity]

Akra what? Marche what?

[@jonomasonILoveU]

I love kTm😁.

[@ChiefEngineer-J]

Can someone tell me how it sits?, im 182cm. Can i do a 4 hour drive without dying?

[@ChiefEngineer-J]

Nvm, i checked what insurance was on one of theese💀

[@martinfisker7438]

I think the LC8 is as reliable as it gets on an orange bike

[@GregOwens-vh4se]

This is the one that got away from. If I had to the dealership 1 hour earlier.

[@jeremycanning8934]

Does it come with chocolate cams

[@kj385]

Give it up, Troll. This has nothing to do with that!

[@BikeWorldTVshow]

We get comments like this on every KTM vid now.

[@jeremycanning8934]

@@kj385 still makes me laugh. Had two new KTM's both where a pile of it. Moved on to Triumph, no regrets.

[@kj385]

@@jeremycanning8934 have 5 KTMs and one Husky(KTM). No issues with any of them.

[@tonyjourneyman1944]

@@BikeWorldTVshow yeah, it's not good that it's becoming a dominant theme for them. Hopefully that can get past this. All they need to do is look after customers with issues, and I think they can.

[@sc2320]

nice 👍🏻🔥💯💪🏻