Ducati Monster Forum

2010 KTM RC8 R: MD First Ride.  I'd like to see this bike compared to the Ducati 1198S
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/18november09_ktmrc8r.htm (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/18november09_ktmrc8r.htm)
(http://www.motorcycledaily.com/111809bottom.jpg)

"It's meant for Racers both real, as in competitive and imagined, i.e. regular guys who spend their weekends and their paychecks on track days".  :D



KTM 2010 RC8R (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOkrEO9OFk4#normal)

Link didn't work:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/18november09_ktmrc8r.htm (http://www.motorcycledaily.com/18november09_ktmrc8r.htm)

Cool bike!

Check out the latest issue of Two Magazine.  They did a side by side comparison of the RC8, the 1198S, the MV Agusta 312RR and the Aprilia RSV4.  It was actually a pretty interesting read, and I'll go ahead and leave you in suspense as to who won the shootout.

Oh Susan Carpenter...

Titanium coated frame?

Sooo why is this not being entered into WSBK??

because ktm are a bunch of vags that've been all talk for about the last three years or so (starting with "hey mr roberts, let's help you out with a motor deal.... NOT!!!"  [roll]

True, however they did race it in World Superstock in 2008.  [thumbsup]

and 09

Our dish box broke (our third one in the last two months), so I've been re-watching "The Long Way 'Round" on DVD.  I was reminded last night about KTM's ethics.

What was wrong with KTM's ethics in "The Long Way Round".  I read the book, but didn't see the movie.  I don't remember KTM being involved in their adventure.

They weren't. They were supposed to be, but they didn't think they'd make it, specifically thru Russia, and pulled out. Enter BMW.

I don't know if it was an ethics thing though. More of a bad choice on their part, as BMW got great exposure.

KTM ethics are demonstrated in the Red Bull Rookies Cup (I think that was the series they left hanging).

Yes, the US series not the Euro series.

I remember that part.  Charlie really wanted to ride KTM's (I think because they were lighter and were impressive in Paris-to-Dakar racing), but BMW stepped up and offered a lot more while KTM wasn't offering anything.  When I read that part I just thought KTM was a smaller company and didn't have the resources of BMW or maybe BMW just saw the potential for good publicity and KTM didn't.  I definitely didn't think KTM did anything wrong in not supplying bikes.

I don't think it was some ethical issue, but KTM just didn't want to sponsor them.. The way I read it was that KTM thought they had 0 experience in this type of riding and were not good riders in general. That was 100% true.. I think they didn't want the bad press when Charlie and Ewan failed.. Bad call on their part. BMW got great press for LWR even though they cracked frames and broke tons of crap.

KTM seems to be a little cagey about their product exposure.. Must be an Austrian thing..

I read the book a couple years ago, so I don't remember the details.  In the show at least, they gave the impression that KTM was going to be a sponsor, then they changed their minds.  Sound anything like Kenny Roberts GP team, WSBK, and Red Bull Rookies Cup?

I loved the show and ended up liking the two guys enough, but I thought they were kinda being pricks about the sponsor stuff. I mean, quit whining about KTM not giving you free bikes and go out and buy a couple. Frikkin' Hollywood culture.

Yeah, Ewan even admitted to the camera that they didn't deserve free bikes, and that it was a lot to ask for.  Still, if somebody says they are going to sponsor you, and you makes plans based on that, it would be nice if they follow through.

it's was about one offering a lot more than the other, it was about one offering something and the other not offering anything at all (even the bikes).