FIRST LOOK I 2023 KTM RC 8C
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2023 I KTM RC 8C
T
he sharpest tool in KTM's road-go-
ing arsenal just got sharper. KTM's
RC 8C, now in its second itera-
tion, will retail for a handsome $39,599
and is the only purpose-built road-racing
motorcycle available today from a major
manufacturer.
Running the 889cc paral-
lel-twin motor and a chassis closely
based off the Kramer GP2 we raced
here, the 2022 RC 8C gets new titanium
conrods, inlet and exhaust valves and a
higher compression ratio. A new airbox
and new two-ring pistons have been
fitted, and a new titanium exhaust from
Akrapovic saves a claimed 2.2 pounds.
The suspension itself has been
revised. Running a WP Apex Pro 7643
closed-cartridge 43mm fork and WP
Apex Pro 7746 shock, KTM and WP have
made the base settings softer to allow for
more pitch under braking and to have a more
compliant ride over rough track surfaces.
Hauling the RC 8C is a similarly high-spec
braking system. Brembo provides the exqui-
