2011 KTM 1198 RC8 R Track

2011 KTM 1198 RC8 R

We told KTM when we rode the 1198 RC8 R that it was the perfect bike for the track. Agile steering, gobs of v-twin power, sure-footed suspension…there really wasn’t anything more we could ask from the Austrian manufacturer (except maybe a price reduction and a free puppy with every purchase). Someone at KTM must have agreed with our sentiments, because the Ready to Race firm has taken that mantra to the next level with the 2011 KTM 1198 RC8 R Track, it’s ready to race incarnation of the KTM 1198 RC8 R.

We leaked photos of the bike earlier this weekend, but now we have the juicy hi-res goodness that you’ve been waiting for. FIM Superstock legal, the 2011 KTM 1198 RC8 R Track makes 180hp with the included Akrapovic EVO exhaust system (up 13hp from the road-legal 1198 RC8 R). The 1198 RC8 R Track also includes a new air filter, a thinner head gasket, and a revised engine map for race use, which help make additional power for race usage.

2011 KTM 1198 RC8 R

Obviously everything street-related has been removed from the 2011 KTM 1198 RC8 R Track, making the bike even lighter than the svelte road version. The wiring harness has been re-worked with dismantling in-mind, which every track day enthusiast will enjoy while wrenching from the pits. Choked full with other goodies from the KTM racing catalog (footpegs, pads, seat, rear-stand, etc), the 2011 KTM 1198 RC8 R Track could command a healthy price tag, but with European pricing starting somewhere between €17,000 and €18,000, pricing here in the States could be as low as $17,000.

2011 KTM 125 Duke

2011 KTM 125 Duke

2011 is set to become a very special year for young motorcycle enthusiasts. World famous for its fascinating sport bikes, KTM launches its first road-legal 125 – the 125 Duke. Available as of spring 2011, the idea behind the new bike is clear at first sight: true riding fun thanks to fully-fledged motorcycle technology.

2011 KTM 125 Duke

KTM offering a road-legal 125 for the first time – the 125 Duke. The new model will go on sale in the spring 2011, and while KTM has yet to announce an official price, they did promise that it would be affordable. They also predicted that this may just be your "first fast love."

Like no other brand, KTM represents a highly enjoyable riding experience, generated by concepts that always have put a strong focus on the dynamism of each model: light weight by omitting all non-essential parts; precision, achieved by modern designs and the use of only the best quality components; power thanks to strong, lightweight sports engines second to none; a unique style resulting from bold looks and an unmistakable design philosophy.

These very same capabilities and features form the foundation of the 125 Duke. Building on them, and led by the very same engineers that have brought superior sports bikes like the Duke and Superduke to the tarmac, the KTM design center has now developed the future 125 cc benchmark.

2011 NEW KTM RC8 R

2011 NEW KTM RC8 R

The 2011 KTM RC8 R with a bevy of eye-catching color schemes (see the drool-worthy gallery after the jump), but has also taken it upon itself to upgrade the Austrian bullet with an additional 7hp or so, bringing the RC8 R’s final total up to 175hp (torque gets a modest increase of 1.5 lbs•ft, totaling in at 93.6 lbs•ft).

Installing a new crankshaft, heavier flywheel, and dual-plug ignition, KTM hopes that the new 2011 KTM RC8 R will not only be more powerful than its predecessor, but also smoother and easier to ride. We found the 2010 KTM RC8 R to be one of the best bikes we’ve ever ridden on the track (we are partial to v-twins though), so the idea that the 2011 KTM RC8 R will build upon an already exceptional package tickles our fancy quite a bit.

2011 NEW KTM RC8 R

Also new for the KTM RC8 R in 2011 is a refined color scheme that uses KTM’s famous orange kit as more of a highlight than dominate color. Basing the bike in either matte black or shiny white finishes, the 2011 KTM RC8 R might be the best looking RC8 to hit the streets yet. But if you’re looking for a real track weapon, may we suggest the 2011 KTM RC8 R Track, which has 180hp in total, and none of the lights, signals, emission concerns of the street-going version. It’s also rumored to be priced cheaper than the 2011 KTM RC8 R too.

KTM 990 Adventure Dakar

KTM 990 Adventure Dakar

The 990 Adventure Dakar will feature a blue and orange paint, Dakar graphics, standard engine protection bars and much more. We do not have any details on the bike’s specifications yet, but considering the new Dakar rally regulation require a 450cc engine, expect nothing else from KTM

KTM is set to unveil at this year’s EICMA Show a new motorcycle that will confirm the German maker’s domination at "The Dakar rally". Called 990 Adventure Dakar the new motorcycle is not however a replacement for the current KTM 450 Rally and will not be raced in Argentina and Chile, but it does show that KTM is indeed a maker that can do amazing things.

Stay with us, we’ll have full details for you next week when EICMA Show begins. KTM announced a few other goodies for this year show, including the 450 Rally that will indeed compete in both Argentina and Chile rally.