Rode the bike at Magny Cours. First time at the track, really nice place. It took me a few session to get used to it and I am not as fast as on my 999R yet (but in a straight line the KTM will annihilate it). What really suprised me was how quick it changes direction, it really suprised me to the point of slowing me down. Got the hang of it by the 4 th session but due to a big crash (not me) the day was cut short. The engine pulls hard in every gear and feels S1000RR quick, even in 6th it revs like the 999 in 4 th. Brakes, like most modern bikes, stunning. Riding it again at Pau Arnos on Monday for a 6 hour VIP day. I know the track well so should be able to test it better.
i dont want to like the KTM, but i sort of cant help it..its not the styling, or the exhaust note, or colours..i think its rather because, a bit like Ducati, their designs dont follow a trend...KTM just say "fekk it", and go their own way..like Ducati, they just dont build generic bikes and i love that. Fair play to you mate, she's a beauty
I disagree, the three RC8's that I've had bodywork has been far better fitted and robust than any of the Dukes. The KTM Powerparts race fairings are second to non in quality and design but at £800ish for the complete set up you'd expect that.
I know what El Toro means, the plastic tanks are REALLY 'plasticy'. I had a mates SD living in my garage for a while - mechanically, they look really nicely designed and finished with some really nice touches. The tank and radiator shrouds looked like a model maker had just formed them out of old cornflake packets to do a mock up :smile: That said, I saw in an 1198R in a showroom recently and would happily have rode it home.
Rode the bike again at Pau-Arnos circuit in the SW France. It's a great little circuit that I like a lot, very hilly and quite physical. Set up for the evening with everything you need to be happy, Bike, Sun, beer and a warm sleeping bag The weather in the morning was fresh but perfect for riding. The bike really is very very good. Same comments apply as per Magny Cours, it turns so well and has massive grunt everywhere. There was a chap there with 2 RC8R tracks! Races in the French PRO Twins championship and told me he has 6000 track and race miles on one with not a single issue. One thing he did, that I will also do, is fit a Bazzaz TC unit, I am just concerned it will spit me off at some point in time.... Looking for the next track day now!
do you what, ive reached an epiphany... if aint got a trellis frame, im simply not interested... what is it about KTM that is so fkn sick??? theyve just got this hooligan thing going on....fkn love it!
