2013 Ktm Sx 250 F on 2040-motos

Moto blog

EICMA 2012: KTM 690 Duke R Brings Out Your Inner Hooligan

The biggest news from KTM at the 2012 EICMA Show was the unveiling of the new 390 Duke and a prototype of the upcoming 1290 Super Duke R. In between these small and large naked bikes, KTM announced a new R-spec version of its middleweight 690 Duke. The 690 Duke was introduced in 2007 and received a substantial update last year with a 690cc engine claiming 67 hp, leading KTM to call it the world’s most powerful Single in a production model.

KTM RC8R: The first month

First impressions are everything so the gearbox niggles on the first RC8s meant I didn’t become an instant fan. There was never a problem for normal road riding but when the pace was increased on track days false neutrals were found and gears were missed. Ironically I might have been able to help here as KTM signed me up for pre-production shakedown testing before I got sidelined with appendicitis.

Splashing through the summer on my RC8R

For sure the wet summer has curtailed my intentions of using my RC8R at every opportunity. That said I've had a fair amount mixed weather track time around the UK which has helped me bond with the big KTM. I've found riding at tighter twistier tracks like Oulton and Knockhill are more satisfying as the low down grunt and quick handling means you can stay with pretty much anything.