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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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2011 KTM 125 Duke Officially Named

KTM 125 Duke-Race Version

KTM 125 Duke-Stunt Version

KTM has decided what to name its upcoming 125cc naked street bike: the KTM 125 Duke.
The name 125 Duke was selected after months of speculation for the upcoming entry-level streetbike. KTM even held a contest on Facebook to name the new bike. Hopping onto the popularity of the James Cameron movie perhaps, online voters selected the name “Avatar”, as suggested by Alexey Golkin of Russia. KTM decided not to use Avatar for the production model but Golkin will receive his own 125 Duke with personalized graphics.

Originally unveiled at the 2009 EICMA show in Milan, the 125 Duke was developed by the same team behind its older brother, the 690 Duke. The 125 Duke is powered by a liquid-cooled fuel-injected 125cc engine with a claimed output of 15 hp.

KTM displayed two variants of the 125 Duke at EICMA, named “Race” and “Stunt”, hinting that other variations can be produced from the same platform.

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2010 KTM 125 Race

2010 KTM 125 Race

For decades now the sports motorcycle brand from Austria has been engaged in racing series all over the world and by its strong conviction and visible enthusiasm for motorsport has created for itself a unique sporting image. This KTM company philosophy is, without exception, reflected in the series models it produces. The support and promotion of tomorrow’s top riders is also a big KTM tradition. Whether competing in national sport and hobby riding or on the international stage in world championship format; whether on- or offroad, via sports promotional programmes or brand trophies, at KTM, young motorcycle enthusiasts are guaranteed plenty of attention and just the right motorcycle.

In the future, KTM offers the “Ready to Race” young riders the best fun and racing motorcycles and not just for use on closed circuits. As of the autumn of 2009, KTM presents the KTM 125 Project, expanding the Mattighofen, Austria, factory’s engagement in the development of series motorcycles. As well as the model range that includes the “Adventure“, “Supermoto“, “Naked Bike“ and “Superbike“, which has been continually growing since 2003, there is now a sharp focus on the machine for tomorrow’s motorcycle fan and this brings the “125” segment even more sharply into focus. With a new sporty, high quality Naked Bike in the typical KTM design language, the brand enters the segment for 125 motorcycles suitable for registration on the road and in doing so sets new standards. An independent concept within the KTM model palette right from its beginning, the future KTM 125 is conceived by and profits from the enormous know-how of the entire KTM Research and Development Department. In charge of the definition of this package of technology is the same team that has already realized legendary motorcycles like the 690 Duke. Naturally the look of the KTM 125 is a product of the company’s valued partner Kiska Design. This completely new 125 cc generation carries the same conviction and vision for the production of qualitatively the best sports motorcycles and above all stands for one thing: pure riding fun.

2010 KTM 125 Race

Powerful technology

Just as it is for the development of all KTM vehicles, there are clear rules for the KTM 125: as well as a maximum product quality, a purist sporty riding experience stands in the foreground of all production efforts. A minimal weight, best handling and best rideability are the traditional development goals. Not to be forgotten is the powerful engine, 100% developed in Mattighofen, which with 125 ccm displacement ensures plenty of enjoyment. A four valve cylinder head, two overhead camshafts, water cooling and fuel injection means that the basis 11 KW (15 hp) strong 125 cc engine carries all the most modern construction characteristics. As well as an exemplary motor culture, this typical new KTM development promises tingling performance output but at the same time guarantees highly modern levels of fuel consumption and emission characteristics. The motor, which comes in a light, latticed tubular steel frame exhales by way of an innovative exhaust system solution. The perfect KTM chassis solution combines low weight and favourable dimensions with exemplary stability. There have also been no compromises with the high quality suspension elements developed by WP Suspension, the braking system with radial mounted four-piston callipers from premium supplier Brembo and the modern light metal wheels all of which are being used for the KTM 125. The development of the completely new generation of motorcycles therefore delivers all that it has promised to up-and-coming riders. The 125 cc, the exciting Naked Bike “Made in Austria” offers riding fun and all the competence of a full-sized similar machine.

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