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KTM Planning RC8 Superbike and Venom

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KTM Venom

If you thought the recent KTM offerings have been interesting, wait till you see what’s coming in the next few years. They will be bringing out bikes based around 3 engine platforms, the current 990, the new single cylinder 690 and the not yet released 1190 V-Twin. The 1190 will be used to power the upcoming RC8 Superbike and the Venom, seen recently as a concept and planned for the 2009 model year. It will also find a home in a Travel and Dakar type model. Also on tap is an RC4 Superbike using the 690 engine platform in 2009.

Details were revealed in a leaked report obtained by Motorcycle News. The report shows how KTM has been steadily moving itself from the pure off road market segment to a more all round company, providing road bikes, ATVs and the new X-Bow. If their showrooms weren’t going to be crowded already, the new models will fill any gaps.

Although a bit of a gamble, the multi-line model family will help cushion soft spots in any one segment.

Link: MCN
Related: KTM Introduces ATVs in the U.S.

Posted on Filed Under: Motorcycle Business

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Comments

  1. The excessive straight-line, edges to the KTMs are a bit much for me. Its tough because I like everything else about their bikes.

    The white one above is more tidy than the Aprilia Tuono. Great swingarm

    “…the new single cylinder 690… Also on tap is an RC4 Superbike using the 690 engine platform in 2009.”

    sounds fun.

  2. I think what KTM is doing is fantastic — solid engineering with a unique modern look to differentiate it from the competition. The design (ala the Venom) isn’t for everyone — but it’s great for getting a new product to market though as “early adopters” are the ones who will buy it to be different. Plus remember the European focus of the bike — I bet it will be extremely popular there.

  3. For some reason I have a hard time believing KTM will be releasing the RC4 in the US, especially California. If they do, more power to them; I’d love to see more bikes like that available here. Finally some variation from the run-of-the-mill 600/4’s. I’m still holding out for a BMW/Husky Mito 500.

    -todd