Photos Courtesy of KTM.  Photographers:  H. Mitterbauer (Studio photos).  P. Friedl  (Track photo).  R. Schedl  (KTM On-track).

More:  Stefan Nebel named as KTM RC8 test rider (below)

KTM 1190 RC8: Official Superbike premiere in Milan!
KTM first released some computer-generated images of the RC8 in 2005 and although they looked very intriguing, we weren't sure if the images were an in-hour design exercise or if the bike would really be developed.  Well, lo and behold, here it is, two years later, and in almost identical form to the original concept!

KTM, the "leader in the production of sports motorcycles", now celebrates a milestone in the company history with the world premiere of the first ever “Made in Austria” Superbike, the KTM 1190 RC8.  The bike was introduced in November 2007 at the EICMA international motorcycle fair.

KTM CEO Stefan Pierer unveiled the 1190 RC8 on Tuesday, November 6 at 13.00 hours to herald a new era in the company history.  KTM presented the series version of the most elaborate development project ever undertaken by the company, which is at the same time the most powerful series motorcycle ever developed in Austria.

“The RC8 is the perfect embodiment of the collective know-how and the sporting passion of our development teams", he said.  "In addition, they have proven that KTM is capable of pushing through its own model strategy and in doing so, being absolutely true to our clear brand philosophy, also on the road.”

The world’s leading manufacturer of off-road bikes has already proved itself with its innovations and has also caused a sensation with its outstandingly dynamic factory riders on the road racing circuit.  Now KTM takes another crucial step towards having a complete range of unmistakable sports machines.

At the heart of the 1190 RC8 is the completely newly developed supersport two-cylinder based on the well known LC8 range of engines, which, with a top performance of 155 hp and a maximum amount of torque of 120 Nm delivers an overwhelming amount of power to the rider.

A unique light tubular steel frame, highest quality suspension and brake components and unusual technical solutions such as the exhaust positioned under the bike complete the 1190 RC8, which weighs just 200kg with a full tank.  The result is a Superbike that truly lives up to its name in every sense of the word.

With this brand new development, KTM also takes a new direction in the bike’s appearance.  The concept of chief designer Gerald Kiska continues the notion of integrating high quality technology into the bike in a purist and very visible way.

As a genuine KTM, the 1190 RC8 also exhibits its pure motor racing genes even from a distance.  The new KTM Superbike, available in both color variations of orange/black and white/black will be available starting in March of 2008, just in time for the start of the new motorcycle season.  We will post more details as they become available.

Here are some photos of this fantastic-looking machine, and...

...Here's a bonus:  Download this really nice high-res, 6MP photo (.zip format) of the KTM RC8 on track, taken by photographer P. Friedl. It works great as a desktop wallpaper image!  For Windows computers, first save the photo in a folder and unzip it, then right-click on the Desktop and select "Properties".  Select the "Desktop" tab and navigate to the photo and select the photo, then choose "Stretch" and it should cover your Desktop with wall-to-wall action!

KTM RC8 - wBW Lightbox - Click photo to view.