Ktm Rocks Milan!

KTM ROCKS MILAN!

ROUNDUP

KTM IS PUSHING HARD to assert itself as one of the big players in every facet of the powersports business. Dirtbikes are covered, quads have been added, and there is even a

car. Finally, at Milan, KTM unveiled its allnew 1190 RC8 Superbike. Based on the concept shown at Tokyo in 2003, this machine uses the second-generation version of the 75degree, liquid-cooled, fourvalve V-Twin. Displacement is now 1148cc, with output of the EFI-equipped mill pegged at a claimed 155 horsepower. An elegant tubular spaceframe cradles a 4.1-gallon fuel tank, while the angular styling is unmistakably KTM. Claimed dry weight is just 419 pounds. Like other KTM models, the 1190 is equipped with race-ready hardware: Brembo four-piston radial-mount calipers (with radial master cylinders and adjustable levers) and fully adjustable WP suspension. A WP steering damper sits atop the minimalist upper triple-clamp. The orange-backlit gauge package looks raceready, too, with lap-timer and __ bar-graph tachometer. Muffler is fully underengine. No word on U.S. pricing, but the RC8 is expected in late summer as a 2009 model. Alongside the RC8 was the new, 130-hp Super Duke R. Upgraded suspension and tripleclamps sharpen handling on the $15,598 machine, which should be available in spring. Gabe Ets-Hokin