rc8 opinions?

cojomo2

I have been waiting a long time now for the rite big bang r1 to come up...I thought I'd get a cheap bike to keep me going in the mean time...

However I just saw an rc8 in the flesh and was very impressed - so much so that I'm considering one instead of the r1.

What are peoples opinions on them? What drew me to the big bang r1 was the sound, looks and the linear power delivery..and the rc8 ticks all these boxes too.

I know it lacks things like a slipper clutch, traction control etc, but does anyone have any experience with them? I'm a fairly novice rider so don't want something too hardcore , my last bike was a gsxr750 and really liked it.

Anyone know how much a valve clearance (20k km service) costs?

Any opinions welcome

Cienciano

Probably won't get an owners perspective here, not a very common bike. Ask on somewhere like here, you'll get loads of feedback
http://www.ktmforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=135

I did the same before I got the Ducati and all my questions were answered, seems that all the scare stories from people with a "mate had one of those" are rubbish . You need to hear actual owners feedback.
RC8 is supposed to be an amazing machine, always interesting to see someone going for something that isn't a japanese litre sports bike! I wouldn't be a fan of it lookswise, but think I'm in a minority!

The Don

Really cool bike, I like them a lot. One of the guys we go on spins with has one. Very fast as he has put all the extras into her. The other lads who've taken her for a spin have all good things to say.

He's had her a good few years now and if thinking of trading in for an s1000rr.

I've heard that with V-twin you'll have to have everything right going into corners. Gear, speed, line, etc so since you're a novice (your own words ) I'm not sure it's the best fit yet.

However I guess you could always take it easy on her until you're well used to her

cojomo2

cheers lads.

Did a bit more research, seems good overall. Throttle can be snatchy at low speeds..water pumps seals tend to go a lot but apart from that they seem like a lot of fun.

I was supposed to be buying one today but the seller is missing a key and hasn't the key code to order a new one..was chatting to the mechanic in KTM and he put me off saying that service history on these is extremely important ..(the one I was looking at had 18.5k with no history).

Cienciano

I've no key code and only one key with my bike, but I was told €50 and that place on the Naas Road could clone it anyway. Looked into getting a spare one for my BMW (never did) and it was roughly the same price, so spare key mightn't be a biggie.
Obviously service history is a different story.

cojomo2

Cienciano wrote: »

I've no key code and only one key with my bike, but I was told €50 and that place on the Naas Road could clone it anyway. Looked into getting a spare one for my BMW (never did) and it was roughly the same price, so spare key mightn't be a biggie.
Obviously service history is a different story.

Did abit more digging on the bike I viewed..it was serviced in UK @1k miles, again here about 10 months ago @ about 15km..so thats not too bad.

I did a history check on it and it came back amber as it went through a period of about 9 months untaxed...is this anything to worry about?

Cienciano

cojomo2 wrote: »

Did abit more digging on the bike I viewed..it was serviced in UK @1k miles, again here about 10 months ago @ about 15km..so thats not too bad.

I did a history check on it and it came back amber as it went through a period of about 9 months untaxed...is this anything to worry about?

Change of owner should cancel out any of that. You just pay from the date you sign the log book, whatever the previous owner did doesn't effect you

cojomo2

Cienciano wrote: »

Change of owner should cancel out any of that. You just pay from the date you sign the log book, whatever the previous owner did doesn't effect you

Thanks Cienciano.

One more thing- The bike is originally a UK bike, I did aN '' Iirish and UK history check'' on it but should probably do a finance check too before I hand over the cash. Will I have to pay for a finance check on a UK hpi site and an Irish hpi site, or whats the craic? Thanks

Cienciano

cojomo2 wrote: »

Thanks Cienciano.

One more thing- The bike is originally a UK bike, I did aN '' Iirish and UK history check'' on it but should probably do a finance check too before I hand over the cash. Will I have to pay for a finance check on a UK hpi site and an Irish hpi site, or whats the craic? Thanks

I've no idea on that one! Motors forum will probably have info on that

Wossack

try and get more details on the spare key situation from the ktm mechanic fella - on some bikes it can be very pricey if theres an immobiliser at play

colm_c

KTM have a woeful key system. They can all be started with a screwdriver if there is no immobilser enabled. It's not like the Ducati key where you need to replace a coded key.

They don't normally replace the key/barrel on their own, but just replace the whole set (key, ignition, fuel cap etc) with a kit.

This may be changed recently (or with the rc8) but I doubt it.

Source: I had my KTM tampered with (scum broke the ignition lock). I was able to start it with a screwdriver, the immobiliser kept it from being taken. Cops and the KTM mechanic said that they were a big target because of the key system.

Love the rc8, but get all the keys sorted and get a good disc lock for out and about!