According to the folks at Hell for Leather, KTM is not only updating the 2011 KTM 1190 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 1190 RC8 R will not only be more powerful than its predecessor, but also smoother and easier to ride. We found the 2010 KTM 1190 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 1190 RC8 R will build upon an already exceptional package tickles our fancy quite a bit.
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.
Source: HFL
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