KTM’s 693cc thumper is still strong despite being in the market for years.
KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R get fresh visuals for 2023.
A 693cc single-cylinder engine powers both KTM 690 SMC R and Enduro R.
For 2023, the KTM 690 SMC R supermoto and Enduro R dual sport returns with new fresh visuals.
Continuing the LC4 tradition, the 690 SMC R sports blue and orange, while the Enduro R gets orange graphics inspired by KTM’s race bikes.
At the heart of the 690s sits the most powerful single-cylinder engine available, capable of producing 74hp. Thanks to KTM’s continuous development of the LC4 engine, the platform has proven to stand the test of time.
Both machines benefit from Cornering ABS, traction control and two ride modes.
Additionally, the optional Off-Road ABS reduces ABS intervention on the front wheel and completely disables ABS on the rear, allowing riders to lock up their rear when they need to slide into a tight turn.
As usual, there is a host of dedicated KTM PowerParts designed specifically to boost both bike’s performance and mobility.
KTM introduced the track-only RC 8C back in 2021 with all 100 units were quickly snapped up by customers in less than five minutes.
The RC 8C gets reworked engine which now produces 135hp.
Features carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork similar to KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racebike.
However, the hype around the specially-built race bike was over the roof and triggered the Austrian manufacturer to come out with a second version for 2023.
Limited to just 200 units, the 2023 model were sold out in a blink with every unit were sold out in just two minutes despite having 100 units more than the first released.
In addition, KTM also bags nearly GBP8 million in the process.
At a glance, there isn’t much to set the 2023 RC 8C apart with the 2021 edition.
Aside from the black finish replacing the orang paint, the 2023 RC 8C continue to feature carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork that mirrors the KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike.
Also carried from the original version is the handmade chromoly steel trellis-style frame built by Kramer Motorcycles.
However, the 2023 RC 8C gets reworked engine with LC8c 889cc twin powertrain now makes 135hp from the previous 128hp. This is achieved by equipping a new titanium intake and exhaust valves, titanium connecting rods, larger 48mm throttle body and an increased in compression ratio.
KTM also added new oil cooler and revised the crankcase-balancer shaft while also removing the upper balancer in the cylinder head.
In addition, thanks to a new titanium Akrapovic race exhaust, the 2023 KTM RC 8C tip the scale at just 142kg.
The 2023 RC 8C also gets a revised WP Apex Pro suspension with the firm claimed to improve rider confidence on the track.
Similar to the 2021 RC 8C, the new track bike also allows for a host of adjustment and fine-tuning on both the engine and handling.
That said, the new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash allows access to the bike’s traction control settings, throttle mapping and engine-braking. The RC 8C triple-clamp offset can also be altered with both the bars and pegs can be adjusted.
Braking is done with a top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mounted callipers regulated via a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder.
Other notable features include forged alloy Dymags wheels with Pirelli Diablo SC1 slick and GP shift with quickshifter function.
KTM AG now owns a large chunk of Italian motorcycle maker, MV Agusta after months of rumours circulating between the two brand.
KTM purchased 25.1% stake in MV Agusta.
KTM to distribute MV Agusta motorcycle and vice versa.
In an official statement released on Thursday, KTM AG has acquired a significant 21.1 per cent of the Varese-based company, just weeks after the two side entered a distribution agreement in North America.
The distribution deal was the strongest signal yet that KTM AG and MV Agusta has gotten into a bigger agreement than what was expected.
“Within the framework of this strategic partnership between the two European motorcycle manufacturers, KTM AG, a company of PIERER Mobility, will provide MV Agusta with supply chain support and take over the purchasing.
“Furthermore, in the course of this cooperation, MV Agusta will partly distribute its product range via PIERER Mobility’s worldwide distribution network.
“In November 2022, KTM AG will acquire a 25.1% stake in MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., based in Varese (Italy), by way of a capital increase,” said MV Agusta in a statement.
The new partnership will witness both sides helping each other out in terms of motorcycle distribution and supply chain support.
KTM released 200 more examples of the exclusive track-only KTM RC 8C adding to the 100 units introduced in 2021.
The RC 8C gets reworked engine which now produces 135hp.
Features carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork similar to KTM’s RC16 MotoGP racebike.
While it may caused some discontent among those who purchased the previous released for USD38,999 (RM184k) the addition of 200 more units provide a second chance at owning a motorcycle that sold out in minutes.
At a glance, there isn’t much to set the 2023 RC 8C apart with the 2021 edition.
Aside from the black finish replacing the orang paint, the 2023 RC 8C continue to feature carbon fiber, GRP and Kevlar bodywork that mirrors the KTM RC16 MotoGP racebike.
Also carried from the original version is the handmade chromoly steel trellis-style frame built by Kramer Motorcycles.
However, the 2023 RC 8C gets reworked engine with LC8c 889cc twin powertrain now makes 135hp from the previous 128hp. This is achieved by equipping a new titanium intake and exhaust valves, titanium connecting rods, larger 48mm throttle body and an increased in compression ratio.
KTM also added new oil cooler and revised the crankcase-balancer shaft while also removing the upper balancer in the cylinder head.
In addition, thanks to a new titanium Akrapovic race exhaust, the 2023 KTM RC 8C tip the scale at just 142kg.
The 2023 RC 8C also gets a revised WP Apex Pro suspension with the firm claimed to improve rider confidence on the track.
Similar to the 2021 RC 8C, the new track bike also allows for a host of adjustment and fine-tuning on both the engine and handling.
That said, the new AiM MXS 1.2 Race dash allows access to the bike’s traction control settings, throttle mapping and engine-braking. The RC 8C triple-clamp offset can also be altered with both the bars and pegs can be adjusted.
Braking is done with a top-of-the-line Brembo Stylema 4-piston radial-mounted callipers regulated via a Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta master cylinder.
Other notable features include forged alloy Dymags wheels with Pirelli Diablo SC1 slick and GP shift with quickshifter function.
According to KTM, the 2023 RC 8C will be on sale via the Austrian firm official website with a selling price of USD39,599 (RM187k).
More than a year since its global introduction, the 2022 KTM RC390 has finally landed in Malaysia with a recommended selling price of RM33,800.
KTM claimed the new RC390 is heavily inspired by the firm’s effort in MotoGP.
The 2022 KTM RC390 features lighter frame, increased aerodynamics and higher torque engine.
Despite the long wait, the official introduction of the latest generation RC390 will put a smile on the brand loyalist.
Coming in new for 2022 is a reworked front fairing to accommodate a new single-piece LED headlight.
Moving on to the bike’s overall look, KTM claimed that MotoGP-derived lines and graphics heavily inspire the new RC390.
Interestingly, the entire body structures are now easily removable thanks to a redesigned mounting systems that allow the use of fewer fasteners and clips.
Not only the new bodywork is more aerodynamic thanks to the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) process, but it also removes the flow of hot air coming from the engine.
Thanks to MotoGP derived technology; the new RC390 is equipped with a 1.5kg lighter frame, 3.4kg lighter wheels and 1kg lighter ByBre brake callipers.
The new RC390 also features state-of-art hardware, including an updated WP Apex upside/down fork with 30-step compression and rebound and a new WP Apex rear shock (adjustable) absorber.
Thanks to Euro 5 requirements, RC390 now feature a single-cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine with twin overhead camshaft, 4-valve and electronic fuel injection.
The 2022 model also delivers a higher torque thanks to a newly designed airbox and a new engine mapping.
KTM made a surprised announcement when they introduced the track-only KTM RC 8C back in June last year.
24 units of newly-produced KTM RC 8C to be made available in Australia and New Zealand.
The RC 8C is powered by a 899cc parallel-twin engine producing 128hp.
The introduction of the RC 8C marks the Austrian firm’s comeback into the supersport segment after the discontinuation of the 1190 RC8.
At the time, only 100 of these bad boys were made, and only those who were lucky enough managed to get their hands on the ultra-limited RC 8C.
However, if you’re currently residing in Australia and New Zealand, KTM has some fantastic news for you at the land down under as 24 units of newly-produced RC 8C are making their way there.
According to KTM, the RC 8C is on sale for AUD56,990 in Australia and AUD61,999 in New Zealand, with online orders that will open starting October 19, 2022.
Now, you might think the RC 8C is just another sportsbike considering it runs on the same 889cc engine found in the 890 Duke.
We can assure you that is not the case, and although it shares the same powertrain as the Duke, the RC 8C is as race-focused supersport as it gets.
When they said the RC 8C is similar to a race bike, they meant it, especially when the carbon-reinforced fibreglass superstructures are heavily inspired by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MotoGP RC16 and only weighs 140 kilograms (that’s 26 kg lighter than the Yamaha YZF-R25)!
Underneath that vibrant-orange panel sits an 889cc parallel-twin LC8 DOHC with an eight-valve (taken from the 890 Duke R) strategically placed in a specially designed 25CrMo4 tubular steel frame and capable of producing 128hp.
The RC 8C gets a 43mm WP Apex Pro 7545 with a handmade closed cartridge front fork assembled by the same team responsible for making and maintaining the suspension of the RC16.
Meanwhile, the rear is managed by a WP APEX PRO 7746 monoshock equipped with separate compression and rebound adjustments to make the bike suits the need of every race track on the planet.
Other exciting features include:
16L tank
Dymag forged wheels with Pirelli SC1 slick tires
pair of Brembo Stylema callipers
290mm floating disc at the front
230mm floating disc at the rear
Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta radial brake pump
Akrapovic titanium exhaust
As we were saying, the KTM RC 8C is a full-blown track beast and lucky Australian and New Zealanders will get a chance to get their hands on a very potent sportsbike.
The Swappable Batteries Motorcycle Consortium (SBMC) has expanded from its first four founding members to 21 in just a year after its establishment in September 2021.
SBMC welcomes 17 new members to support the initiative.
Kymco and Kawasaki among listed as new members of the SBMC.
The consortium was originally founded by Yamaha, KTM, Honda and Piaggio which is equivalent to Iron Man, Thor, Hulk and Captain America founding the Avengers.
While it took many years for the Avengers to expand, SBMC only took a year to add 17 other members.
“The underlying aim of the Consortium is to find solutions to the concerns customers may have regarding the future of electromobility, such as the range, the charging time and infrastructure, and costs,” said SBMC.
According to the official statement, those members include motorcycle manufacturers, tech companies, and others that work in similar fields.
The list of SBC members includes:
AVL
Ciklo
Fivebikes
Foresee Power
Hioki
Honda
Hyba
Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association
Kawasaki
KTM
Kymco
Niu
Piaggio
Polaris
Roki
Samsung SDI
Sinbon
Sumitomo
Suzuki
Swobbee
Vitesco
VeNetWork
Yamaha
As reported previously, SBMC aims to standardise battery specifications while also improving the charging infrastructure.
KTM AG announced a new distribution deal with MV Agusta, which will see the Austrian firm assist with distributing the Italian company’s motorcycles.
KTM AG signs a multi-year deal with MV Agusta to distribute the Schiranna motorcycles in North America.
Selected KTM dealership will sell MV Agusta motorcycles in North America.
According to the official statement, the multi-year partnership will see KTM AG – the subsidiary of PIERER Mobility AG – distribute and promote MV Agusta’s motorcycle range in North America and Mexico.
To achieve this, KTM AG will set up a dedicated US-based legal entity that will take charge of all the Italian company operations in North America.
That said, MV Agusta motorcycles can still be purchased from the Italian brand’s existing dealers and new ones but also selected KTM dealerships.
In addition, KTM AG will also set up a company based in the United States dedicated to MV Agusta operations in North America.
The deal is part of MV Agusta’s strategic plan to achieve significant growth in the coming years.
“I am particularly pleased with this agreement signed between two historic European motorcycle companies.
“I am sure that KTM’s impeccable and widespread sales organization, combined with the very strong appeal that our brand has always exercised overseas, will bring great satisfaction to both, creating synergies that will allow us to best implement our growth strategy in the North America market,” said MV Agusta CEO, Timur Sardarov.
Meanwhile, Hubert Trunkenpolz, a Member of the Executive Board at KTM AG, also expressed his excitement over the new partnership.
“We are extremely excited to start a new partnership with such a historic motorcycle brand.
“Our brands are going from strength to strength everywhere in the world, particularly in North America, where we will exceed 100,000-unit sales in 2022 with the KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS motorcycle brands.
“Taking on the distribution of the MV Agusta brand will complement our extensive premium motorcycle range.
“With the addition of the most iconic Italian luxury motorcycle brand to our KTM North America operations, we are able to ensure support to all North American motorcycle enthusiasts as well as bringing exciting new business opportunities to existing and new dealers,” he said.
Ensuring the KTM 890 Adventure R remains to be the most capable motorcycle, the house of Mattighofen has introduced a host of technical and electronic updates for 2023.
2023 KTM 890 Adventure R now features serious off-road capabilities.
Latest upgrade include fully-adjustable suspension and revised bodywork.
Coming in new for 2023, the KTM 890 Adventure R now gets the fully-adjustable WP XPLOR forks and WP XPLOR PDS rear shock inspired by the firm’s Dakar Rally beast, the KTM 450 Rally.
Thanks to redesigned bodywork, the KTM 890 Adventure R features new fairing, revised fuel tank and cowling to boost the bike’s aerodynamic and ergonomics.
In addition, KTM also fitted the 890 Adventure R with a shorter windshield, higher front fender and engine protector.
Electronically, the middleweight dual-purpose motorcycle now features a new 5-inch TFT instrument cluster that include turn-by-turn navigation and coloured pictograms.
Also new on the 2023 model is a new Offroad ABS setting and the optional Rally Mode.
According to KTM, owners can also have a taste of Demo Mode, which allows riders to experienced all the specs and options for the frist 1,500km before deciding which pack to acquire.
Nevertheless, the KTM 890 Adventure R continue to pumps out 105hp @ 8,000rpm and 100Nm @ 6,500rpm from its 889cc parallel-twin, 4-stroke 8-valve powertrain.
Red Bull KTM Ajo Moto2 rider, Augusto Fernandez has signed with GASGAS Factory Racing for the 2023 MotoGP season.
Augusto Fernandez to promoted to premier class with GASGAS Factory Racing.
Fernandez to form new partnership with Pol Espargaro.
The 25-year-old from Mallorca will teamed up with fellow Spaniard, Pol Espargaro at the newly formed MotoGP team next season.
The announcement will definitely boost the riders effort in Moto2 this season as he currently leads the championship standing with 198 points.
“Wow, this is amazing: to be able to make the jump to MotoGP with GASGAS.
“I want to thank everyone in the racing structure for all their support since I signed with the Red Bull KTM Ajo team last year.
“I’m really happy. It’s a dream. We still have work to do in Moto2 and I want to go for the title and go to the MotoGP class – and this next challenge – in the best possible way,” he said.
Meanwhile, GASGAS Factory Racing Team principal, Herve Poncharal admitted that he’s a fan of the rider for two years now.
“I have been following Augusto for a few seasons now and we already discussed moving up to the higher class two years ago but he was not ready yet for the big jump.
“When we met again recently, it appeared very clear that he was prepared to come to MotoGP.
I am excited about next season because our garage will have a mix of experience and youth through Pol and Augusto.
“They are both Spanish and will work in a positive and constructive way and this is what we have been looking for.
“Welcome to MotoGP Augusto, keep calm and focus on your Moto2 championship. We will be waiting for you in our garage on Tuesday following the Valencia GP for your first MotoGP test,” he said.
Yamaha dengan rasminya mengumumkan juara dunia Moto2 musim lalu, Remy Gardner akan sertai projek Kejuaraan Superbike Dunia (WorldSBK) bagi musim 2023.
Menurut Yamaha, Gardner akan menggantikan tempat Garret Gerloff di pasukan GRT Yamaha WorldSBK.
Pengumuman tersebut turut menjelaskan bahawa Gardner telah menandatangani kontrak bersama Yamaha.
Bagaimanapun, ekoran masih terikat dengan KTM di MotoGP musim ini, kenyataan rasmi tersebut tidak disertakan dengan komen daripada pelumba Australia itu.
Namun, Pengurus Yamaha Motor Europe Road Racing, Andrea Dosoli, berkongsi keterujaan atas kejayaan menambat bakat muda itu.
“Remy merupakan bakat muda yang mengujakan dan mempunyai karier cemerlang di perlumbaan GP.
“Kami sangat berbesar hati kerana dapat memiliki pelumba yang berpengalaman beraksi di pentas tertinggi.
“Kami percaya dia calon sesuai untuk program WorldSBK Yamaha dan kami tidak sabar untuk melihat kemampuannya menunggang jentera R1 kami,” jelasnya.
Gardner sebelum ini dicanang akan menjadi rakan pasukan Pol Espargaro di Tech3 GASGAS sebelum KTM membuat pusingan ‘U’ dan memilih calon lain.
KTM juga mendakwa Gardner sebagai tidak profesional meskipun belum sampai setahun pelumba itu bersama KTM di kelas premier.
Ekoran ketiadaan tempat di MotoGP musim depan, keputusan berhijrah ke WorldSBK merupakan satu-satunya peluang untuk dia terus beraksi di pentas tertinggi.
