According to our main-man Erick Beausejour, "The RC8 R is totally different from the base model, with all components working in absolute harmony. The stock R represents a giant step in the right direction, as it gets me through the first corner chicane at Circuit Mont-Tremblant more quickly than with my own race-prepared bike. Its agility and precision really impressed me."

With more low-rev tractability and smoother rev pick-up under full throttle, the R does allow easier, safer and faster riding on tricky surfaces as well as in a series of tight turns like corners 4 and 5 at Tremblant. I suspect that later versions will see further refinements in the ECU programming to further improve smoothness as well as lower emissions.

Érick Beauséjour in the famous Namrow corner at a T_SBK Track Day (Photo: Pierre Goyette)

The extra horsepower feels relatively subtle at first, courtesy of similar low-rev dynamics as the RC8 — great for leisurely rides about town. The personality of the engine changes near 6,500 rpm, however, exploding all the way to 9,000 rpm as it unleashes the additional torque and ponies. The RC8 R is right up there with the best twin-cylinder models in the world. While it does not skyrocket like 1,000-cc four-cylinders, this V-twin pulls like a freight train over a fatter yet friendlier power curve, especially when shooting out of corners.

The “improved” transmission could be improved some more, to completely ensure solid clutchless upshifts under full power, despite the slight improvement you can feel when compared to the RC8. Unfortunately, you’ll have to come up with some extra money to get the slipper clutch from KTM’s accessory catalogue. If you ask me, it’s a necessary investment to improve stability and safety when you have a machine with such a powerful engine brake.

A good, performance-oriented mix
Mere mortals will find the 2010 KTM 1190 RC8 R easier to tame and more effective on the track as well as on the street. This model also seems to be closer to the company’s philosophy of producing agile, sharp and steady bikes that are virtually race-ready. Nice job, guys!

Plus
High-quality components
Outstanding agility and precision
Lower vibrations than RC8
Modern, effective V-twin
Rider-friendly ergonomics
Enjoyable radical injection mapping for the track

Less
A touch too radical injection mapping for the street
Gearbox still not up to snuff
Lacks stock slipper clutch