click above image for more high-res pics of the KTM RC8

Gasp! The Superbike races are heating up fast, with Ducati's new 1098, Buell's new 1125 and now KTM's new RC8 all sporting V-Twin engines of around 150 horsepower. The KTM is what we are looking at above, and it is not likely to be mistaken for any other machine. In case you missed the sharp-edged styling that is indicative of KTM's sportbikes, the screaming-pumpkin orange paint is sure to catch your attention. The RC8 features a new 75 degree V-Twin engine displacing 1148cc's, making 155 horsepower. That's class-competitive, although the bike is a bit of a porker at 414 lbs.

Soon to be competing for your hard-earned bucks against the KaToom, Buell and Ducati will be a new bike from Aprilia, as well. Hold on tight, 'cause the rumor-mill is reporting that BMW is hot on the heals of the other Euro manufacturers with a class-competitive superbike on the horizon too. Good times are ahead whether you're a fan of the Japanese Four or favor something a little different, as the KTM RC8 shown here proves.

[Source: KTM]

Gallery: KTM RC8 Superbike

Officially Official: KTM RC8 Superbike introduced originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.