KTM RC8 track verdict: "It will be the bike to beat"

MCN Chief Road Tester Trevor Franklin has just sampled the awesome new KTM RC8 on track at Ascari in Spain. This is what he says…

• Vide: KTM launch the RC8 superbike
• KTM RC8 test first thoughts

“Ascari is five kilometres of stupendous bends, a mixture of tight twists and fast flowing bends and is what the RC8 was cut out for. After riding a mixture of bikes around this circuit over the years I can safely say the RC8 eclipses them all in terms of agility and corner speed. For track day use this will be one of the bikes to beat.

“With the suspension set to its ‘Sport’ setting the RC8 would hold its own in a club race and not embarrass either itself or the rider. It’s highly likely the RC8 will cut up rough amongst the in line fours. Overall? Well done KTM we applaud you.”