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2011 KTM RC8R First Ride Photo Gallery

The KTM RC8R gets a few important tweaks for '11.

See photos and images of the 2011 KTM RC8R as we put it to the test at the racetrack. Read the review in the 2011 KTM RC8R First Ride test.

The RC8R gets a mechanical slipper clutch for ’11.

A softer shock spring and updated damping settings allows the rear tire to bite into the pavement better.

Simply remove the four bolts holding the tail section on, two on each mirror and disconnect the rear brake fuse and turn signal wires. Now riders are ready to roll for just about any club’s trackday with having to bust out massive amounts of duck tape.

A WP fork and monobloc Brembo calipers grace the front end.

The Lamborghini of sportbikes: 2011 KTM RC8R.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a more nimble liter-class bike than the ’11 RC8R.

Front end feel was muted somewhat by the fitment of the U.K spec Dunlop SportSmart tires. We would have preferred Dunlop’s Q2 or Pirelli’s Diablo Supercorsa SP.

Further aiding corner-entry is the addition of a mechanical slipper clutch. The back-torque limiting unit does well keeping the rear end in alignment under extreme braking and quick downshifting situations, an area that required handfuls of clutch finesse in the past.

With its smooth power delivery and well-balanced chassis the RC8R is a very easy motorcycle to ride on the racetrack.

The Dunlop SportSmart tires are a step down on the Pirelli Diablo SPs, providing a relatively vague front end feeling and lacking any kind of solid rear end drive-grip when pushed at an aggressive pace

Pinning it aboard the ’11 RC8R.

The addition of the slipper clutch made it that much easier to attack corners.

The KTM RC8R is one of the most beautiful sportbikes made today.

The KTM RC8R comes in two colorways for ’11.

Stability at lean is a strong point of the RC8R’s chassis.

For ’11 the RC8R’s engine delivers more “torque feel” then before.

Rear suspension action and overall performance is one area of significant improvement.

Motorcycle USA got a world exclusive First Ride test of the new ’11 RC8R.

The RC8R continues to offer class-leading adjustability in terms of rider controls. This makes it easy for riders to get comfortable on the bike as demonstrated by Waheed's 6-foot tall frame.

The RC8R features a easily removable rear fender and turn signals for track riding.

The RC8R is an incredibly agile motorcycle in side-to-side turning maneuvers.

Brembo monobloc calipers ensure strong braking performance as Waheed demonstrates.