Thamer

Finally! After over a month of dealing with U.S. Customs and shipping my bike arrived in Saudi unharmed. During this time I rode my RC8R around and started thinking ah maybe I didn't need to buy an 1199R. Got on the bike after putting a little gas in it and re-hooking up the battery, my next thought was FUCK THAT! I completely forgot what it felt like...it was like holding on to Superman's cape!

Now I just got to go thru the hassle of plating the bike so I can take it to the tracks in the region.

As far as the RC8... Well next time I want to buy a tractor I'll get a John Deere...lol.

Pics to follow.

Cheers!

EvoL

Congrats!

CEROVA1199

Congrats.

Nitrouz

Congrats! How does the RC8R ride compared to the 1199? I've never been on an RC8 but the shape makes me curious...

Thamer

Well not having tracked the 1199 yet I can't say definitively. However, the RC8R is nice, well manored and the power, (what little it has) is buttery smooth. It definitely feels heavier than the 1199, but it's a great street bike. On the track you have to ride the shit out of the RC8, but it rewards you...very stable, can make you look like a hero. Kind of nice not having all the electronics....easier to work on it yourself.

The bad: parts are a bitch to get. Hardly anyone make aftermarket stuff for it. You have to really, really upgrade the engine and suspension to get it "Ready to Race". Gear box is a LRCH better than a Harley. Resale sucks.

When I think about it the 899 is probably more comparitable to it, power wise. I think that the RC8 could compete if KTM was serious about the bike.

In the end I can't go back to it after riding the panigale. The power, the gear box is way better, and it's a Ducati!

Nitrouz

Great analysis....thanks!

fireman1251

Thanks, bro....just made my day.

Lil brother owns an RC8R and thinks the world of it. Myself I have owned potato diggers that had me more enthused.