2015 KTM RC8R 1190
Miles: 5,775
Clean Florida Title
Bid at post: $6,497.50
Buy it Now: $12,996.00
Auction ends: Jan 17, 2026
Reserve Not Met
KTM’s move from dedicated manufacturer of offroad machines to a player in the sportbike market happened rather abruptly with the KTM RC8R. One minute, they were making Dakar bikes with knobby tires, the next, it was this vivid orange origami v-twin superbike, with only the weirdo Duke supermoto in between to really give any warning the company was serious about street sports motorcycles. And although the original bike had a few hiccups with its gearbox, it was a startlingly competent debut. The second-generation bikes were very much ready for prime time and lauded by the press for their handling and adjustable ergonomics that made real-world riding a possibility, but KTM missed out on incorporating the latest traction control and stability systems that made bikes from BMW and Ducati the ones to beat. The RC8R was almost an anachronism: an analog superbike in the new digital age.
The ultimate power tool from KTM. KTM designers pulled out all the stops in the art of engine building when it came to the 1190 RC8 R. The rider has one of the most powerful V2 engines of our times and one of the best chassis in the world at his or her disposal – totally street-legal. With the precision to cut out the others when entering the corner. With the power and traction to pull away from them exiting the corner. With the feedback and ergonomics to enjoy the 1190 RC8 R to the full.
These dealer listings really are frustrating. What does any of that even tell you about this KTM RC8R 1190, if you happen to be interested in it? And the photography is terrible: this isn’t for social media likes, guys, it’s to give prospective buyers some idea what condition the bike is in, and that marble floor makes it look like the body panels are peeling… Luckily, with just 5,775 miles on the odometer and a pretty decent reputation for reliability, as far as sportbikes go, there hopefully shouldn’t be any surprises hiding in here. These were overshadowed by more technologically advanced bikes when new, but there’s nothing wrong with the basic package, and the styling has aged very well.
-tad
