KTM RC4 - what do we know so far?

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Paul the 6th

So I'm right in thinking they've got masses of torque throughout the useable rev range rather than aiming for all out peak power?

it depends on the design of the engine - the DRZ has lots of really low down torque but not a huge top end, but the KTM just takes off from nowhere and has a proper powerband like the SV, the biggest advantages are the light weight and compact size tbh, they do vibrate a lot though

they make sense like a twin on the road if you want good drive out of corners over straight line top end speed

I can't be the only one who came into this thread intending to correct the spelling mistake in the title, only to be surprised by a new KTM.

So 'the_lone_wolf' is the KTM too vibey to ride a good distance on the road?

[northwind]

For me, it's one of the more exciting new bikes on its way... If they do it right it could probably have a lot of the good points of a road supermoto and a lot of the good points of a race rep. Can't be bad. It'll not appeal to everyone but it appeals a lot to me.

So if it's SS600 money would you be tempted? Does an SS600 really feel so heavy and unwieldy, or overpowered, that a bike this really needs to exist?

Has to be cheap imo. Won't be, though.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by zunkus

So 'the_lone_wolf' is the KTM too vibey to ride a good distance on the road?

no idea...

never get far enough to get uncomfortable before it runs out of fuel

the 690 bikes are always going to be better than a race bike in terms of practicality, it won't be a bandit but it has sensible service schedules and by all accounts the vibes are better tamed than the old LC4 engine

i agree with northwind on the RC4, it'll never impress the sunny sunday willy wavers with their matching helmets and leathers, simply because it's "only a single" - but for someone who understands what KTM are going for with it i bet it'll be light with a punchy engine and a hoot on the smaller roads, the suspension isn't likely to be anything other than top notch as KTM own WP and all their bikes are well sprung

It will certainly be different. I'm a convert to lighter, quicker bikes too. Think they're more fun if you're not a speed junkie.

[northwind]

Yeah, I would be. Why would you expect it to be cheap, if it comes (as expected) with higher quality parts than the average SS600? Not everyone aspires to a GSXR or whatever, if I wanted one I'd have bought one. What I really want, I suppose, is a modern RVF400, small and light and capable. This is the closest thing for years, other than what I've made myself I suppose

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by northwind

Why would you expect it to be cheap, if it comes (as expected) with higher quality parts than the average SS600?

+1

KTMs aren't cheap for the simple fact they can't produce in the same numbers as the jap four, but then neither are ducatis, benelli or anything else a bit "exotic"

Originally Posted by sinbad

So if it's SS600 money would you be tempted? Does an SS600 really feel so heavy and unwieldy, or overpowered, that a bike this really needs to exist?

Has to be cheap imo. Won't be, though.

I would be tempted, definitely, but then I'm not interested in SS600. And the SS600 generally won't be interested in this. This is a bike that you can ride hard on the road (I don't believe it'll hit 145 like I think was said), and that'll handle well. It'd be mad fun for a good rider, while not being too much for the road.

I can't wait for this to be released, it's a bike I can see myself owning.