2012 KTM Street Model Lineup Review


2012 KTM Street Model Lineup
Dip toes back into the street bike market, KTM was so careful with the Duke single-cylinder models. However, when the company decided to finally hit the ground running and plenty of trams to introduce yet did so in a conservative manner. The headliner of the company, the RC8 superbike, lacked energy compared with its rivals, and the fit and finish was a little rough around the edges. That said, designers nailed KTM chassis design from the beginning, because it is one of the best handling bikes we've ridden. The RC8 R is intended to force the issue by acting against the 1195cc 1148cc in the basic model - rival of its V-twin race - but the power was not a problem, it was tame.
Taking the "Ready to Race" slogan of heart, 2012 sees six KTM street bikes in the lineup, led by the RC8 R and R RC8 Race Spec models. Here's the breakdown:
RC8 R
Both RC8 R and 2012 RC8 R Spec race will enjoy a number of improvements to the transfer from 2011. From RC8s were arriving late to the party's 2011 sport bike, we focus on changes and updates.
The 1195cc, 75 degree V-Twin remains, enhanced with dual spark plugs for better combustion, and the time new camshaft, the RC8 R now matches the increased power of computers Racing Club. A forged crankshaft receives an additional 100 grams of weight and inertia of more than 25% heavier the wheel, resulting in a reduction of abrupt throttle response was noticeable RC8. But that's not all, the 52 mm throttle bodies now have a camera idle speed control to allow smooth air flow in the first round of the movement, as with the use of gas exiting a corner. Of course, this change in air flow is adjusted ECU mapping to compensate.
The gearbox is not ignored when it goes over the RC8 R. Of note is a speed sensor allows the ECU to help engine braking control based on the current speed. This will help reduce the back of the machine when diving deep into the braking for a corner. Other improvements in the tranny in a revised clutch drum to save weight and improve.
In the suspension department, the holder was a larger air chamber (110 mm vs 80 mm), while the rear spring discharge rate is reduced from 95 to 85 N / mm. Both changes provide a better compromise for street racers looking for a more comfortable ride, but even if sometimes RC8 on track. Ride height will now have a greater range of adjustment, the rear linkage eccentric adjustment up to 12 mm.

2012 KTM Street Model Lineup

The pilot is a little Interface, also revised, with the gear indicator in both the street and the career mode is displayed in two places, like a line under the RPM and a numeric display. Instantaneous and average fuel updated every three seconds, and speaking of fuel, the RC8 R is now an option to switch between two different fuel maps based on the quality of gas available, the standard setting 91 octane is good for an alleged 170 hp. The second set of 94 octane, you can achieve a purported 175 horsepower. As for electronics, the RC8 R does not get traction, like many of his colleagues, unfortunately, but still seems to be a worthy competitor in the war of bicycle liter. Finally, the lighthouse is surrounded by LED position lights. Care not just blow the light power, but more for its management. The price is TBA
RC8 R Race Spec
Upping the ante for fans of the race track days or serious RC8 R Spec race, which is about the proverbial "kitchen sink" component of the performance of the KTM RC8 R catalog sheds in 2012 specifically for the RC8 Race Spec R, the new suspension settings and a new counter-march with extra tooth, now 17 years. To create the RC8 R Spec based career is stripped of his street and track versions are equipped with plastic in place, no holes for lights and mirrors. Then comes an Akrapovic Evo 4 titanium exhaust, thinner head gasket, and more aggressive cam timing (a tool to adjust the cam timing is also included). A freer flow of air filter is installed, while the racing ECU is programmed to adapt to the new engine parts. This is attached to a harness racing, all unnecessary wires (such as operating lights), all in the name of saving weight removed. In total, the Race Spec engine makes 180 hp and an assumed 97.4 lbs.-ft. of torque.
2012 KTM Street Model Lineup

Also included in the specification of the race is a slipper clutch and quick shifter for style GP (reverse), shift work, which is standard. A 4618 WP race shock is fully adjustable, while the WP fork TiAlN get more business for the area possible. Both units are specially designed for racing chassis specification. Marchesini forged aluminum wheels, shave some weight from the stock Dunlop slicks mounted bikeand races.
Other notables are edited with adjustable footrest heel guards carbon, adjustable brake and clutch race 520 of the chain and sprockets, high performance brake pads, quarter back fuelcap races, carbon fiber guards Engine and Parts Power rack. The price is not yet determined the race R. RC8
990 SM T ABS
2012 KTM Street Model Lineup

Making a return to our shores is a revised version of the 990 SM, this model only gives an indication of the T-tourism, with the addition of ABS. It's powered by the venerable 999 cc, 75 degree V-Twin we saw in the Super Duke (which unfortunately is not here) and comes with soft saddlebags as standard equipment. KTM for two-channel Bosch anti-lock system as an additional safety element in the SM. Twin four-piston Brembo radial mount calipers bite into 305 mm discs and liquid fed through a radial master cylinder assembly with steel braided lines. Prices and availability are yet to be determined.
990 Adventure ABS / Adventure R
If you've ever seen the famous Paris-Dakar rally, certainly has been the workhorse of the lineup of KTM, the 990 Adventure. The 2012 model year to see the adventure with two new variants arranged with ABS and models R. The first is based on the Adventure Dakar 2011 edition, powered by the same V-Twin 999 cc that makes 115 horsepower. Only now are the benefits of ABS. You also get a factory racing orange frame and powder coated engine guards, revised wrap-around handguard, a mainstay modified to facilitate lifting and new colors and graphics.
2012 KTM Street Model Lineup

The benefits of R Aventura model suspension tuning that 9.8 inches of travel experience of aggressive driving. A lower seat of 35.2 inches is almost a full inch lower than the 2010 model. Ground clearance is set at 11.7 inches.
R/500EXC/350EXC-F 690 Enduro
Finally, a trio of on / off-road models pave the way for 2012, from the 690 Enduro R, which is a true 690cc engine due to the will of a longer career. This increases the power to a claimed 67 horsepower and foot pounds-49. The maintenance intervals are extended to 6200 miles (10,000 kilometers), while the suspension settings to get new sources of water, resulting in total travel of 250 mm. Seat height 20 mm to 910mm is declining, while a new seat adds comfort. A new wing tank, front and combined to cover the 690 Enduro R a new look to go along with the lighthouse new and improved.
Unfortunately, the new 690 Duke announced at the EICMA apparently not come to America.

2012 KTM Street Model Lineup

And the 500EXC 350 EXC-F have been almost completely revised motorcycles. The 500EXC with a new SOHC engine 510.4cc injection is 5.5 kilos lighter than before with the previous engine. The 350, meanwhile, sports a DOHC 349.7cc fuel injected engine. Internally, the two engines are a new balancer shaft and lighter piston and connecting rod and a new single clutch diaphragm. A new electric start system has a backup fast start and is associated with an increased output of 196 watt stator. The frame and swingarm are new to PDS shock in the back. Black Giant brand tires and radios to decorate each bike, and each receives a new air box, intake boot, muffler and spark arrester. New body has a transparent tank and rear tail light and plate holder was reinforced license to be more durable. The 500EXC will be priced at $ 9,899, with 350 from $ 200 cheaper.

2012 KTM Street Model Lineup