Expected more 2

Update! The RC8 is in the shop being fixed and KTM is covering the work under warranty! (Yay)... The dealer is KTM Country in Eugene, Oregon and I'd have to say these guys are the best in the West! (Plus the only dealer I'd trust with my RC8). I had been worried about the work being covered by KT...M, but the company has come through with flying colors, and I'd have to say my choice on the RC8 and my confidence in KTM has been renewed. It was an unfortunate event to lose the valve,,, especially considering the low miles and the light duty use of the bike, but I love the RC8 and the way it rides and am now looking at the new Super Duke 1290 R as a possible future addition to the collection. Thanks again KTM,,, and to all interested in the RC8, it can be used as an outstanding sport touring bike. Cortech makes a nice set of saddle bags that work nicely with the factory tail bag and KTM makes a nice tank bag that is a must for any open road touring. No, it's not a Harley,,, but then I never see them on the type of roads I like to ride. If you ever see a white and black RC8 touring around the back roads in the Pacific Northwest, feel free to pull me over (if you can keep up) and we can chat about some of the best back road rides throughout all parts of Oregon and Washignton. Good times to all,,, and thanks again to KTM! Read Full Review

Expected more,,,

Have owned the RC8 for a couple of years now and have only put a little over 8000 miles on it... Don't get to ride it as much as I'd like, and have never had it on the track or raced it. High performance sport touring is my niche in life, and I share the RC8 with a 2008 KTM 950 SMR that also serve...s the purpose well... Sadly, the RC8 dropped an intake valve last summer,,, no warning,,, no reason... no explanation!
The bike had been routinely serviced by the dealer where I bought it, and had no deficiencies at the time. I'm currently waiting to hear from the dealer about having the repair covered under warranty, but am uncertain if they will cover the work or not! I would be less concerned about the failure,,, and KTM's warranty,,, but unfortunately, I also had problems with the 950 SMR shortly after I got it new a few years ago. The SMR is a great bike, but it started having a severe misfire at about 6000 miles, and after four different dealers failed to find and fix the problem,,, (at my expense) I finally isolated the problem to a faulty ignition circuit. I've owned and enjoyed riding for most of my life, and am a qualified engineer and general mechanic that usually takes care of most of the maintenance work myself. Having problems like these, with brand-new, well maintained machines, makes me wonder if KTM has the quality and durability to last for long term ownership...! I hate to say it,,, (expecially after investing so much in KTM), but a second look at some of the other top of the line bikes should be considered,,, especially if the company that makes them will stand behind the customer and support them after the purchase! Read Full Review