When KTM released the RC 8C last year, it was proof that you don’t need over 200 horsepower to make a beautiful and capable track machine. And for this year, they’ve gone even further, giving it a whole host of updates to make it even sharper than before.

The big change to start with is a 7bhp power increase, bringing the total figure to 142bhp at 11,000rpm from the 889cc 890 Duke derived motor, alongside a torque figure of 98Nm at 8,250rpm. This is thanks to a whole host of engine work that covers everything from lighter titanium valves and conrods to a bigger throttle body and higher compression ratios. They’ve also adjusted the crankcase balancer shaft in order to increase the durability of the engine, and given it a new Akrapovic exhaust system.

Weighing in at 142kg dry, the RC 8C is an incredibly light machine and, for 2023 ,KTM have modified the WP APEX PRO suspension settings and configurations, alongside gifting it range-topping Brembo Stylema calipers. They’ve also been at work refining the hefty suite of electronics that covers everything from traction control and launch control to mapping and engine braking settings. The chassis also offers a level of adjustability in terms of the steering angle too, like you’d find on a proper, prototype racing machine.

It's a special machine and although it’s pretty darned niche, it also embodies KTM’s corporate philosophy of being daring and making its track developed technologies available to the man and woman in the street.

Limited run and exclusive track bikes are becoming more commonplace these days, with the likes of Aprilia, BMW and Yamaha all building their own ‘ultimate’ track focussed machines. With supersport racing rules constantly evolving to include ‘Next Generation’ bikes like the Ducati Panigale V2 and even faired versions of Triumph’s Street Triple RS, it wouldn’t be too big a surprise to see some of these orange machines lining up on the middleweight grids at some stage in the future.

For now though, there are 200 RC 8Cs available for track day enthusiasts (and no doubt a few collectors too) and, to make things even more special, the official handover for the first 30 customers will be at Valencia next year, where you can ride with former GP riders for track tuition, a WP technical crew and even your bike transportation taken care off. To find out more, head over to www.ktm.com