KTM will launch a limited edition motorcycle, based on their next year’s Moto GP motorcycle, the RC16. This was confirmed by Stefan Pierer, Chairman, KTM in an interaction with SPEEDWEEK. The yet to be named motorcycle will have a 1,000 cc V4 engine with an intimidating power output of 240 hp. The design for the motorcycle is yet to be finalised but the company has already appointed Wolfgang Felber as the Project Manager.
The company intends to make about 100 units of this motorcycle but unlike the RC213V-S, Honda’s road-legal Moto GP motorcycle, the KTM one will be significantly cheaper. While the Honda was priced at Euro 188,000 (Rs 1.67 crore), the KTM is expected to be priced between Euro 100,000 and 120,000 (from Rs 72.80 lakh to Rs 87.35 lakh). The RC16 develops 270 hp, which will be too much to handle even for the best of riders on streets. In addition, reliability and meeting various norms would be an issue. Hence, the company plans to limit the power output to 240 hp, which will be among the highest available in the world, going by the motorcycles on sale today.
KTM hasn’t disclosed any details related to performance yet but given the Moto GP roots, it’ll be safe to assume this motorcycle will not only better the Kawasaki Ninja H2 but also the Honda RC213V-S. It’s safe to assume that the motorcycle will be packed to the gills with electronic aids that would not only help maximise the power output but also make the motorcycle more controllable.
With the production limited to just 100 units, all of them will be booked the moment KTM starts inviting bookings. It’ll be interesting to see if any of these motorcycles will make it to India.
