New to KTM - Rc8 or Rc8R?

[turbovette]

Hi,
Im on the 'vinegar stroke' for buying an Rc8.
i went into the dealership in Liverpool, UK with an R1 in mind when I saw a low mileage Rc8. I've been researching and I am liking the look of the RC8R and can get one for about £9500...
Im a middle group rider on track days (more bravery than skill) is the Rc8R worth the extra over the Rc8?
i've got a great wife, and a prerequisite of her signing off on my new bike is that she will occasionally be pillion. She's used to the back of mental ZX10R 08 so whats it like on the Rc8R? not talking about European touring, but a day out at the races definitely. she's not a big unit, but a fit ex-lap dancer. will the bike tolerate it or will it become unridable?

I am very new to KTM so any advice is gratefully received and a cold light day opinion on the Rc8 or Rc8R would be very much appreciated.
thanks -

[RC8RR]

Originally Posted by turbovette

Hi,
Im on the 'vinegar stroke' for buying an Rc8.
i went into the dealership in Liverpool, UK with an R1 in mind when I saw a low mileage Rc8. I've been researching and I am liking the look of the RC8R and can get one for about £9500...
Im a middle group rider on track days (more bravery than skill) is the Rc8R worth the extra over the Rc8?
i've got a great wife, and a prerequisite of her signing off on my new bike is that she will occasionally be pillion. She's used to the back of mental ZX10R 08 so whats it like on the Rc8R? not talking about European touring, but a day out at the races definitely. she's not a big unit, but a fit ex-lap dancer. will the bike tolerate it or will it become unridable?

I am very new to KTM so any advice is gratefully received and a cold light day opinion on the Rc8 or Rc8R would be very much appreciated.
thanks -

Ok...first of all, I personally would definitely recommend the 2011 RC8R!
It is worth the extra money and has lots of extra "goodies" over the 2010, like a new cylinder head design with much improved fuel mapping and throttle response, a slipper clutch, improved rear suspension, just to name a few.
As far as having your wife ride on the back goes, I don't see any issues with that. I have my GF on the back of my RC8R quite a bit and the bike handles very nicely with the extra weight. The only drawback is maybe the fact, that the passenger seat is way up there hight wise....so if your wife is over 6' tall it might look a little funny....lol

Hope this helps

Soni

[woodstock101]

I also highly recommend the RC8, you will with out a doubt be the cool kid on the block. If your buying a used one, be sure to give it a thorough inspection. There are some known issues floating around; fuel leaks, oil leaks, squeeky brake pads, etc...

[briber2368]

theres a rc8r 2011 in pistonheads for £9800 go for it

[ShinySide]

Sorry, I'm confused... when or where did we get a "slipper clutch" on the 11's?
I was unaware of that...
Details?

[turbovette]

I think KTM call them 'anti hopper' clutches. Im not a technical guy so i don't know the difference between this and a slipper clutch. Apparently Sigma do a true slipper clutch and I shall be going down this road when funds allow.

[Snoop]

From my reading on various reviews on the the RC8/R is to basicly stay away from the RC8 and go with the RC8R. Its nearly a completly different bike from the standard RC8 from the ride to performance. Spend the extra and get the better bike.