advise

slparry · Post by **slparry** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 2:52 pm

Probably (!) a biased arena to ask this in .... but ... if a person with a Mamola BCR was thinking of changing to either a) an R1200S or b) an RC8 which would the collective think the better choice, given of course the person in question never exceeds the speed limit and rarely opens the throttle in anger

Oh and doesn't need it to perform tourer duties as the already have a tourer

Herb · Post by **Herb** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 3:03 pm

RC8s do look the business. A lot of performance for the money. The KTM owners club might even let you join.

slparry · Post by **slparry** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 3:04 pm

a whole new club to p*ss off .... tempting, I can't imagine they're as anal tho' as KTM's seem madder than a box of frogs

popsky · Post by **popsky** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 3:12 pm

I think I would give the KTM some serious thought Steve, good engine and the gearbox niggles are now sorted, remember that there's a fair bit of adjustment to the bars seat peg ratio, if its just a sports bike your after then the RC8R would be the one to go for, all the above but better spennies/components, one other thing you might consider is how much room there is around the saddle/tank department.

leasky · Post by **leasky** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:41 pm

The RC8 is a good bike; I was away on a weekend bike run during the summer to the west coast and there were 3 RC8's and one of the RC8R's in the group. They looked bloody good and went like feck.

There appeared to be a good cross section of sizes / shapes riding them aswell.

The RC8 would get my vote.

Dog Tyred · Post by **Dog Tyred** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 4:55 pm

Arsey ate everytime.

DT

jeznewsome · Post by **jeznewsome** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:17 pm

I hankered after an RC8 in 2008 when they came out but at the time they we too expensive. However this year I got my wish and got a 'new' 2010 RC8.

The bike is a missile, more power and grip than I know what to do with, even when running in (<7000 rpm) it was rapid. Adjustable riding position, nice suspension (with enough adjustment to seriously cock it up) but really doesn't like to be ridden slowly (legally). The engine is unhappy below 3000rpm (not as bad as the Buell 1125R I had before it). 2010 is the model to go for with and RC8 (all recalls sorted and a sensible rear spring rate), 2009 with an RC8R (forged wheels as well as more power....if you can use that much on the road).

I choose the 1100S for riding to work as the RC8 is really not too happy through town and at speed <60mph but if you like opening the throttle and can avoid the potential consequences on your licence then you will love it.

Though I have never ridden a 1200S I imagine its like an 1100S with more power.....the RC8 is a madman in comparison, way more focussed, though perhaps the 1200S will be as much fun and more practical for normal road work?

slparry · Post by **slparry** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:00 pm

I sat on one at the nec and was surprised how comfy it was compared to how it looked, if you know what I mean

Steve1200S · Post by **Steve1200S** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:37 pm

You want my R1200S steve!

RC8s look very nice, and quite sensible in terms of a proper sport bike. Maybe all the manufacturers should make their sports rockets more comfy and adjustable, then they would still be selling them!

slparry · Post by **slparry** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:53 pm

Whatever I do I'd have to px the Cup in so I'm guessing a dealers. I've seen the KTMs at silly prices for what they are and they full fill the requirement of being a sports bike but (yawn) not another jap multi. I tired of them a few years ago and like the real bike feel of twins .... and singles

My KGT I will accept being a multi as it's tuned for touring use and slick is ok for long distance touring

Truth be told I'd be happy with either I guess, the 12 is slightly more focused version of the cup I guess, whereas the KTM is the woooo hoooo option

Dog Tyred · Post by **Dog Tyred** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:28 pm

Steve

Just buy an HP2. You know you want to.

DT

Bikerhoss · Post by **Bikerhoss** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:38 pm

Twice the price, and 100 times harder to find, but yeah......

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:55 pm

Credit to Boxerscott - who highlighted the value of the RC8 ( in relation to both the R1200s and the HP2 ) a while ago.......

He got me thinking about them- that's for sure, but I'd need to get rid of the R-1 to facilitate one

Love the Akra or Red Bull ones

Al

exoticices · Post by **exoticices** » Mon Dec 03, 2012 10:08 pm

From a sports bike point of view... If I had the cash (which I don't!) I'd have the RC8. Very fast, characterful twin, very adjustable = comfortable, different, got some pedigree.

The only thing it doesn't have is boxeryness, but the plusses outweigh that minus.

I expect you'd have to budget for a de-cat and a Hilltop-like remap to get the fuelling how you'd like it, but then you could say the same about the R12S.

There's still some early 'new' ones knocking around at (relatively) low prices too. All the issues are known and fixable if you're a dabbling type.

I've got some old road test scans if you want them - PM me an email address.

StreetFlatTwin · Post by **StreetFlatTwin** » Tue Dec 04, 2012 12:43 am

To be fair to the R12S (I have one) its isn't in the same league as the KTM!

BUT you can use the R12S everyday doing everything and its a boxer and its different.

The KTM is adjustable but I wouldn't say it is anyway comfortable and yeah it's bloody quick.

If you have different bikes for different moods and your after a giggle in your helmet madman then there is no choice between the bikes BUT as an only bike the R12S fits the bill.

I took a test ride on an orange one and felt that the bodywork looked like it was made out of recycled flymo lawn mowers as it appeared to be dull plastic rather than shiny paint!!