KTM Returns to MotoGP

KTM unveiled its first MotoGP competition bike at the Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in August.

The KTM RC 16 will make its debut in the 2017 racing season. Pol Espargaró and Bradley Smith will ride for Team KTM next season.
RC 16 marks KTM’s second overall foray into the world of MotoGP racing. In 2005, KTM supplied engines to the KR team. This bike, however, will be the company’s first competition bike. Mika Kallio will be the first rider compete on the bike at this season’s finale in Valencia, Spain.

Here are the RC 16’s specs as released by KTM:

• Engine: V4 (1000 cc), pneumatic valve train
• Power: 250 hp
• Max. engine speed: 19,000 rpm
• Electronics: Magneti-Marelli
• Chassis: Steel tube frame (rear swingarm: aluminum)
• Wheelbase: 1400 mm
• Height: 700 mm
• Weight: 157 kg
• Fuel tank: 22 liters
• Damping: WP Suspension
• Brakes: Brembo
• Tires: Michelin (17”)

Of its decision to compete, KTM Group CEO Stefan Pierer said: “Almost two and a half years ago we made the decision that when we become number one in Europe we would be forced to take the last step (to join MotoGP). Meanwhile we’re now selling more than 60% of our 200,000 bikes onroad and to get accepted at the highest level of the sport you must take part in MotoGP, the F1 of motorcycle racing. Racing is our philosophy, our motivation and if we enter the segment, for sure we will have a learning curve but we will reach to podium – and my life’s dream is to be the world champion in MotoGP.”