2023 KTM RC 8C Specifications

Sport • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2023 KTM RC 8C Overview

The 2023 KTM RC 8C is a sport motorcycle built around 889 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Twin, four-stroke engine, a compression ratio of 13.5:1. The bore and stroke measures 90.7 x 68.8 mm. 2023 KTM RC 8C delivers 89 Nm @ 8000 Revolutions of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2023 RC 8C tips the scales at 142 kg, carries a 16-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 820 mm and spans a 1476 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 60.7 kg lighter than the average sport motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2023 KTM RC 8C spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2023 RC 8C - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.

Considerations

  • Tall seat height: The 820 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
  • Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Fuelling & injector care

Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.

Brake disc and pad wear

The Double disc. 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the RC 8C runs WP XACT PRO 7543 and WP APEX PRO 7746 at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Chrome-molybdenum steel tubular space frame, powder-coated - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

RC 8C - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2023 KTM RC 8C, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained RC 8C should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any RC 8C. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. The sump holds 2.80 litres, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Fuel system care

The RC 8C's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.

2023 KTM RC 8C - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2023 KTM RC 8C have?
The 2023 KTM RC 8C uses a Twin, four-stroke engine with 889 cc of displacement.
How much does the 2023 KTM RC 8C weigh?
The 2023 KTM RC 8C weighs 142 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.
How much power does the 2023 KTM RC 8C make?
The 2023 KTM RC 8C produces 89 Nm @ 8000 Revolutions of torque.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2023 KTM RC 8C?
The 2023 KTM RC 8C has a 16-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 266-320 km between stops.
Is the 2023 KTM RC 8C suitable for shorter riders?
The 2023 KTM RC 8C has a seat height of 820 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2023 KTM RC 8C have?
The 2023 KTM RC 8C uses Double disc. 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper at the front and Single disc. Brembo twin-piston floating calliper, brake disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2023 KTM RC 8C use?
The front tyre size on the 2023 KTM RC 8C is 120/70-ZR17.
How much oil does the 2023 KTM RC 8C take?
The 2023 KTM RC 8C takes 2.80 litres of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.

KTM RC 8C Spec Evolution

The KTM RC 8C was produced across 2 model years (2022-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification 2022 2023
Dry Weight 140 kg / 308.6 lbs 142 kg / 313.1 lbs
CO2 110.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) 243.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Ground Clearance (in.) 5.9 inches 7.5 inches
Ground Clearance (mm) 150 mm 191 mm
Engine Lubrication Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Rake 24.3° 23.3°
Fuel Consumption 4.74 litres/100 km (21.1 km/l or 49.62 mpg) 10.50 litres/100 km (9.5 km/l or 22.40 mpg)
Max Torque 101.0 Nm (10.3 kgf-m or 74.5 ft.lbs) @ 8000 Revolutions 89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m or 65.6 ft.lbs) @ 8000 Revolutions

Key Specifications

Engine

Twin, four-stroke

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m or 65.6 ft.lbs) @ 8000 Revolutions

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

142 kg / 313.1 lbs

Fuel Capacity

16.00 litres / 4.23 US gallons

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Full 2023 KTM RC 8C Specifications

Colours Orange/black
Ground Clearance (in.) 7.5 inches
Ground Clearance (mm) 191 mm
Seat Height 820 mm / 32.3 in.
Wheelbase 1476 mm / 58.1 in.
Oil Capacity (l) 2.80 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts) 2.96 US quarts
Dry Weight 142 kg / 313.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity 16.00 litres / 4.23 US gallons
Max Torque 89.0 Nm (9.1 kgf-m or 65.6 ft.lbs) @ 8000 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio 0.9349 HP/kg
Engine Type Twin, four-stroke
Displacement (ci) 54.25 cubic inches
Displacement (cc) 889.0 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.6 x 2.7 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm) 90.7 x 68.8 mm
CO2 243.6 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Fuel System Injection. DKK Dell’Orto
Compression Ratio 13.5:1
Engine Lubrication Forced oil lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Fuel Consumption 10.50 litres/100 km (9.5 km/l or 22.40 mpg)
Ignition Bosch EMS with RBW
Starter Electric
Clutch PASC™ antihopping clutch, mechanically operated
Final Drive Chain   (final drive)
Gearbox 6-speed
Primary Drive 520 chain
Frame Type Chrome-molybdenum steel tubular space frame, powder-coated
Suspension - Front WP XACT PRO 7543
Suspension - Rear WP APEX PRO 7746
Rake 23.3°
Trail 99 mm / 3.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Front 120 mm / 4.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear 120 mm / 4.7 in.
Lighting system LED headlight
Brakes - Front Double disc. 2 x Brembo Stylema Monobloc four piston, radially mounted caliper
Brakes - Rear Single disc. Brembo twin-piston floating calliper, brake disc
Tyres - Front 120/70-ZR17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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KTM RC 8C - other years