and to emphasize low-end torque. Throttle butterflies were remapped to reduce the amount of opening under small throttle inputs for much smoother transitions and to address the "snatchy throttle" complaints directed at the earlier models. The new cylinder head uses two spark plugs in each cylinder; below 7,000 rpm only one of the two fires, while above 7,000 both are used for optimum burning and reduced detonation which also allows for a re-tuned ECU that has revamped cam timing and the 52 mm throttle bodies. Also new with this model are cast aluminum Marchesini wheels and strategic front and rear suspension updates. Racing At the launch of the RC8 superbike KTM announced it will race the RC8 in the FIM Superstock championship in 2008. KTM's two-year plan is to get the bike regularly on the podium in superstock before moving up to the Superbike World Championship. For 2009 the KTM RC8 Super Cup has been running as a one make support class at selected rounds of the British Superbike Championship, and in 2010 Redline KTM are competing in the newly formed BSB Evo class with rider James Edmeades. For 2012, Chris Filmore riding for the KTM Factory Racing team earned his career best finish at the final round of the AMA Pro SuperBike Series held at NOLA Motorsports Park on October 6 finishing 4th that day, 5th place the next, ending the season 11th overall and signed with the team for 2013. Specifications All specifications are manufacturer claimed. References External links KTM.com [archive] Official RC8 website KTM RC8 review Road test of the KTM RC8 RC8R Motorcycles introduced in 2008 Sport bikes