KTM

Electric RC8: The electrified imagery

On the one hand, it is a modern reimagination of the sporty KTM RC8, increasingly a cult for many, but also because it is perhaps one of the most convincing designs of an electric motorcycle and which may come to be worth the attention of the Austrian firm.
This new vision of the KTM RC8 is the product of Mohit Solanki, a student of Mobility and Vehicle Designer at IIT Bombay, who says that the reason he went beyond the basic sports of conventional energy, is because he believes that “sales gasoline bikes will fall, and buyers will start switching to electric bikes ”.
It is a debatable view, but at least this RC8 is a very striking interpretation of the original, even though the signature Kiska style features - the lattice frame - are analyzed backwards for the driver to get up under a 'hunchback' that , although rakish, does not seem very comfortable.



The familiar scalpel style, however, is evident on the front screen that cuts down towards the front wheel.
The words of the project developer: “My goal was to look for the aggressive design that seems natural by cutting the air, increasing the downforce when necessary and being able to reduce the drag by incorporating spoilers. So, aerodynamics will play a key element in the concept. ”



As for the EV engine, this is an issue for engineers instead of designers, so there is nothing like sufficient power or autonomy, but the design is simply impressive.
Of course, if we did not live in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, this would certainly be another exercise to go beyond anonymity, but with the few - not to mention any news from the motorcycle manufacturers, we continue to dream of beautiful design exercises . Until when? 



By Ricardo J Ferreira, Portugal