KTM RC 8
Background
Motorcycle manufacturer KTM is a legend in the world of off-road riding. The second-largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe and the fastest-growing, its off-road bikes give every user a thrilling experience. Seeking to extend its spirit of off-road excitement to the on-road sector, KTM asked KISKA to work with it on the design and development of its latest on-road product, the RC8. The challenge was to ‘sharpen’ the KTM brand image on the street and to design KTM’s first Superbike.
Approach
As KTM had no heritage in the Superbike segment, the challenge was to apply its offroad Visual Product Language to this segment. The design statement of the RC8 had to be bold, differentiating and recognizable.
The close working relationship with KTM enabled KISKA to design and visualise the new bike from research, concept and prototyping through to completion.
Result
The design of a Superbike is always a compromise between style and technical requirements like tank, airbox size, aerodynamics etc. With proportions of Moto GP Bikes with much of the optical weight in the front, an invisible and integrated under floor exhaust and an extremely reduced and light rear end, we achieved an unconventional technical look. All legal requirements for road use like rear view mirrors, indicators and tail light can be taken off easily which turns the bike into a real race bike.
Viewed from any angle, the KTM RC8 is a bold statement of cutting-edge excitement that reflects the passion of the people who ride it. The bike faithfully encapsulates the traditional KTM values of ‘adventure’, ‘pure’, ‘extreme’ and ‘performance’, while the KISKA-designed advertising and communications campaign brought these qualities to media and the public.
Benefit
The KTM RC8 has successfully extended the KTM proposition to a new market. It also reflects KISKA’s capabilities in all aspects of brand design and development as well as in transportation design. According to Stefan Pierer, CEO and owner of KTM: “Again, KISKA has exceeded our expectations and developed a dramatic and passionate motorcycle which conveys the spirit of adventure and tension.” Since KTM entered the on-road market it has achieved annual double-digit growth in this segment.
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If you would like more information please contact Mark Blackwell!
St. Leonharder-Straße 4
5081 Anif - Salzburg
T +43(0)6246 73488 - 0
F +43(0)6246 73488 - 1044
office@kiska.com
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