KIWI RIDER SEPTEMBER 2020 VOL1 | Page 14

ROAD NEWS LAST YEAR’S RACE BIKE, THIS YEAR’S BARGAIN? W hile KTM is really coming into its own on the MotoGP circuit this year, the Austrian firm has put up for sale its 2019 race machines in a nearly unheard of offer. The pair of factory-prepared RC16 MotoGP machines from the 2019 season not only come “ready to race” but also included in the package is an ultra-exclusive MotoGP fan package as well. The RC16s up for grabs marked an important step forward for the KTM factory in their young Grand Prix project, which is just in its four years in existence. Pol Espargaro used the bike to qualify on the front row of the start grid at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli and logged eight top-ten finishes and 100 FIM World Championship points while riding the RC16s. Included in the rather eye-watering price of €288,000 (that is $519,936.48 in NZ dollars going by the current exchange rate) is a full set of Pol Espargaro’s race leathers, a signed Espargaro race helmet and a VIP MotoGP Event Pack for any 2021 event (subject to circuit availability). The experience also includes a behind-thescenes tour, a meet-and-greet with the MotoGP riders and a full set of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team wear, weekend access to the Red Bull Energy Station unit with full catering and refreshment options. The bike itself is a serious bit of kit. Tipping the scales at just 157kg and producing in excess of 265hp from its 1000cc V4, the 2019 KTM RC16 can hurtle towards a top speed listed as over 340km/h. There is a catch to the RC16s going on sale, however, and KTM isn’t just selling the bikes to just anyone with the company asking for “serious enquiries” to be sent to rc16@ktm. com where the company will compile a list of potential buyers before deciding who the lucky new owners will be. If that’s not exclusive we don’t know what is! 14 KIWI RIDER