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I got to do a full session at Thunderbolt on the RC8R and here are my thoughts:
I'm not a liter bike guy, but I've ridden a few on track. If the RC8R could be summed up in one statement it would be "easy to ride". Ergos were good, turn in was neutral, throttle response was smooth, and the power curve was very linear and predictable. I could lap comfortably on it in just one session.
For me the reach to the bars was a little long, but the tank shape was good, so I didn't feel awkward. I could hang off pretty far and my elbow rested naturally on the tank. The seat was high, but not precarious feeling.
I knew from previous experiences that if you try to putt putt around a track on a superbike they feel lurchy and ill handling. So I just started out at a decent pace, and everyhting felt natural and smooth. From turn in to throttle application, to getting the power down. Zero funkiness. The bike was extremely fast on the front straight, and scrubbed the speed just as easily. The rear end didn't try to pass the front or anything. Just a gentle wag on the third downshift, but totally controlled feeling.
I liked riding the bike, and I loved looking at the thing. Very unique and cool bike. I have read some criticism of it, but it seems unfounded to me. Is it as good as the established superbikes? Only race results will tell that tale.
Huge thanks to Jerry from valley motorsports for making this thing available at our days. Very cool of him!