Custom KTM RC8 by 46Works Photo Gallery

It can be very hard to imagine the KTM RC8 take the form of a neo retro cafe racer, though the Japanese bike culture continues to surprise us. What you see here is a custom KTM RC8 modded to look like a streetfighter, a brainchild of 46Works custom motorcycle shop. Based out of Yatsugatake, Japan, 46Works is well known for giving a cafe racer twist to modern motorcycles. 46Works' founder, Shiro Nakajima, recently came in the limelight when BMW Motorrad shortlisted the custom shop to create a bespoke RnineT for a biker build-off, which eventually took the form of the Clubman Racer. Check out 46Works' take on the KTM RC8 -

This RC8 is no ordinary bike, as it was commissioned by KTM Japan especially for the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show.

The stock subframe of the trellis chassis was ditched in favour of a custom made aluminium subframe and tail unit.

The fuel tank and the rear cowl have been hammered out of aluminium plates in traditional cafe racer fashion.

Built for performance, the RC8 spews out 173 horsepower through a 1148cc 75-degree V-twin engine.

The beefy front forks and the swingarm have been retained, though it now rides on multispoke wheels to give it a retro feel.

The loopy two into one exhaust system is made out of titanium and concludes in a megaphone exhaust.

The RC8 comes kitted with low clip-on handlbars, Posh headlamp, Daytona LED tail lamp and Motogadget clocks.

The raised tail section and the meaty tyre gives the RC8 the distinct minimalistic look of a streetfighter.