In an Interview, KTM CEO and President Stefan Pierer stated that Superbikes with 200 horsepower or greater are too powerful to be ridden safely on the street. He went on to say that when the RC16 bike, which is only permitted to be ridden on tracks or private enclosed properties, is available for customers, the RC8 will be discontinued. Pierer argued that even the KTM RC8's 173 BHP was too dangerous for public roads.