Johnson and Richards at KTM, where the latter took delivery of an 1190 RC8 R.

Steve Richards’ day time job may be behind four wheels racing for the Ford Performance Racing Team (FPR) in the V8 Supercar series, but his pastime passion is taking to the streets on two wheels, recently taking delivery of a KTM 1190 RC8 R.

Richards was handed the keys to an all new 2010 model KTM 1190 RC8 R at Vision Motorsport KTM in Ferntree Gully, Victoria, by KTM sponsored Superbike rider Shannon Johnson, who says the competition is strong within Richards, even on two wheels.

“We shared a joke of taking our KTM street bikes to the track for a spin, and I could tell he was up for the challenge,” said Johnson. “I guess when you race for a living it doesn’t matter if you’re on two wheels or four, if you have a love for speed, racing and fast engines it’s in your blood no matter what your machine.”

Richards was also enjoying the occasion, joining in on the joke with Johnson.

“I definitely think I could keep up with Shannon, at least for one lap,” Richards claimed. “His corner speed may be a little faster than mine on two wheels, but I’d definitely run with him on the straight.”

“Jokes aside, I just really enjoy riding the KTM and getting out when I’m not racing V8 Supercars, there’s no better feeling of the wind screaming past your ears as you accelerate, I don’t get that on four wheels. I have a passion for speed, and the best thing about the KTM 1190 RC8 R is how fast it is straight off the showroom floor, without any modifications.”

The KTM 1190 RC8 R was launched into Australia in March 2008, the bike comes with the signature R model orange frame and black-white bodywork.