01. Engine & Exhaust

Engine
KTM's new generation LC8c in-line twin-engine with 95 hp (70 kW), combined with modern electronics and a 6-speed sequential gearbox, ticks all the boxes for a travel-enduro motorcycle that can be ridden up to 450 km (280 miles) between fuel stops on the open road. Smooth long-distance travel is assured thanks to two balancer shafts, which keep vibration to a minimum. With long service intervals of 15,000 km, you can ride for days on end without a worry.


Cylinder Head
The 8-valve DOHC cylinder head contains twin chain-driven camshafts and two spark plugs (one per cylinder). The camshafts are assembled, making them lighter than forged camshafts, while the cam profile has been developed to create an especially torquey engine. The steel valves are opened by DLC coated finger followers and a hydraulic chain tensioner tensions the camchain.


Pistons
Forged pistons with three piston rings connected by a plain conrod bearing, combine with a DLC coated piston pin for reduced piston weight and less reciprocating mass. This results in a faster revving engine and allows for a lighter crankshaft, with reduced rotating masses and improved handling.


Ride-by-wire
KTM's ride-by-wire system electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into optimum throttle valve positions for the specific riding situation.


Balancer shaft
When punching out those long days in the saddle, linking up offroad sections with big asphalt stages, uncomfortable engine vibrations are kept to a minimum thanks to two balancer shafts, one in front of the crankshaft and the other in the cylinder head between the two camshafts


Cylinder
The nicasil-coated aluminum cylinders are an integral part of the sleeveless engine casing. The open deck cylinder construction allows for optimal cooling, improved production tolerances, and reduces the potential for cylinder warpage during production.


Conrods
High quality pistons are connected to the crankshaft by forged conrods, which are carried by plain bearings.


Crankshaft
A forged one-piece crankshaft is held firmly in place by plain bearings with a 75-degree offset. The 435-degree firing order produces a sound similar to that of the larger LC8 engine, which makes the KTM 790 ADVENTURE feel like one of its V-twin ADVENTURE brothers when cracking the throttle open.


Crankcase
The horizontally split crankcases are high-pressure cast from aluminum. This allows for reduced wall thickness, weight savings and optimized surfaces, offering the engine designers more freedom in their design. The open-deck cylinders are integrated into the crankcase.


Oil circulations
Oil circulation is based on a compact semi-dry sump system to minimize friction losses. The oil is actively pumped out of the crankcase, clutch housing and gearbox, which ensures that oil does not unnecessarily flow through the engine. The oil sump is integrated into the oil pump housing, together with two pumps (one scavenge, one pressure) and a pressure regulation valve. To cool down the oil, the engine is equipped with an oil cooler similar to the larger LC8 V-twin engines.


PASC clutch
The PASC (Power Assist Clutch) requires minimal rider input to operate it. The slipper clutch on the LC8c is similar to that on the LC8, but more compact and therefore lighter. It prevents destabilizing rear wheel chatter when braking sharply or decelerating. It also reduces the hand force required for changing gears, allowing the clutch to be controlled with one finger - saving you energy when riding.


Gearbox
The 6-speed sequential gearbox's stacked configuration reduces engine length, which enables it to be more compact. Gear shifting is very smooth, and by using the optional Quickshifter+ clutchless up and downshifts can be performed effortlessly.


Exhaust
A stainless-steel exhaust system utilizes a mid-exhaust sound damper to centralize mass, which allows for a relatively small muffler, thereby maximizing the exhaust system's ground clearance. The sound - ready for adventure!


Airfilter
The new KTM 790 ADVENTURE features easy air filter accessibility for cleaning and servicing, even if you're out in the most remote location while on a ride. The airbox is located under the seat with the intake at the rear of the bike. This means that in addition to easy air filter access, the seat and tank could be kept low and the bike could be made narrower where it counts: in the leg area. It has also allowed better positioning of the electronics to keep mass centralized.


Cooling
In the heat of the moment, it’s important the LC8c engine keeps its cool to ensure its advanced power and performance are maintained. Thanks to the KTM 790 ADVENTURE’s design and advanced cooling technology, exploring for hours on end in hot conditions is possible.
