01. Engine & Exhaust

Engine
The LC8c is the most compact performance engine on the market. Pumping out 95 hp (70 kW), combined with modern electronics and a 6-speed sequential gearbox, and with an estimated 450 km fuel range, it is the perfect combination for extreme offroad exploration. On transport stages a smooth ride is assured thanks to two balancer shafts, which keep vibration to a minimum, and, 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.


Balancer shaft
When punching out those big long days in the saddle - on the tarmac linking up offroad sections - 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.


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.


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 R RALLY feel like one of its V-twin ADVENTURE brothers when cracking the throttle open.


Crankcase
The horizontally split crankcases are an aluminum high-pressure cast. This allows for reduced wall thickness for weight savings, and optimized surfaces, which allowed 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. 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.


Ride-by-wire
Instead of the throttle valve in the electronic injection system being controlled by a conventional throttle cable, the KTM 790 ADVENTURE R RALLY uses a ride-by-wire process. With the help of electronic sensors, twisting the throttle grip activates the throttle valve through the use of a servo motor. Not only is it instant and efficient, the ride-by-wire system achieves so much more. It electronically translates the throttle commands of the rider into the optimum throttle valve position for the current riding situation, and for the most linear power delivery. Ride-by-wire offers a lot of freedom when deciding the feel of the engine and without it, features like MTC (Motorcycle Traction Control) and Quickshifter + would not be possible.


Exhaust
An AKRAPOVIC “Slip-on Line” titanium silencer is installed to add to the rally look and feel of the bike. By using high-grade titanium material, there is a weight saving of about 30-40% compared to the standard silencer and not to mention the aggressive “snarl” that announces the bike’s performance intentions.


Airfilter
The new KTM 790 ADVENTURE R RALLY 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 R RALLY’s design and advanced cooling technology, it is possible to keep pushing hard, exploring for hours on end in hot conditions.
