KTM: the versatility and character of the LC8 engine

The engine KTM LC8 it is a heart that equips naked models, sport tourers and even adventure models. A twin cylinder with a connotative 75° V pattern.

A power unit with character

Il LC8 engine It is currently able to express its potential on the asphalt of circuits, but also on the most demanding routes. An energetic and versatile concept, with maintenance intervals scheduled every 15.000 km.
A path that began at the end of the last century, when KTM worked on the development of an interesting idea in the Mattighofen Research & Development department. These were the first cries of the engine LC8 V2 at 75°. The first version would have pushed the KTM 950 Rally with which Fabrizio Meoni won the Dakar in 2002 and from which the KTM 950 Adventure in 2003.

Two years later the KTM 990 Super Duke, a sign of the versatile nature of this engine, which has been constantly evolved and redefined since then. Other examples are the super sports car KTM RC8, the KTM Adventure and Super Adventure and “THE BEAST”, i.e. the high-performance one KTM 1290 Super Duke R. A reference configuration in this case considering i 1.301 cc, the 180 horses of power ei 140 Nm of torque, with the support of sophisticated electronic solutions such as an anti-wheelie system and cornering traction control (Cornering MTC).
The V2 architecture will also remain a staple in the sports naked segment and for touring models.

Along with versatility, another interesting aspect is reliability. Recently, in internal tests, an interesting value was reached in the scheduled maintenance intervals without encountering problems, a figure close to 30.000 km as reported. During an endurance test with a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S the busy driver drove almost 40% of the time below 3.500 rpm and only 1% of the test distance was done with the engine above 6.500 rpm. A value that underlines a route covered almost half with torque at low revs, underlining the versatility of the engine, as highlighted.
In 2021 there has been a new evolutionary step for the LC8 heart, considering the requirements related to the regulation Euro 5. Development work focused on the distribution and efficiency of the exhaust system, with a saving of over 1,5 kg in weight. In the most recent configuration the architecture includes, among other factors, two spark plugs per cylinder and titanium intake valves, thinner crankcase walls, a new lubricating oil line, new longer-lasting pistons and new intake ducts.

Photo: KTM