For those who still doubted whether KTM is indeed developing a one-liter version of the LC8c parallel twin, design records confirm that KTM has gone with the twin level-up.
A month ago we already reported that KTM is working on a new RC 990, after the bike was spotted by our man in the wild during testing, but thanks to design registrations there are now more details about the new engine.
The computer drawings show that the new block clearly has the same layout as the current 890 block, but with completely new castings for the crankcases, cylinders and the cylinder head (ie the entire block).
The life of the LC8c, which is produced in China at CFMoto and also used in their own lineup, initially started life as a 799cc “790”. After only two years the block received a 90cc boost and the now 889cc twin was known as the “890”.
All KTM should have done for that was increase the bore from 88mm to 90.7mm, but to drill the block even further (and ensure that that larger block can also be used again in the somewhat more distant future). enlarged) more drastic adjustments had to be made.
The old and new views clearly show that KTM has taken great care to ensure that the most important dimensions have remained unchanged (such as the suspension points, for example), so that the block can be exchanged with the current block without any problems.
However, beyond those main dimensions, everything is new. The crankcase parts, oil pan, cylinder head and transmission have all been modified, while the ride-by-wire throttle body, water pump and ignition coils have been adopted at least in terms of shape.
From the side view, the cylinders appear to be higher than before, suggesting that KTM has increased the stroke this time to give the block more displacement. More space has been created on the right-hand side of the sump pan for a catalytic converter, as the espionage photos have already shown.
The clutch cover has been made a lot more compact, with the dipstick lower and the sight glass now placed directly in the crankcase due to the smaller dimensions of the cover.
Based on the 119 horsepower that KTM quotes for the “890”, a “990” version should easily break the 130 horsepower barrier. By the way, KTM is already getting 133 horsepower from the LC8c of the RC 8C track bike, which was sold out in no time again this year.
The first model to be equipped with the new LC8c “990” twin is expected to be the 990 Duke, which is expected to be launched as a 2024 model later this year. The RC 990 will follow, after which a 990 Adventure will undoubtedly follow.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.