KTM 490 bikes, to be offered across Duke and Adventure range, will be powered by an all-new twin-cylinder engine, locally developed by Bajaj
Bajaj and KTM are jointly working on a sub-500cc engine platform for the Indian market. It is likely to spawn multiple new motorcycles across the Duke and Adventure range. The all-new sub-500cc line-up of bikes are expected to flaunt the ‘490’ suffix as the first model based on this platform debuts by late 2027 in global markets. The new 490cc twin-cylinder engine will be locally built by Bajaj at the Chakan facility in Pune and it will be made for India-spec motorcycles under the KTM badging to bridge the gap between 390 and 690 models.
The KTM 490 motorcycles are likely to break cover at the EICMA 2027 in Italy while the market launch will be taking place in the subsequent months. The 490cc twin-cylinder engine platform will be developed keeping in mind the A2 licence regulations in the European markets. Hence, the maximum power output will be capped at 48 bhp to comply with the rules in Europe.
The first KTM motorcycle based on this platform could be the Duke 490 which will be followed by the Adventure 490. We might also see the RC 490 at a later stage and even the possibilities of Husqvarna 501 models cannot be ruled out either. However, as we have seen over the years, everything will depend on the customer demand in the Indian market.
The KTM 490 motorcycles could replace the 390 line-up in global markets as it makes very little sense to retail two models with different engine displacement yet almost identical power output. However, as far as the Indian market is concerned, KTM will continue with the 350cc engine powered Duke and Adventure models to enjoy the lower GST benefits.
KTM 490 bikes could be sold as more premium, upmarket and powerful alternatives to the existing 390 models, which were available with the 399cc LC4 engine. Hence, in India, both the 350cc and 490cc motorcycles will be sold for different customer bases. The 490cc bikes will have several worthy rivals in the form of BMW F 450 GS, Aprilia Tuono 457, Aprilia RS 457, Honda NX500, and the Kawasaki Ninja 500.
Recently, a KTM Adventure motorcycle was spotted testing on the Austrian roads. While the global media referred to it as ‘KTM 690 Adventure’ with a twin-cylinder engine and power output in excess of 60 bhp, the media in India called it the ‘KTM 490 Adventure’. We strongly believe that KTM is testing the 690 Adventure with a new twin-cylinder engine so that it can peacefully retire the 690cc single-cylinder mill, which is widely regarded as the most powerful single production yet.
Image Source: Visordown
