KTM 490 launch within two years; will carry a twin cylinder engine similar to 790s and this platform will spawn many models…
So far the stepping stone for 125 and 250cc KTM customers is the 390 range. However, for the 390 customers there is a steep climb up till the 690/790s. The company has identified the gap and is now planning to fill it up with not just another product but a new platform altogether.
The new platform will sit bang in between with a capacity of near 500cc. These models will be labeled with the 490 tag and will carry a parallel twin cylinder engine… yes a clean upgrade for 390 customers! We hope for a fairly big power difference with the 390s 43 hp and another cylinder will likely add refinement to the ride. Pierer revealed that its parallel twin format is similar to the company’s 790/890 engines.
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In a latest update, Stefan Pierer, the head of KTM, in an interview cleared that this platform is still under development and the first product will be ready by 2022 and will have the comprehensive lineup – including Dukes, Adventures along with products under the Husqvarna moniker.
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This is being developed at Bajaj’s R&D center in Pune along with KTM guys. However, in a surprising update, Pierer said that there is a possibility that these models may also be developed by CFMoto – KTM’s partner, in China. Pierer said that the transfer of the 790 engine (to CFMoto) has worked well and its new facility will start production early next year.
Source – Motoring World