KTM is an extremely popular motorcycle brand among youngsters in India and across the globe. The brand is now backed by Bajaj Auto and, like most manufacturers, KTM is planning to expand its product lineup further. The company recently launched the 350cc versions of the Duke and Adventure models in order to take advantage of the revised GST norms. Apart from these models, KTM is also working on a range of twin-cylinder motorcycles, all of which have already been spotted testing multiple times. These upcoming motorcycles will be manufactured in India and sold in both domestic and international markets.
Here’s a look at the upcoming KTM 490 range:
The KTM Duke 490 is expected to bridge the gap between the existing KTM Duke 390 and the KTM Duke 790. Currently, the difference between these two motorcycles in terms of pricing, power, and overall performance is quite significant, and the new Duke 490 is expected to slot right in between them.
Early test mules of the motorcycle have already been spotted on test runs. While the final design is still not fully visible, the motorcycle is expected to borrow styling elements from both the Duke 390 and Duke 790. It may not look as bulky as the 790, but KTM is likely to include several unique design elements to clearly differentiate it from the smaller Duke 390.
The motorcycle is expected to feature KTM’s signature exposed steel trellis frame, large front disc brakes with radial calipers, upside-down front forks, a rear monoshock suspension setup, and a slightly upswept exhaust. Other expected features include a 5-inch colour TFT display and LED turn indicators that could also function as tail lamps.
Powering the Duke 490 is expected to be a new 490cc parallel twin-cylinder engine producing around 55–60 PS. These figures seem reasonable considering that the Duke 390 produces around 43 PS, while the Duke 790 generates close to 95 PS.
KTM is unlikely to stop with just the Duke 490. Like its existing range, the company is expected to use the same engine platform across multiple body styles. The KTM RC 490 has also been spotted testing internationally.
The fully-faired sports bike is expected to come equipped with upside-down forks, KTM-style LED projector headlamps, 5-spoke alloy wheels, large disc brakes, integrated ORVMs with the fairing, a rear monoshock suspension setup, and a single-sided swingarm.
The RC 490 is also expected to feature a 5-inch TFT display along with premium electronics such as switchable ABS, traction control, multiple riding modes, and a quickshifter. The motorcycle will likely use the same twin-cylinder engine as the Duke 490, producing around 55–60 PS.
KTM is also developing an adventure touring motorcycle based on the same platform. The upcoming KTM 490 Adventure is expected to feature a familiar design language similar to the brand’s existing Adventure range. Like the Duke 490, the Adventure 490 will be positioned above the current KTM 390 Adventure models.
The motorcycle is expected to retain KTM’s steel trellis frame along with a tall riding position, a clear flyscreen, wire-spoke wheels, a sleek single-piece seat, an upswept exhaust, and a wide handlebar. It is also expected to come equipped with long-travel suspension, upside-down forks, and a 5-inch full-colour TFT instrument cluster with smartphone connectivity.
Feature highlights are likely to include traction control, cornering ABS, multiple ride modes, off-road ABS mode and more. All three motorcycles are expected to make their global debut by the end of 2027.
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