490cc Twin-Cylinder KTM Motorcycles Launch Next Year: The Austrian bike manufacturer KTM recently made an official announcement that they are working on a new 490cc twin-cylinder engine for the Duke, RC, and Adventure series of motorcycles.
As per the sources, the company is developing an all-new twin-cylinder engine in India. In a recent statement given by the CEO of the company, Stefan Pierer has confirmed that the company will be launching the new 490cc motorcycles next year.
According to the details available, the Duke series would be the first one to get the new 490cc engine and is expected to launch as Duke 490, the new motorcycle would be placed above the Duke 390 and will be using a platform similar to the company’s Duke 790/890 models.
In the statement, Stefan concluded that “this is being 100 per cent developed at the Bajaj R&D centre in Pune, but supported by our R&D team. Its concept is based on the parallel-twin similar to the format we have on the 790/890 models. This is very important for our 125/200 and 390 Duke customers to trade up, especially in developed markets as an A2 license bike, while in the emerging markets it will be a premium product”.
This upcoming project will benefit and target buyers who want to upgrade from the current 390cc motorcycles including Duke 390, RC 390, and the Adventure 390. The brand is aiming to fill the huge gap between the Duke 390 and the Duke 790 with an all-new motorbike range.
One can expect the 490cc twin-cylinder engine to be capable of offering a maximum power ranging between 55HP-60HP. The engine will be further paired to 6-speed transmission mated to a slipper clutch. More details on the upcoming 490cc KTM motorcycles are expected to be revealed later this year.
