KTM 490 Duke, 490 Adventure And RC 490 Confirmed For 2022

The new range will become the most affordable twin-cylinder bikes from KTM

For a long time, fanatics have been dreaming about a successor to the likable KTM 390 range and the Austrian giant did confirm that it was working on a 490cc platform. KTM boss Stefan Pierer has confirmed that the 490 range will grace markets in 2022. The new lineup will feature offerings such as the KTM 490 Duke, a 490 Adventure and a RC 490! These bikes will help plug the gap between the 390s and the 790/890s in KTM’s lineup.

Not a lot is known about the bikes yet, but what we do know is that they’ll all be powered by a twin-cylinder 490cc engine, supposedly derived from KTM’s 790cc motor. Understandably, it will be more powerful than the 390 lineup which currently puts out 44PS and 37Nm. KTM could also throw in electronic aids like ride modes, traction control, cornering ABS and a quickshifter.

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Exciting, right? There’s could be more good news for us Indians to be excited about. The upcoming 490s could be developed by Bajaj Auto in India (probably at its Chakan plant) and make their way to Indian showrooms soon after the global unveil. A competitive price tag can be expected, if the bikes are highly localised. 

This 490cc motor will eventually be plonked into Husqvarnas too, resulting in a “501” nomenclature. Interestingly, since Bajaj is also using KTM’s engines, it wouldn’t be too crazy to expect Bajaj’s first ever mid-capacity twin-cylinder bike. A Dominar 500, anyone?