KTM 490 Duke, RC 490, 490 Adventure Under Development

KTM's 490 platform will bridge the gap between the 390 and 790 series

• The platform may use a parallel-twin engine configuration unlike the KTM’s 390 single-cylinder motor.
• Expect these concepts to be unveiled at EICMA 2020.

KTM’s 390 engine platform has done wonders for the brand, offering power-packed performance at an affordable price tag. That said, there is a sizeable gap between the 390 and 790 series, and KTM intends to fill this up with the 490 range, which may use a parallel-twin engine configuration instead of the KTM’s 390 single-cylinder motor.

*Representative Image

The sub-500cc parallel-twin motor is likely to fill the gap between the 390 and 790 range while acting as a successor to the 690 Duke -- a bike that's reached the end of the line due to strict emissions norms. The new breed of motorcycles will allow enthusiasts to transition more easily to mental twins like the 790 Duke and the 890 Duke R.

Also Read: 2020 KTM RC 390 Design Revealed

The range will spawn 5 new motorcycles, most of which are likely to make their way to India. While the 490 Duke is a given, the arrival of RC 490 and 490 Adventure is also a high possibility. The new engine platform may bring with it new and improved features, and refinement levels that its single-cylinder counterparts lacked. Though the range also has two more motorcycles as part of the supermoto series, there's little to no chance of them making it to India.

The arrival of the 490 range will open new doors for KTM and may win back some of the fan following it lost to the Royal Enfield 650 twins.