One of the best things about KTM is that it keeps on poking around and giving us new attractive products. It recently launched the 790 Duke in India and now the latest news is all about KTM working on 5 new models that would be powered by a brand-new 490cc twin-cylinder engine!
Apparently, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer confirmed in Dec 2018 that a new 490cc twin-cylinder engine is under development and will be manufactured by Bajaj. This engine is expected to be installed in 5 new models – Duke, RC, Adventure, Supermoto, and Enduro.
We are very much familiar with the 390 Duke and its brutal performance and supreme handling. Therefore, chances are that KTM will use the 390 Duke’s Trellis frame and do some minor improvements to use it in the 490 Duke. We also have a 390 Adventure coming. So for its 490 counterpart, things and features can be borrowed from that. And the current RC 390 is going to provide the grounds for the RC 490.
As far as the 490 Supermoto and 490 Enduro models are concerned, KTM has been making such bikes for many years now and will use parts from those models to build up the new ones.
The Engine
The elephant in the room is the new 490cc twin-cylinder engine. As of now, there aren’t any exact details of the same, however, it is being speculated that it would have a power figure of around 55-60 hp. It would also be a DOHC unit and feature 4 valves per cylinder. It would be mated to a 6-speed ‘box with slipper clutch.
Availability
If the reports are to be believed, KTM is planning to reveal more details about the new bikes as well as the engine at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan. However, we aren’t that confident about the actual bikes being put up on display.
For the latest news in your mailbox click HERE to subscribe to our daily newsletter!
or
Click HERE to Download our APP for all the action right on your mobile device!
