KTM 490 Adventure and 490 Duke Spotted Testing: Parallel-Twins incoming

Exciting new spy shots and global industry leaks have confirmed that KTM is actively testing an entirely new multi-model architecture built around a highly anticipated parallel-twin platform. This development marks the mid capacity line up engineered specifically to bridge the wide gap between the single-cylinder 390 range and the heavyweight 790/890 twin-cylinder families.

The Powerhouse: An All-New Sub-500cc Parallel-Twin Engine

At the absolute heart of this project is a brand-new parallel-twin engine. While the exact cubic capacity remains top-secret, the motor is expected to sit in the 400 cc to 600 cc bracket under the iconic “490” moniker.

Early technical leaks and international test observations suggest a few key details about this highly versatile powertrain:

• Power Delivery: The engine is expected to produce anywhere from 55 to 60 PS.
• A2 License Compliance: To satisfy strict European licensing laws, there will be EU versions of this engine which will cap output under the 48 bhp (35 kW) limit, making it a guaranteed hit for step-up riders globally.
• Refinement vs. Singles: The standout benefit of the dual-cylinder setup is pure quality-of-life. It naturally irons out the high-rpm vibrations that make single-cylinder bikes tiring over 500 km highway days, delivering smoother power and better highway composure.
• Exhaust & Layout: Unlike the underbelly setups seen on the smaller 390s, this new architecture uses a conventional side-mounted exhaust configuration jutting out from a central collector box.

Spotted on Test: The KTM 490 Duke Naked Bike

A prototype of the naked bike sibling has been captured testing overseas, giving us our first look at what could arrive as either the 490 Duke or 590 Duke. The raw, early-stage test mule was seen running several temporary components—including a test headlight borrowed straight from the current 390 Duke—but it revealed massive clues about the final chassis design.

The naked bike features a heavily revised frame that borrows visual design cues from the 790 series, but it uses a completely unique swingarm mount to accommodate the compact twin-cylinder casing. Notably, the prototype shows off a much more relaxed, comfortable seating position for the rider than what you get on the current 390 or 790 Duke models. It also retains a lightweight single front disc setup with WP-branded radial brake callipers, keeping the overall kerb weight down without sacrificing stopping power.

Spotted on Test: The KTM 490 Adventure

For adventure touring enthusiasts, an undisguised 490 Adventure prototype was also spotted revealing its full, tall, upright adventure silhouette. While the single-cylinder 390 Adventure remains a fantastic city-and-trail tool, its single cylinder gets buzzy at sustained triple-digit highway speeds. The premium KTM 890 Adventure R solves that, but its almost Rs 16 lakh price tag places it well out of reach for average buyers.

The 490 Adventure bridges this divide perfectly with proper, go-anywhere hardware:

• Chassis & Wheels: It features a true off-road wheel combination with a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear setup riding on tubeless spoke wheels. The expected factory fitment is the dual-purpose Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyre compound. It could also have a lower spec with 19 inch front similar to the 390 X variant which would be a very competitively priced variant.
• The Swingarm: The test mule highlights a distinctive, banana-shaped rear swingarm that arches neatly around the new exhaust collector box—a premium touch seen on KTM’s latest high-end models like the 990 Duke.
• WP Suspension & Braking: True to KTM’s off-road heritage, the bike is suspended by long-travel WP upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. Braking is handled by single disc brakes at both ends with a WP caliper at the front.
• Electronics: It is expected to carry a premium suite including a full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity, multiple riding modes (such as Street, Rain, and Sport), cornering ABS with a switchable Supermoto/Off-Road mode, traction control, and a bidirectional quickshifter.

KTM 490 Adventure vs. KTM 390 Adventure S

Note: While the twin-cylinder motor brings massive refinement, official figures regarding the final kerb weight and exact suspension travel have yet to be confirmed, and a heavier chassis could slightly offset the light, nimble charm of the 390 single.

The Bajaj Production Edge, Pricing, and Launch Expectations

This entire platform represents a massive investment by Bajaj Auto into a flexible multi-model architecture, meaning this parallel-twin engine could eventually power RC models or equivalent Husqvarna variants down the line. Because models in the 400 cc to 600 cc range are booming globally—while the market for massive heavyweight motorcycles is projected to shrink—this segment is vital for KTM’s future.

The entire 490 range will be fully developed and manufactured locally at Bajaj’s Chakan plant in Pune, India. It will be interesting to see how Bajaj prices these.

The new range is heavily tipped to make its official global debut at EICMA, with a global market launch expected to follow shortly after. When it lands, the KTM 490 range will square up directly against fierce parallel-twin rivals like the Honda NX500, Aprilia RS 457/Tuono 457, Kawasaki Ninja 500, and the recent BMW F 450 GS. With most of those competitors sitting close to the Rs 7 lakh on-road bracket, KTM’s local manufacturing advantage gives it a very plausible chance to meaningfully undercut them and dominate the middleweight market. The only real competitors are from Aprilia, and we are hearing about a Tuareg 457 coming in soon as well.

Sources – Motorrad & Reisin and MotoBob