KTM 490 Twin-Cylinder Range India Launch Expected by Late 2027

• New twin-cylinder engine is being developed by Bajaj in India
• Will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan factory
• Likely to debut at EICMA 2027

We recently brought your exclusive details on Bajaj and KTM working on an all-new sub-500cc twin-cylinder platform for India. Now, we have learned that the bikes based on this new platform are expected to arrive globally by late 2027.

This upcoming sub-500cc range is likely to feature the 490 moniker and will spawn the 490 Duke and 490 Adventure models. The new KTM 490 range is expected to make its global debut at EICMA 2027, with a market launch a few months later.

The new 490 range will mark the third generation of KTM’s small-capacity engine platform and is being developed entirely by Bajaj Auto in India. This new twin-cylinder motor is expected to comply with Europe’s A2 licence regulations, which means power output will be capped under 48bhp (35kW).

The KTM 490 range will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan plant in Pune, and underlines Bajaj’s growing role in KTM’s global product development. This new engine platform will first spawn the 490 Duke, followed by the 490 Adventure later. There is also a possibility of the RC 490 and Husqvarna 501 models, but that depends on market demand.

We also expect this new 490 range to replace the existing 390 lineup globally, as it doesn’t make sense to sell bikes with two different engine capacities and largely similar output figures in the same segment. That said, KTM may continue to sell the 350cc-powered 390 range in India as more-affordable offerings, while positioning the upcoming 490 range as a more premium, refined, and performance-oriented upgrade for existing 390 owners.

Once launched, the KTM 490 range will rival motorcycles such as the BMW F 450 GS, Aprilia Tuono 457, Aprilia RS 457, Honda NX500, and the Kawasaki Ninja 500.