KTM’s upcoming 490 platform has been in rumours for years, but now it finally looks like the motorcycles are getting closer to production. New spy shots from overseas have revealed heavily camouflaged KTM test bikes, believed to be the upcoming 490 Adventure and 490 Duke. These new motorcycles are expected to sit above the current 390 range and could arrive in India by 2027.
The biggest highlight is the new engine. Unlike the KTM 390 bikes that use a single-cylinder motor, the upcoming 490 or 590 range is expected to get an all-new parallel-twin engine. This should make the motorcycles feel smoother, more refined and much stronger on highways, especially during long-distance touring or high-speed riding.
Reports suggest the new twin-cylinder engine could produce around 55-60 HP, which is a significant jump over the current 390 lineup. That would place the upcoming 490 or 590 bikes right in the middleweight category, targeting riders who want more performance but may not want to jump straight to bigger and more expensive motorcycles like the KTM 790 Duke.
The recently spotted adventure model appears to have proper ADV proportions with a tall stance, upright ergonomics and long-travel suspension. It looks designed for both highway touring and rough roads, while still remaining manageable for everyday use. KTM seems to be focusing on making it look bigger and more premium than the current 390 Adventure.
At the same time, earlier spy shots of the naked version hint at what could become the next-generation 490 Duke. Enthusiasts can expect KTM’s typical aggressive styling, sharp body panels and sporty riding dynamics, but with extra power and improved refinement from the twin-cylinder setup. This could make it a much better highway machine compared to the current 390 Duke.
The new platform is also important for KTM globally because emission regulations are becoming stricter in many markets. A twin-cylinder engine can help deliver smoother performance while still meeting future norms. KTM and Bajaj are expected to jointly manufacture these motorcycles, which could help keep pricing relatively competitive for India.
While KTM has not officially revealed launch dates or specifications yet, the spy shots strongly suggest development is moving ahead steadily. If launched with aggressive pricing, the KTM 490 twins could become some of the most exciting motorcycles in India’s middleweight segment, especially for younger riders looking to upgrade from 200cc or 300cc machines.
