What To Expect From Upcoming KTM 490 Parallel Twin?

KTM has officially confirmed the RC 490, making it the first named model on an all-new sub-500cc parallel-twin platform being developed and manufactured by Bajaj Auto in Pune.

The new engine finally bridges the long-standing gap between KTM's 390 lineup and its 790 range, a space that has remained vacant since the company discontinued the 690 single. Meanwhile, test mules of both the naked Duke and Adventure variants have already been spotted undergoing development.

What Neumeister Actually Said

KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister outlined the company's roadmap in a single sentence: "The 990 was first and we'll have a 790 and a 490." He presented the new model as part of KTM's strategy to expand the RC lineup into the growing mid and lower-capacity motorcycle segment, building on the launch of the 990 RC R.

The context is worth noting. Neumeister made the statement in a KTM announcement confirming the brand's MotoGP commitment through 2031, not during a dedicated product presentation. As a result, he revealed no details about engine capacity, power output, pricing, or launch timeline. The RC 490 is officially confirmed, but everything else remains under wraps.

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The Engine Is the Real Story

The new parallel twin represents the third generation of KTM's sub-500cc platform, following the 373cc and 399cc LC4c singles. More importantly, it marks the platform's first move away from a single-cylinder engine.

Bajaj is not only manufacturing the engine at its Chakan facility but is also leading its development. That could prove more significant for pricing than outright performance, as a locally developed and produced twin avoids many of the import and manufacturing costs that typically push European middleweight motorcycles beyond the Rs 5 lakh mark in India.

Current expectations suggest the 490 Duke will arrive first, followed by the 490 Adventure, with the RC 490 launching alongside or shortly after.

What the Test Mules Reveal

Prototype images of the naked model show WP upside-down forks, a single large front disc with a radial-mounted caliper, an exposed trellis frame, and proportions that are noticeably larger than the current 390 Duke. The decision to use a single front brake disc also hints that KTM is aiming to keep kerb weight under control despite the larger engine.

The Adventure prototype appears to be geared toward serious touring and light off-road use, featuring a 21-inch front wheel, a 17-inch rear wheel, tubeless spoke rims, long-travel suspension, and a tall, upright riding position.

Although the bodywork on both motorcycles remains unfinished, they are expected to borrow much of the equipment already found on KTM's latest models. That should include a 5-inch TFT display, multiple riding modes, cornering ABS, and a quickshifter.

The Engine Is the Real Story

The new 490 platform is more than just an increase in displacement. It marks KTM's move from a 399cc single-cylinder engine to an all-new 490cc parallel twin, developed and built by Bajaj in India.

For reference, the current RC 390's 399cc LC4c engine produces 45.3 hp. That's equivalent to roughly 113.5 hp per litre (45.3 ÷ 0.399).

If KTM's new 490cc engine maintains a similar state of tune, the maths looks like this:

113.5 hp/L × 0.490L = 55.6 hp

That puts the new engine in the 55 hp region, assuming KTM tunes it with similar performance targets.

A figure much beyond 60 hp would require a significantly higher state of tune, making rumours of 70 PS difficult to justify for a road-focused middleweight. The bigger story, however, isn't peak horsepower. It's the switch to a parallel twin.

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Compared with the current single-cylinder engine, a parallel twin uses two smaller pistons instead of one large piston.

That reduces reciprocating mass, allowing the engine to rev more smoothly while cutting vibration. It also produces a broader torque curve, giving riders stronger pulling power through the mid-range rather than concentrating performance at the top end.

The result should be a motorcycle that accelerates more cleanly, cruises at highway speeds with less vibration, and feels more refined over long distances.

Even if peak power only rises by around 10 hp, the difference in how the engine delivers that performance is likely to make the 490 feel like a much bigger step up than the numbers alone suggest.

When Will KTM 490 Launch?

KTM has yet to announce official pricing or a launch date for the RC 490. However, industry estimates place the bike in the ₹4 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh ex-showroom range, with an India launch expected in early 2027. Production will take place at Bajaj's Chakan plant, with India serving as both a key market and export hub.

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Image Source: KTM India