‘You can’t go wrong with a KTM’, that’s the kind of impression KTM has worldwide. It makes some brilliant motorcycles that are mostly the best in their respective segments. Now, the latest news is all about KTM working on a brand-new 490cc twin-cylinder engine that will power not one, not two, but five new bikes!
As per the reports, it was back in Dec 2018 when KTM CEO Stefan Pierer confirmed that a new 490cc twin-cylinder engine is under development and will be manufactured by Bajaj in India. Its exact details are still undisclosed however we are expecting it to produce somewhere around 55-60 bhp of power. It is definitely going to be a liquid-cooled engine considering how KTM likes to keep the compression ratio of its engine higher than usual. The new engine would also get a DOHC setup and would be mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch.
This new 490cc twin-cylinder engine is expected to be installed in 490 Duke, 490 Adventure, RC 490, 490 Supermoto, and 490 Enduro. Of course, KTM will use a plethora of existing parts and design to build these bikes to keep the costs in check. For example, the current 390 Duke has a brilliant Trellis frame and with some tweaks and modifications, it can be used to fit the new 490cc engine.
It is being anticipated that KTM would shell out more details regarding its new 490cc engine and the 5 bikes at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan. Let’s see what do we get.
