KTM 490 Twin-Cylinder Motorcycles To Be Developed In India By Bajaj Auto

KTM is reportedly developing a new 490 series platform that will include the upcoming KTM 490 Duke and KTM 490 Adventure, both expected to launch in FY2027. These new motorcycles are being developed primarily for markets such as India and will be manufactured locally by Bajaj Auto at its Pune facility.

KTM 490 Series To Be Built in India

The upcoming 490 series will be based on an all-new twin-cylinder platform that is expected to be completely developed and manufactured in India. Bajaj Auto, which is KTM's long-term global partner and major stakeholder, is playing a major role in the development of this new platform. Once launched, the 490 range could become the most affordable twin-cylinder KTM motorcycles globally.

The new parallel-twin engine is expected to produce up to 50 HP and will likely comply with Europe's A2 licence regulations, making it suitable for both Indian and international markets. According to reports, Bajaj Auto is already actively developing this new powertrain, which is expected to power several future KTM and potentially Husqvarna motorcycles.

When will it debut?

The new 490 series is expected to make its global debut at EICMA 2027, following which it could be launched in various international markets. The KTM 490 Adventure is expected to become the first motorcycle to debut with the new parallel-twin engine platform.

Following the Adventure, KTM is also expected to introduce several additional motorcycles based on this engine, including the KTM 490 Duke, KTM RC 490 and possibly equivalent models from Husqvarna Motorcycles.

KTM recently introduced the new 350cc lineup of the Duke and Adventure range in India to take advantage of revised GST regulations. However, the company continues to position the 390 series as high-performance motorcycles. The upcoming 490 platform could serve as a significant upgrade over the current 390 lineup, and there is speculation that the existing 390 series could eventually be phased out after the arrival of the new twin-cylinder motorcycles.

Since Bajaj Auto is already selling affordable 400cc motorcycles from Triumph Motorcycles in India, the company may also explore the possibility of developing future twin-cylinder 500cc Triumph motorcycles by leveraging its experience gained through KTM partnerships and platform development.

Middle-Weight Motorcycle segment

India's middle-weight motorcycle segment is currently dominated by Royal Enfield, whose biggest strengths are strong brand value and a wide range of offerings across multiple categories. Bajaj Auto now appears to be following a similar strategy by expanding its portfolio with multiple options ranging from retro motorcycles to modern sports and adventure bikes.