KTM 490cc – KTM is getting ready to launch the new 490 twin-cylinder motorcycles in the global market. A recent presentation suggests that the brand will be producing five motorcycle iterations on the 490 twin-cylinder platform. Unconfirmed reports also suggest three out of the five motorcycle models will be sold in the Indian market.
According to the presentation, KTM will launch the 490 twin-cylinder motorcycles across its categories. This includes the Adventure Travel, Supermoto Dual Purpose, Naked and Sports categories. This leads us to believe that a twin-cylinder 490 Adventure, a 490 Supermoto, 490 Enduro, 490 Duke and RC490 are on the cards. Speculations are that out of these, the 490 Duke, 490 Adventure and RC 490 are likely to debut in India after the brand makes their global debut. The Supermoto and Enduro are not likley to come to the Indian market.
The brand is likely to unveil the 490 twin-cylinder models by 2022, with the market launch slated for early 2023. Bajaj is also investing INR 650 crores in a fourth plant that the brand will build in Chakan, Maharashtra. The brand has revealed that the new plant will house a production line for ‘premium motorcycles’ and Bajaj Chetak Electric scooter.
This leads us to believe that the 490 twin-cylinder platform and the motorcycle iteration will be made in India for the global market. The new plant is also likely to cater to the Husqvarna and Triumph motorcycles. This will be the first time Bajaj will be producing a twin-cylinder engine at their manufacturing facility. The new manufacturing plant will also manufacture small capacity Triumph motorcycles under the new strategic partnership between the two brands.
As of now, details in the KTM 490 machines are scarce, and more information will emerge soon. But expect sharp KTM styling oodles of power and an extensive electronics package. The brand is also likely to keep the price competitive and directly compete with brands in the segment.
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