Pierer Mobility, earlier known as KTM Industries will be developing 500cc twin-cylinder motorcycles at the KTM-Bajaj manufacturing facility in Pune, India as revealed by the CEO of Pierer Mobility. The motorcycles will be developed at the brand’s R&D centre with the help of KTM & Husqvarna engineers.
The new 500cc models are likely to be launched under both KTM and Husqvarna brands with the KTM expected to have all three variation – Duke (Naked Roadster), RC (Supersport) and the Adventure models. The brand has been planning to develop the 500cc twin-cylinder motorcycles for a long time now and these are reported to be targeted towards emerging markets like India.
As of now, the details on the new engine are scarce but it is speculated to be based on the same motor that powers the KTM 790 Duke, discontinued in the Indian market likely to be succeeded by the KTM 890 Duke that will conform to the new emission norms. If that is the case, the new powerful twin-cylinder engine will be a great upgrade for motorcycle enthusiasts looking for a larger capacity engine.
Launch timelines are expected to be around 2022 and the brand is likely to introduce the KTM models first followed by the Husqvarna bikes. The brand has also revealed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic the demand in the 500cc segment is likely to increase even in the developed markets and the project is, therefore, being accelerated to meet timelines.
As for the Husqvarna range of motorcycles, the brand is also likely to introduce an Adventure style model similar to the Husqvarna Norden 901 concept that was showcased at the EICMA last year. The brand will be focusing on the trail model first before bringing in the road version of the same. But the Norden is expected to come with a larger capacity 890cc engine.