KTM 490 Under Development in India

Stefan Pierer, CEO, Pierer has revealed that the 500cc KTM and Husqvarna bikes will be developed and made in India. The Pune Bajaj Auto’s R&D centre is to work with these new bikes. There will be a support of skills from KTM and Husqvarna Engineers. So are we going to get these KTM 490 in all 3 body types?

Why Make in India?

KTM has been planning to bring the 500cc range to the KTM lineup for quite some time. But there was a cloud of doubt whether these bikes will be made in India or will they be imported as CKD units.

The company has taken the decision to make these bikes in India anticipating the demand for higher cc bikes from India after the COVID-19 situation. They are expecting a demand in the Low to mid-capacity bikes which makes for the pinnacle of the majority of 2 wheelers in the market. Currently, there are no strong contenders in the 500cc segment and KTM is planning to grab this opportunity.

Which Models?

The KTM and Husqvarna will fall in the premium segment of Indian market space for two-wheelers. Currently, the KTM lineup ranges from 125cc to 400cc. They also have a 790cc Duke but it has yet to be made BS6 compliant. Also, that bike is not manufactured here. This new 500cc bike range will be a good upgrade for the 390 owners who were longing for a bike which will give them the performance of that engine.

To talk about models specifically. The KTM 490, this engine will be integrated into all 3 body types. There will be a Duke 490 for the Street. The RC 490 might be the new track machine. And to perfect the Adventure series even further the 490 Adventure will be introduced too.

Also read: What makes KTM 250 Duke a balanced KTM purchase?

KTM 490 Engine?

The major excitement for the bike will be the new parallel-twin engine. Having this engine in the 500cc segment will make that space more competitive. According to KTM nomenclature, we expect them to call this bike a KTM 490. As of now, it will be too early to predict the engine outputs. It is expected that the engine will be a derivative of the 790 engine that is already in the market. Also, there are expectations of the KTM 890 Duke R to come to India in 2021.

KTM 490 Launch?

The launch of the KTM 490 is expected to take place in 2022. The KTM bikes will be introduced first and then the engine will be used for Husqvarna. It is too early to predict the prices of these bikes. Also, this news makes for a great start to the development in the Auto Sector as Honda too has announced that they will launch their bigger 500 cc twins in India. As of now, there is no clarification if Honda will be manufacturing them in India or they will be introduced as CKD. This has given rise to the question of whether Honda will be expensive or the KTM? Stay subscribed to our Youtube channel and follow us on Facebook, Telegram and Twitter.

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