KTM’s 490s Are A Go For 2022 Launch

In a little over a year’s time, KTM will be bringing out its 490 series. The launch timeline of 2022 for the first bike has been confirmed by Stefan Pierer. The new engine will give birth to the 490 Duke as well as the 490 Adventure model and is likely to be shared with sister brand Husqvarna.

We first heard the news of the arrival of the parallel-twin 490s in December 2018, when Pierer himself had said the plans for such mid-displacement models were underway. A year later, investor documents had mention of five bikes that will employ this new motor. Pierer had always maintained the first bike would arrive in 2022 but given the way 2020 has panned out, there could have been a delay.

Putting that concern to bed, Pierer has stated that work on the new motor is going ahead at full steam at Bajaj’s R&D, with the guidance of KTM Austria’s R&D department. The new parallel-twin 500cc motor will retain the KTM Ready To Race mantra, just like the 390s or even the 790s do.

This will be Bajaj’s first attempt at a multi-cylinder engine format, which could also eventually make its way onto one of its own motorcycles. While Pierer still remains unsure where the engine will be made, Bajaj has invested Rs 650 crore on a new plant in Chakan itself, where it will be producing KTMs, Huskies, and even the small-capacity Triumphs. Production of the Chetak electric scooter, as well as the Husqvarna electric scooter based on it, will also be moved out of Akurdi to this new plant. Production of the motorcycles from this plant will commence from 2023 onwards.

Source: Motoring World, Autocar Professional India