Upcoming KTM 490 Duke Spotted Testing Abroad

Quick Highlights:

• This KTM test bike points to be from a bigger twin-cylinder platform

• Could produce around 60-70PS 

• Expected to launch in India as well

KTM’s upcoming streetfighter bike has been spotted testing overseas, and it looks like the brand is moving beyond its current 390 lineup. The bike seen here is still in a very rough form. There are almost no body panels, and parts of the chassis look incomplete, which clearly shows it’s still early in development.

What Stands Out

Despite being unfinished, a few details are visible. The bike uses a single front disc along with WP suspension. Everything about it looks simple and focused on testing rather than final design.

Engine Talk

It’s no secret that KTM and Bajaj are already developing a new parallel-twin engine that will sit between the 390 and 790 models. This test bike is likely using that same platform.

If that’s the case, expect power figures in the 60-70PS range, along with smoother performance compared to KTM’s current single-cylinder bikes.

What’s Next

This new platform could be used for multiple bikes, including future Duke, RC, and Adventure models. It will also place KTM against bikes like the Triumph Trident 660 and Kawasaki Ninja 650.

For India, the key point is that this model is expected to arrive here as well. With Bajaj now taking over the Austrian brand, local production is expected to take place, which should help keep pricing competitive. We expect the bike to make its global appearance sometime next year if development stays on track.

Image Credits