If rumors are true, KTM is about to debut a new 490 range of bikes, slotting neatly between the 390- and 790-engined models. The new range could be launched at EICMA in November

Is KTM Planning a Range of 490 Models?

KTM is certainly not short of models, from 125cc to 1290cc, from naked roadsters to huge adventure models and everything in between. However, if you look a little closer, there is a gaping hole between the 390-engined models and the 790 models. Luckily, it seems as if KTM are planning on plugging that gap.

The rumors have been flying around for a while now about a 490 model range and it is believed that 2022 will be the year that they are introduced. In line with the rest of its small-bike range, there will be naked Duke, faired RC, and adventure models.

Many of the rumors hail from India, where KTM does a lot of its manufacturing in partnership with Bajaj. A leaked presentation from Pierer Mobility, owner of the KTM brand, shows not only Duke, RC, and Adventure models, but also Supermoto and Enduro models.

More evidence comes from KTM's Chinese partner, CFMoto, which recently launched its 450SR sports bike. Powered by a parallel twin engine, it is known that KTM and CFMoto collaborate on engine projects so could this engine be the one that KTM fit to the 490 range? It has a 270° crankshaft, which gives more of a v-twin feel and sound than a 360° crank found in traditional parallel twins.

Nothing is official at the moment but an announcement cannot be too far off, perhaps at November's EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy.