As far back as 2019, KTM has been stoking enthusiast excitement with talk of an upcoming 490 platform. Details of the plan emerged to include a liquid-cooled, 490cc parallel twin engine, which was to produce somewhere in the ballpark of 60 horsepower. In theory, it would represent a significant leap forward for the company’s existing 390 platform.
Like the 390 platform, this new platform was to be produced as part of KTM’s partnership with Bajaj. Expected models included a 490 Duke, an RC 490, a 490 Adventure, and 490 supermoto and enduro models. The much-anticipated 490 platform was something more than just a rumor, as it even showed up in a KTM investor presentation at one point.
