Recently, we saw the early tests of the KTM 490 Duke motorcycle abroad. Although KTM is yet to confirm this development, it is speculated that this new parallel twin cylinder engine platform will be the 490, which should be a logical replacement for the single-cylinder 690 range of motorcycles currently on sale in select markets.
The previous test mule was of the KTM 490 Duke Roadster, while the recent spy shots are of the 490 Adventure ADV Tourer (both names have not been confirmed). Both these motorcycles look like they are powered by the same engine, which is said to produce around 60 bhp. let’s take a closer look.
2027 KTM 490 Adventure spied
It seems that KTM is working on a new series of motorcycles based on parallel twin-cylinder engines. The displacement of this new engine is estimated to be around 490cc and this platform is said to replace the company’s 690 single-cylinder lineup. Expected motorcycles based on this new platform include Duke Roadster, Adventure ADV, RC Supersport and maybe even Enduro and SMC.
This new 490 range is likely to be launched in 2027 and the mules are not seen in India but abroad. This points to the possibility that this new platform is exclusive to global markets, while India gets a dedicated sub 500 cc motorcycle lineup with twin-cylinder engines. Looking at the 2027 KTM 490 Adventure test mule one can say that it is still in the early stages of development.
Test equipment and other items can be seen on the motorcycle. The aesthetics look similar to what we see on the 390 Adventure, especially with the headlights and even the fuel tank, to some extent. There will be a thorough update with test mules in the later stages of development and the final production-spec model.
However, this test mule appears to be suspended on WP long-travel USD telescopic front forks up front and a long-travel monocoque at the rear. It also has WP brake pads for the single-disc front and single-disc rear setup. The swingarm on this unit looks like it is CNC milled in a different design than the 390s.
new parallel twin engine
At the moment, there is very little information available about the upcoming KTM 490 Adventure as seen during testing. Even the 490cc displacement has been speculated upon and not officially confirmed. It is a parallel-twin engine and has a conventional exhaust canister, unlike the under-belly setup of the 390 bike.
This engine is expected to produce around 60 bhp to 65 bhp of peak power and could be a rev-happy engine as well. Like the KTM brand, the upcoming 490 Adventure will be fully equipped with a host of features and rider assists. The same instrument cluster as the 390 ADV can be seen in these spy shots.
