KTM RC 490 Spotted Testing, Global Unveil Likely In 2026

Many years back the industry was abuzz with KTM developing sub-500 cc twin-cylinder motorcycles. In fact, in an investor presentation it was confirmed that there will be multiple bikes under the KTM 490 portfolio but the project never took off and the project was shelved. However, we have got exclusive information that this project has been restarted and the future KTM 490 range will be manufactured by Bajaj Auto in Chakan itself. The above has been confirmed with the spotting of the KTM RC 490 prototype in Europe.

(Also Read: BREAKING: Made In India KTM Twin-Cylinder Engine Platform Under Development)

You can see twin pipes snaking through the engine head, which asserts that development of the twin-cylinder platform is in full swing. One might argue that the difference in displacement between the existing LC4 engine which powers the KTM 390 range and the upcoming 490 cc motor is very low and why does KTM even need to work on a sub-500 cc twin engine? The answer is quite simple - refinement. 

The single-cylinder KTM engines have always been high compression and stressed to churn out as much performance as possible and it has affected reliability of these powerplants. We expect the new 490 cc engine to pump out 50-55 bhp in an effortless manner thereby ensuring that with thrilling performance, this new engine is also suitable for relaxed touring. Also, the timing of the KTM RC 390 can’t be more perfect as action in this segment has gone up a lot over the past few years with bikes such as the Aprilia 457 range, Kawasaki Ninja 500 and the Honda CBR500R.

The KTM RC 490 test mule had a very different styling in comparison to the 2026 KTM RC 390 prototype, which was spotted testing before. The fairing design is sharper and cleaner, whereas the horseshoe-shaped LED DRLs are similar to the current KTM 390 Duke, and it features a single projector LED headlight. Even the tail section is very minimalist and similar to the 390 Duke. The test bike also sported winglets underneath the headlight, something that we have seen on the KTM MotoGP bikes. 

The KTM RC 490 will get a TFT instrument console and get riding aids such as multiple ride modes, traction control, cornering ABS, quickshifter etc. The KTM 490 project still seems to be in early stages of development and the RC 490 is likely to make its global debut by late 2026 and a probable global launch in early 2027. By manufacturing the KTM RC 490 in India, Bajaj Auto can price the twin-cylinder bike aggressively thereby redefining the sub-500 cc performance segment in our country. 

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