News has it that KTM will be looking to introduce a 490cc motorcycle to our market come 2022. It is being reported that the Austrian company have started its initial development, which could further translate into its testing phase soon after. The given motorcycle on question could be named the Duke 490, although KTM could also bring out the 490 Adventure soon.
Coming to the powertrain, it is being made at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan plant located in Pune. All of this is done under the supervision of KTM’s R&D team. No information has come out yet regarding its result, but we can expect something to happen out there very soon.
The engine will also be powering Husqvarna and Bajaj motorcycles in the near future. According to media reports, the given information was conveyed by Stephen Pearer, CEO of KTM. This will likely be done with the help of brands currently associated with Bajaj Auto.
This will be the first time that Bajaj Auto will be lending its hands in making a high capacity engine, with Husqvarna also expected to join them for the same. Bajaj Auto are reportedly in talks with the Maharashtra government in order to set up a new facility near the Chakan plant. It is being said that the company will be investing an amount of Rs.650 crores to develop their upcoming manufacturing facility.
This could be extensively done for making premium motorcycles from fellow brands such as KTM, Husqvarna and Triumph as well as their own products. All of this will be in a bid to further enhance their reach in India and improve their exports business of motorcycles. Coming back to the Duke 490, we can expect it to be seen testing on Indian roads by the end of 2021.
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Also see: KTM Duke 790 Adventure, India launch in March-2021
