KTM's New RC 490: A Look at the Upcoming Adventure Bike

KTM's Exciting New Developments

KTM is reportedly advancing with the creation of a fresh 500cc twin-cylinder platform aimed at both adventure and naked bikes. Recently, a faired version of the RC has been seen undergoing tests, which aligns with expectations. Autocar magazine has provided insights suggesting that the new twin-cylinder RC may utilize an engine sourced from CF Moto.

Is the RC 490 on the Horizon?

The Duke 500 and the twin-cylinder adventure bike prototypes appeared to be in early stages, but the new RC model seems to be nearing production readiness. Recent images from Motorrad magazine depict the bike as nearly complete.

According to Autocar, the engine for the KTM RC 490 is likely derived from CFMoto, along with its primary chassis.

While the fully faired design obscures much of the engine, the visible exhaust downpipes bear a strong resemblance to those found on CFMoto models. A comparison of the parallel-twin engine from CFMoto with the previously spotted KTM prototypes reveals significant differences in engine layout and exhaust design. This suggests a strong possibility that this model will be named the KTM RC 490.

Given these observations, it appears that this motorcycle is built on the CFMoto platform, distinct from the earlier KTM prototypes. The existing KTM RC 390 still relies on the older 373cc engine, which has not been upgraded to the newer 399cc variant. This raises the possibility that KTM is seeking a new engine to power the next-generation RC. However, KTM has yet to confirm any details, and these remain speculative based on the earlier sightings.

Potential Launch of the KTM RC 490 in India

The introduction of this bike in India remains uncertain.

This ambiguity raises questions about its future in the Indian market, especially since it is likely produced by CFMoto. It is still unclear whether it will be assembled locally in India, which could influence its availability and pricing in the region.