- Could be a higher capacity version of KTM’s 790cc engine
- KTM’s upcoming supermoto might utilise this new powerplant
- Expected to debut at this year’s EICMA
KTM is rumoured to be working on a new 890cc parallel-twin powerplant. This engine could be a higher-capacity derivative of the company’s 790cc motor which does duty on the KTM 790 Duke and the 790 Adventure. As we had reported in December last year, the Austrian brand is also speculated to be developing a 500cc parallel-twin powerplant, in collaboration with Bajaj. This signifies that the manufacturer is keenly focussing on the middle-weight motorcycle segment.
The 890cc engine will perhaps be a reworked version of the 790cc parallel-twin motor with increased bore size and longer stroke. With the increment in displacement, there will be a considerable hike in the power figures as well. The current 790cc mill already develops a healthy 103bhp and 87Nm. If KTM hikes these figures for any of its middle-weight motorcycles, that will make it one of the most powerful bikes in its segment.
Now, details are scarce as to which bike will be powered by this new engine. Notably, KTM’s CEO Stefan Pierer hinted at a new SMT model last year. An abbreviation for supermoto, this SMT version will perhaps utilise the 890cc parallel-twin engine which will make it a competitive rival to the Ducati’s supermoto – the Hypermotard 939. Meanwhile, the Austrian bikemaker might also go on to upgrade the current 790 Duke and the 790 Adventure with this bigger motor, in the future.
KTM is set to launch the 790 Duke in India in the coming weeks. Besides that, the highly-awaited 390 Adventure has also been confirmed for India which is expected to come by the end of this year. As for the SMT model, KTM might unveil it at this year’s EICMA show in Milan.
