- Spotted testing overseas
- Seems slightly bigger than the standard 1390 Adventure model
- To be based on the same platform as the current flagship KTM ADV
KTM’s upcoming flagship adventure bike has been spotted testing in Europe, and the Austrian brand might be scaling up the portfolio. The test bike here appears unfinished and has multiple bits that hint that KTM is likely working on a new 1490 model.
First of all, the overall size and proportions look bigger and more expansive than the current flagship KTM ADV. It gets vertically stacked projector LED lights housed in a rather complicated and futuristic-looking headlight setup. Right below it appears to be the radar system sensor. Similar to the butch fascia, the fuel tank too is large and contributes to the majority of the visual mass up front.
On a closer observation, we can also see it gets a new swingarm but it is likely being used for the prototype and would be altered for the final product. On the engine front, the bike will likely get the next-generation KTM 1490 engine. For reference, the current 1390cc V-Twin motor makes close to 190bhp. The hardware on this prototype shows the 1490 Adventure will be road-oriented as it gets alloy wheels with road-biased tyres. However, the front wheel looks like a 17-inch unit but the rear looks bigger. KTM could also employ a larger screen at the front since the cockpit area for the rider seems to have ample space.
That said, the KTM 1490 Adventure could be a couple of years away from an official debut. But KTM is also preparing to get other big bikes from its portfolio to India in the coming years.
Image Credits -- BMH Images
