- 500cc parallel-twin range developed by Bajaj
- 490 Adventure launch likely in 2023
- 490 Duke could come by 2022
The world knows about KTM’s new range of 500cc parallel-twin motors which is under development for a few years now. But what the world didn’t know that this new platform is being developed by Bajaj at its R&D center in Pune.
This news was confirmed by the top boss of KTM, Stefan Pierer. Multiple motorcycles are being developed in this platform and the 490 Adventure is one of them. This bike is likely to make its debut in 2023, but before that, a Duke version is likely to hit the market in 2022.
This 500cc project is being developed with support and skills of KTM but the final calls on engineering might be taken by Bajaj as it will be manufacturing these range in Pune and exported worldwide. This new 500cc motorcycles will bridge the gap between 390s and the big 790s. According to the company, other than attracting new riders into the brand, the 500cc will act as an upgrade for the current 125,200 and 390 customers.
We are expecting the 490 Adventure to look more like the 790 Adventure and not the 390 Adventure. There will be more tech too, but we are quite excited to see the kind of performance it will churn out.