KTM 490 Adventure Updates

Tuesday, 12 November 2024 07:35 PM Initially, KTM had planned to develop the 490cc bikes, including the 490 Adventure, in India with the support of Bajaj Autos R&D centre. The 490 Adventure was expected to bridge the gap between the 390cc and 790cc models, offering a better power-to-weight ratio and being more affordable than other middleweight adventure bikes. I think this would have been a great addition to the Indian market, but it seems those plans are now off the table.

Tuesday, 12 November 2024 04:18 PM Before the cancellation, there was speculation that the KTM 490 Adventure would come with sport wire-spoked wheels and would be positioned as a premium vehicle, not replacing the 390 platforms but offering a higher-end option. This would have catered to the growing demand for adventure bikes in India. I believe this would have been a smart move to capture a larger market share in the adventure segment.

Monday, 11 November 2024 06:12 AM The KTM 490 Adventure was anticipated to feature a new 500cc platform with a parallel-twin engine, which would have made it a significant competitor in the mid-segment adventure bike market in India. The bike was expected to be lighter and more maneuverable, making it ideal for adventure riders. I believe this would have been a game-changer for KTM in the Indian market, especially given the lack of strong contenders in this segment.

Monday, 30 January 2023 01:33 PM KTM has officially scrapped the plans for the 490cc twin-cylinder engine platform, including the KTM 490 Adventure, due to the high development costs. Instead, the company will focus on a 700-class twin engine, which will be built by their Chinese partner, CFMOTO. This move reflects KTMs adaptability to market changes. I believe this decision might disappoint many who were looking forward to a mid-capacity adventure bike from KTM.

Friday, 27 January 2023 02:09 PM The cancellation of the 490cc platform also means that the anticipated Husqvarna 501 series, which was to share the same engine, has been scrapped. This decision is part of KTMs strategy to focus on more viable engine capacities. I think this move shows KTMs commitment to making financially sound decisions, even if it means disappointing some of their loyal customers.