KTM Duke 490 Updates

Thursday, 31 August 2023 09:34 AM

KTM is working on the 490 Duke since long and still, there is no official date for the India launch. This sub-500cc motorcycle. We believe the prices of this upcoming bike will go above Rs 3.5 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi mark easily. 

 

Friday, 20 January 2023 09:21 PM KTM has shelved the 490 platform due to financial feasibility issues, opting instead to develop a new 690cc platform. This decision was made because the costs of developing a new parallel-twin engine for the 490cc segment were not justified. I believe this move makes sense given the market demand for bikes in the 600-700cc category.

Friday, 20 January 2023 09:57 PM Despite earlier confirmations, the KTM 490 Duke, 490 Adventure, and RC 490 are no longer in the pipeline. KTMs CEO, Stefan Pierer, has confirmed that the project has been scrapped. I think this is a significant shift in strategy, indicating KTMs focus on more lucrative market segments.

Wednesday, 12 May 2021 12:46 AM In 2021, KTM had announced plans to introduce the 490 Duke, 490 Adventure, and RC 490, which were expected to be the most affordable twin-cylinder bikes from KTM. However, these plans have since been abandoned. I believe this would have been an exciting addition to their lineup, but it seems KTM has other priorities now.

Wednesday, 17 June 2020 08:59 PM There were earlier speculations that the KTM 490cc bikes would be launched in India, with expectations of competitive pricing and features. However, with the 490 platform shelved, these speculations have been put to rest. I believe Indian enthusiasts who were looking forward to these bikes will be disappointed but might find solace in upcoming models from KTM.

Tuesday, 24 December 2019 08:04 PM Initially, the KTM 490 series was under development, with Bajaj set to manufacture these bikes in India. The new range was intended to bridge the gap between the 390 and 790 series. I think this would have been a great move to cater to a broader range of customers, but it seems those plans are now off the table.