KTM has reportedly begun overseas testing of the upcoming KTM 490 Adventure, offering the clearest indication yet that the brand is preparing to enter the growing middleweight adventure motorcycle segment. Spy photographs of the test mule have surfaced online, revealing several design and hardware details of the new model, which is expected to sit above the current KTM 390 Adventure lineup and compete with motorcycles such as the BMW F 450 GS, Honda NX500, and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 once launched.
The spy images suggest that the KTM 490 Adventure is still undergoing development testing, though much of its styling appears close to production form. The motorcycle seems heavily inspired by the latest KTM 390 Adventure design language but adopts a larger and more rugged appearance suited for long-distance touring and off-road riding. Visible features include a tall windscreen, vertically stacked dual-projector LED headlamps, sharp body panels, and a muscular fuel tank that enhances the motorcycle’s aggressive ADV styling.
The upcoming motorcycle is also expected to retain KTM’s signature steel trellis frame architecture while featuring a taller riding stance and adventure-focused ergonomics. Other notable elements spotted on the test model include a one-piece seat, upswept exhaust system, luggage-friendly rear grab rails, and spoke wheels fitted with dual-purpose tyres. Reports indicate the motorcycle could feature a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, a setup commonly preferred for improved off-road capability and touring versatility.
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Suspension duties on the KTM 490 Adventure are expected to be handled by long-travel WP APEX components. The front may use 43 mm upside-down forks, while the rear is likely to feature a monoshock setup designed for better stability over rough terrain. Braking hardware is expected to include single-disc brakes at both ends along with dual-channel ABS. KTM may also equip the motorcycle with advanced rider aids including cornering ABS, traction control, multiple riding modes, switchable ABS, and smartphone connectivity integrated into a TFT instrument cluster.
One of the biggest highlights of the motorcycle is expected to be its new twin-cylinder engine platform. According to reports, the KTM 490 Adventure could be powered by a 490cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine producing approximately 50 to 60 bhp. Compared to the single-cylinder engine used in the 390 Adventure, the new twin-cylinder setup is likely to deliver smoother highway cruising, lower vibrations, and improved long-distance touring comfort, making it more suitable for both urban and adventure riding conditions.
The new platform is reportedly being jointly developed by KTM and Bajaj Auto and may eventually support multiple future motorcycles, including the KTM 490 Duke and RC 490. Industry reports suggest the KTM 490 Adventure could make its global debut sometime next year, with an India launch expected to follow shortly afterward. The motorcycle is likely to strengthen KTM’s position in the rapidly expanding premium adventure touring segment, where competition among global and Indian manufacturers continues to intensify.
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