For years, bike enthusiasts have been waiting for a middleweight KTM Duke that perfectly bridges the gap between the Duke 390 and the Duke 790/890. Enter the KTM Duke 490 (expected) – a motorcycle that has been the subject of endless speculation, leaks, and rumors. Although not officially confirmed, recent reports suggest KTM is indeed working on this much-awaited machine. Here’s everything we know so far about its rumored specs, price, and launch date.
Why the Hype Around KTM Duke 490?
The KTM Duke series has always been popular among riders for its:
- Aggressive streetfighter styling
- Lightweight yet powerful performance
- Affordable pricing compared to bigger bikes
The Duke 490, if launched, will bring a new parallel-twin engine to the lineup, providing a perfect balance of power, touring ability, and affordability. For many riders, this could be the ideal upgrade from the Duke 390 without burning a hole in the pocket.
Expected Engine and Performance
Rumors suggest that the KTM Duke 490 will be powered by a parallel-twin 490cc liquid-cooled engine, co-developed with Bajaj at its Chakan plant in India. Expected performance figures include:
- Power Output: Around 55–60 bhp
- Torque: Around 45 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch and optional quickshifter
This setup would place it in direct competition with bikes like the Kawasaki Z500, Honda CB500F, and the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 (for the adventure segment).
Design and Features
While no official images have surfaced, we can expect the signature KTM streetfighter DNA:
- Sharp LED headlamp design similar to the new-gen Duke 390
- Lightweight trellis frame for agility
- Adjustable WP suspension for improved handling
- Dual-channel ABS (with cornering ABS likely)
- TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity
KTM is known for loading its bikes with segment-first features, and the Duke 490 is expected to continue this trend.
Expected Price and Positioning
The biggest talking point – price. Rumors suggest the KTM Duke 490 could be priced around:
- ₹3.5 – ₹4.5 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
- $6,500 – $7,000 (international markets)
This places it strategically between the Duke 390 and the Duke 790, making it a value-for-money performance bike.
Rumored Launch Timeline
While KTM hasn’t officially announced the Duke 490 yet, industry insiders suggest a possible late 2025 or early 2026 global debut. India is expected to be among the first markets to receive it, given KTM’s strong partnership with Bajaj and the huge demand for mid-segment bikes.
Comparison Table
| Bike Model | Engine (cc) | Power (bhp) | Torque (Nm) | Expected Price (₹) | Launch Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTM Duke 490 (Expected) | 490 (Twin) | 55–60 | ~45 | 3.5–4.5 lakh | Late 2025–2026 |
| KTM Duke 390 | 399 (Single) | 45 | 39 | 3.1 lakh | Available |
| Kawasaki Z500 | 451 (Twin) | 51 | 42 | 5.0 lakh | 2025 (Expected) |
| Honda CB500F | 471 (Twin) | 47 | 43 | 5.5 lakh | Available |
The KTM Duke 490 is still in the rumor mill, but if it does launch, it could be a game-changer in the middleweight motorcycle segment. With a parallel-twin engine, premium features, and aggressive pricing, it would not only attract Duke 390 owners looking to upgrade but also challenge Japanese rivals like Kawasaki and Honda. For now, all we can do is wait and watch until KTM drops official confirmation.
FAQ’s:
Q1: Is the KTM Duke 490 officially confirmed?
Not yet, but multiple leaks and reports suggest KTM is working on it with Bajaj.
Q2: What engine will the Duke 490 have?
It is expected to feature a 490cc parallel-twin engine producing around 55–60 bhp.
Q3: What will be the expected price of KTM Duke 490 in India?
Likely between ₹3.5 – ₹4.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q4: When will KTM Duke 490 launch?
The expected timeline is late 2025 or early 2026.
Q5: Who are the main rivals of Duke 490?
It will compete with the Kawasaki Z500, Honda CB500F, and Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 (ADV segment).