Two-wheeler manufacturer KTM is developing a new 490 cc parallel-twin engine that will power a range of future KTM bikes. KTM CEO Stefan Pierer has told Motoring World that The mid-capacity bikes will be launched sometime around 2022.

KTM plans to fit the new powertrain in the upcoming 490 Duke, as well as 490 Adventure bikes. Goes without saying, both the models will sit above the current 390 single-cylinder range. Chances are the new powertrain may also be used inside the future Husqvarna models. The new powertrain is currently under development at Bajaj Auto's R&D centre in Pune, under the support of KTM's own R&D team.  Pierer further added, "This is being 100% developed at the Bajaj R&D centre in Pune, but supported by our R&D guys. It's a parallel-twin similar to the format we have on the 790/890, only 500 cc. This is very important for our 125/200 and 390 Duke customers to trade up to, especially in developed markets as an A2 licence bike, while in the so-called emerging markets it'll be a premium product."

KTM's top honcho further added that it is still not certain whether the upcoming 490 cc bikes will be eventually manufactured in India, or elsewhere. 

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