KTM 490 to get RC, Duke, Adventure, Enduro R and SMC models

Investors get the scoop

Last year, we reported that KTM was developing a brand new 490 lineup motorcycles. Meanwhile, KTM has already launched the 2020 390 Adventure. Those aren’t the only exciting pieces of KTM-related news, as Pierer Mobility AG’s recent investor presentation has revealed the Austrian brand’s plans for even more motorcycles.

Pierer Mobility AG (formerly KTM Industries AG) is the European holding company that owns Austria’s KTM, Sweden’s Husqvarna, Spain’s GasGas, WP Suspension, Kiska Design, and more. The group’s investor presentations have been revealing plans of the brands under its umbrella, to be actualized any time from the near to distant future. Here’s what the latest January 2020 presentation tells us about KTM.

KTM plans to expand its existing small-displacement range, will indeed launch a full lineup of all-new 490 cc parallel-twin motorcycles, and will release a new e-bike. India has been reporting on the 490 engine’s development since 2018, as Bajaj Auto expects to manufacture it. True displacement and specs have yet to be divulged, but the 490 will undoubtedly be highway-legal in the Philippines. 

The KTM 490 range will be comprehensive, including Adventure, SM/C R, Enduro R, Duke, and RC models. Interestingly enough, the 490 platform will not replace the 390 — at least not immediately. The designs of the 490 cc models are blurred out in the presentation, but the silhouettes are apparent enough and in-line with the brand’s philosophy while being closely related to the 390 layouts.

The smaller-displacement bikes are all clumped together in one 125/250/390 category for the investor presentation, probably due to ease of platform sharing, while the existing 200 range isn't mentioned outright. KTM has already launched the 2020 390 Adventure, and the presentation says that supermoto (SMC R or SM R) and enduro (SM T or Enduro R) models are in the works. What it doesn’t say is which displacement of the supermotos and enduros we’ll see first.

Remember, KTM also builds bikes in the Philippines so this may also serve as an opportunity for Ayala’s manufacturing operations through its joint venture with KTM Asia Motorcycle Manufacturing, Inc. (KAMMI) and its subsidiary, Adventure Cycle Philippines. It also spells good tidings for the local market... We’ll probably get many, if not all, of these small to middleweight motorcycles.