KTM has confirmed that the first bike under the new  500cc platform will be launched in 2022. The KTM 490 Duke will get an all-new 500cc liquid cooled-parallel twin motor having a similar engine configuration as the 790/890 parallel-twin motors. KTM believes that this sector will gain importance in both developed and developing markets. It was confirmed to be in the works already by KTM CEO Stefan Pierer and more details have emerged. KTM will be looking to retain its customer base with the next 500 cc and could serve as an upgrade to the 390 series worldwide. Also, there are expectations of the KTM 890 Duke R to be launched in Nepal by 2021.

The 500cc bikes will be manufactured in India so expect highly competitive pricing for the Nepalese market. KTM 490 Duke will possibly feature slight revisions to the bodywork. Features would include all-LED lighting and a colour-TFT instrument console similar to the KTM 390 Duke.  To talk about models specifically. KTM 490, this engine will be integrated into all three body types. There will be a 490 Duke of Street. The RC 490 might be the new track machine. And to master the Adventure series, 490 Adventure will also be offered. As of now, it will be premature to predict the engine's output.

KTM 490 in Nepal is also expected to launch in 2022. It is too early to predict the prices of these bikes. It will indirectly rival the Benelli Leoncino 500, Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and Kawasaki Z650. Honda too has announced that they will launch their bigger 500 cc twins in Nepal. The 500 cc platform is also expected to be used by Husqvarna as they could be priced at a premium while sharing components to reduce production costs. For more information about auto news in Nepal, stay subscribed to our  YouTube  channel and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

KTM 490 Duke Specifications:

Engine Type	1-Cylinder, 4-Stroke Engine
Displacement	490 cc
No. of Cylinders	1
Max Power	43.5 PS @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque	37 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Front Brake	Disc
Rear Brake	Disc
Fuel Capacity	13.4 l
ABS	2-Channel

Dimensions and Capacity:

Saddle Height	830 mm
Ground Clearance	185 mm
Wheelbase	1357
Dry Weight	149 kg
Gear Box	6 Speed
Bore	89 mm
Stroke	60
Emission Type	bs6