Homegrown two-wheeler maker, Bajaj is currently developing single-cylinder KTM bikes including 125cc, 200cc, 250cc and 390cc. KTM is also selling higher capacity twin-cylinder motorcycles. The brand is now aiming to fill the huge gap between the Duke 390 and the 790 with an all-new motorcycle range.
KTM is readying an all-new platform, which will be used to develop 500cc category motorcycles. A new media report claims that these motorcycles will carry the 490 tag and will be equipped with a parallel twin-cylinder engine. This segment will target buyers who want to upgrade from the current 390cc motorcycles including Duke 390, RC390 and the Adventure 390.
The twin-cylinder engine is likely to improve the refinment levels and will be significantly more powerful than the 43bhp, 390cc single-cylinder engine. In fact, the new twin-cylinder engine will have similar formats or design structure as the company’s 790/890 engines.
Speaking to motoring world, Stefan Pierar, KTM Head said that the new platform is still under development. He further claims that the first product based on this platform with new twin-cylinder powertrain will be introduced by 2022. The new platform will be used to develop streetfighter, adventure motorcycle and fully-faired bike. Adding to it, Husqvarna will also launch new bikes on this platform.
The report further claims that the new platform is being developed at Bajaj’s R&D center in Pune. Stefan Pierar also said that these bikes could also be developed by CFMoto, which is KTM’s partner in China.
