KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- KTM RC490 spied on test overseas
- Employs the new twin cyclinder sub-500cc engine
- India debut by mid to late 2026
After years of speculation and delays, KTM's much-talked-about sub-500cc twin-cylinder project is finally showing real progress. The upcoming KTM RC490 has now been spied on test in Europe, giving us the clearest look yet at the brand's all-new parallel-twin supersport. Built on a platform jointly developed with Bajaj Auto, the RC490 is set to be manufactured in India and exported worldwide. This marks KTM's most ambitious attempt yet to strengthen its footprint in the entry-level performance motorcycle segment. Read on to know more about the details, styling, and the powertrain in this section, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Design & Styling Cues
The prototype spotted of the KTM RC490 leaves little doubt that KTM has gone in for a leaner and sharper bodywork compared to its single-cylinder siblings. The front fascia is angular and aggressive, complete with a compact windscreen and slim mirrors. A pair of winglets below the headlamp suggests direct styling inspiration from KTM's MotoGP machines. The bike features a trellis frame and subframe, while the tail section looks minimalist and sharply contoured. From the spy shots, twin pipes emerging from the engine head confirm that KTM's much-rumoured parallel-twin motor is at the heart of this machine.
Like the rest of KTM's new-gen lineup, the RC 490 is expected to be feature-loaded. The motorcycle should come equipped with a full-colour TFT console, multiple riding modes, cornering ABS, traction control, and a bi-directional quickshifter. From the spy shots, the bike also appears to sport projector LED headlights flanked by horseshoe-shaped DRLs, winglets for added downforce, and a lightweight subframe design similar to the upcoming RC 390 prototype. All in all, the bike stays true to the legacy characteristic design and the upcoming new powerplant adds another dimension to it. Let's get on that now.
New Twin Cylinder Engine Revived
While KTM hasn't disclosed official figures yet, reports suggest that the new 490cc twin-cylinder engine will make between 50 bhp and 60 bhp. This would put it well ahead of rivals like the Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja 500, which hover around the 45 bhp mark. The key advantage here will be refinement and usability. KTM's single-cylinder motors, like those on the RC 390, have always been high-strung and performance-oriented, but often at the expense of long-distance comfort. With a parallel-twin, KTM is expected to offer a more effortless blend of touring ability and sporty performance, making the RC 490 more versatile.
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Launch Timeline
The RC 490 is likely to make its global premiere at the 2025 EICMA show, with European deliveries to follow. An India launch is expected by mid-2026, given that Bajaj will be manufacturing the bike at its Chakan plant. This localisation will allow KTM to price the motorcycle aggressively, making it a strong alternative to the Kawasaki Ninja 500, Honda CBR500R, and Aprilia RS 457 in the Indian market.
Verdict
The KTM RC 490 represents a pivotal step for KTM and Bajaj, not just in India but globally. By offering a parallel-twin engine in the sub-500cc category, KTM is addressing long-standing concerns about refinement while still pushing the envelope on performance and really bridging the gap that exists. With its sharp styling, MotoGP-inspired aero elements, and a well-rounded feature set, the RC 490 could easily become the new benchmark in its class and help revive the Austrian brand that has been struggling for quite some time now.
