KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- These are unlikely to be the next-gen 790 Duke and 790 Adventure.
- The test mules have been spotted without a twin disc setup.
- Could possibly be a smaller twin-cylinder powertrain.
It seems like Team Orange is up to some more interesting stuff, as some interesting test prototypes of the KTM Duke and the Adventure have been spotted testing, courtesy of our friends from a different time zone. We say interesting because these bikes come with a twin-cylinder engine setup.
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Mystery Twin-Cylinder KTM Duke And Adventure Spotted; Details!
While certain reports are claiming the KTM Duke and Adventure test mules to be the next-generation of the 790 Duke and the 790 Adventure, there are high possibilities of these motorcycles being something entirely different. While both motorcycles sport a twin-cylinder powertrain setup, there is only a single disc brake up front, which hints towards lesser power output, and therefore a smaller capacity engine.
A few years ago, KTM had announced plans to develop a new 500cc (490) platform at Bajaj's plant in Chakan. The 500cc (490) twin-cylinder platform would have resulted in motorcycles that would be even more expensive than the 390 Duke, which is currently available from Rs 2.97 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards; just shy of the Rs 3 lakh-mark before taxes. These motorcycles would have been differently positioned, similar to how the 690 and 790 lineups are positioned globally.
According to reports, these motorcycles were expected to make their global debut in 2022. However, the COVID pandemic, global semiconductor shortage, and Bajaj's partnership with Triumph eventually resulted in the 490 project getting shelved, and it was not deemed financially viable. The Austrian bikemaker then changed its strategy to develop a new twin-cylinder engine based on the 790 platform, with any more details unknown.
We won't be too surprised if the rumour mills start floating around the 490 project getting revived, given that KTM does intend to make the LC8c platform more affordable and accessible. At the same time, the bikemaker also displayed the 2026 690 Enduro R and the 690 SMC, and while the 690 Duke has not been around for many years now, the chances of it coming back are really slim.
However, we feel that a smaller displacement twin-cylinder engine based on the LC8c platform, produced locally would make more sense, as BMW Motorrad is also going to be joining soon, with its upcoming F 450 GS and other subsequent motorcycles based on the same platform.
KTM has also recently come under Bajaj Auto's ownership, as a result of which many upcoming models and plans are being reviewed. Therefore, it is quite difficult to comment on what these twin-cylinder Duke and Adventure prototypes could result in. However, to reiterate, a locally-produced smaller capacity twin-cylinder engine based on the LC8c platform could make more sense, but for now, we can only keep our fingers crossed.
Verdict
KTM is one brand that has seen many ups and downs, and under new ownership, there are many interesting projects it will be looking forward to kick off. These mystery twin-cylinder Duke and Adventure prototypes will raise a lot of questions, and we can expect some very good answers coming our way in the next few months.
