In more than a year, KTM will be releasing its 490 series. The 2022 start time line for the first bike has been confirmed by Stefan Pierer. The new engine will give birth to the Duke 490 and the 490 Adventure model and may be shared with its sister Husqvarna.
We first heard the news of the arrival of the same 490s twins in December 2018, when Pierer himself said plans for such models of migration are underway.
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A year later, investors' statements indicated that five bicycles would be used in the new car. Pierer has always maintained that the first bike will arrive in 2022 but given the way 2020 is set, there could be delays.
Putting that concern on the couch, Pierer said the operation of the new car continues with full force in Bajaj's R&D, led by KTM Austria's R&D department. The new parallel-twin 500cc car will keep the KTM Ready To Race mantra, as the 390s or 790s do.
This will be Bajaj's first attempt at a multi-cylinder engine format, which could eventually fit into one of its motorcycles. While Pierer remains unsure of where the engine will be manufactured, Bajaj has invested $ 650 million in a new plant in Chakan itself, where it will produce KTM, Huskies, and Triumphs for small power.
The production of the Chetak electric scooter, as well as the Husqvarna electric scooter from which it is based, will also be transferred from Akurdi to this new plant. Production of motorcycles from this plant will begin from 2023 onwards.