New KTM 490 and 890 Models Confirmed
KTM's success story is the stuff of dreams. The Austrian brand was recovering in the hands of Stefan Pierer. However, it was the announcement of KTM's alliance with Bajaj that changed its fortune. The alliance with Bajaj not only provided much-needed capital but also first-hand experience of succeeding in emerging markets.
To give you an idea of the massive increase in production volumes, today KTM manufactures as many motorcycles in one week as it used to in an entire year in the 90s!
For months, it was hinted that KTM was preparing new models, but until now, it had not been officially confirmed. A presentation prepared by Pierer Mobility reveals a roadmap for the future of new KTM models, including five models with a 490cc engine and three Adventure, SMC, and Enduro R models with the 890cc engine.
KTM Makes a Statement of Intent for the A2 Licence Class
The presentation, made for investors, confirms the five 490 models expected to run on the new twin-cylinder engine. This 490cc 8-valve twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine will deliver a power output of between 55 and 60 hp.
These five models are expected to include this engine:
- KTM Duke 490,
- KTM 490 Adventure
- KTM RC 490
- KTM 490 Enduro R
- KTM 490 SMC R
KTM President, Stefan Pierer, has openly discussed the new 500cc Twin being developed in India with Bajaj (which owns 49% of Pierer Mobility). Pierer says that the 500cc motorcycles will be the future premium class in emerging markets and will also have an appeal in European markets for the A2 licence class.
The objective of the 490 class is not to replace the current single-cylinder 390 models, such as the KTM Duke 390, as the product portfolio slide confirms that they will remain alongside the smaller 125cc and 250cc versions. In fact, we may see the 390 range grow, as the slide suggests that SMC R and Enduro R versions are also in the pipeline.
As for the larger motorcycles, the presentation suggests more 890 twin-cylinder engine models, to follow the 890 Duke R presented at EICMA. These include the new Adventure, SMC, and Enduro variants, which will not replace but complement the existing 790 and 690 versions.
Few Novelties in Off-road
The off-road range looks quite similar to KTM's existing line-up, except for the addition of more powerful electric versions for younger riders, the SX-E5, which offers a range of models for children aged 3 to 14.
The presentation does not clarify any timeline for when these new models will be launched. The 890 Duke R was already presented last month, so its siblings will probably appear next year. The 490 models are also expected to arrive next year, in 2020.
KTM has prepared a report that it has made available to its investors on the Pierer Mobility website.