At KTM, entry-level motorcycles have a displacement of 390cc, but you can also get your hands on smaller displacement machines, with 125, 200 and 250 cc engines. While 390cc single-cylinder-equipped machines are certainly a lot of fun for beginners and seasoned riders alike, there's no denying that there's space to fill between the 390 series and the 790 and 890 machines.
This is where KTM's new 490 series fits in perfectly. Conveniently, the rumors surrounding the KTM 490 series have been fueled for over a year now, so we more or less have an idea of what to expect from the upcoming motorcycle range.
According to several sources, including several from India, where KTM manufactures a large part of its machines alongside its Indian partner Bajaj, expect the 490 range to be made up of Duke, RC and Adventure models. Additionally, KTM is expected to unveil this lineup of as many as 5 models later in 2022. Indian automotive publication GaadiWaadi cites a leaked presentation from KTM's parent company, Pierer Mobility, to give us an idea of the company's upcoming vehicles. the 490 range. Apart from, of course, the Duke, RC and Adventure models, it seems that a Supermoto and Enduro model are also in the works.
Another theory could suggest that the 490 series is indeed under development, and that it comes from none other than KTM's Chinese partner, CFMOTO. Indeed, CFMOTO recently unveiled their mini superbike, the 450SR. Equipped with a full fairing and a 450 cc inline-twin engine, it seems to follow a similar formula to other entry-level sports cars like the Ninja 400 or the Honda CBR500R.
However, when we look a little closer at the engine's technical specifications, we see that it is equipped with a 270-degree crankshaft, similar to what Yamaha has incorporated into its 689cc Crossplane twin-cylinder engine. This means we can expect similar sound and power to a 90-degree V-twin, certainly more exciting than a standard inline-twin wedged at 180 degrees, and more importantly, very in-phase with the rowdy, torquey nature of KTM.
That being said, it appears that the CFMOTO 450SR's engine will be the same as KTM's upcoming 490 series. At this point, however, nothing is official, as KTM has not yet released an official statement regarding the technical specifications and launch date of the motorcycle range of this displacement. However, it seems that the 490 models will be placed a notch above the 390 series, hoping that this range of single-cylinders also remains in the catalog...
