- Likely to cater to the A2 license category
- Will replace the existing 390 platform
- Market launch likely sometime in 2028
Bajaj-KTM is preparing to take a significant leap in its mid-capacity lineup with the development of an all-new twin-cylinder engine platform. This new engine will mark the third generation in KTM’s sub-500cc category and will be built and developed entirely in India, highlighting Bajaj’s growing role in KTM’s global operations. This is an all-new engine platform and unrelated to the RC 490 prototypes seen in Europe, which are based on CFMoto’s 449cc engine.
A New Chapter in KTM’s Engine Story
KTM’s journey in the sub-500cc class has so far revolved around single-cylinder engines. The first generation was the 373cc motor that powered the Duke 390 and RC 390. The second generation brought the 399cc, LC4c engine, which now underpins the latest Duke 390 and Adventure 390 and may soon power the updated RC as well.
Now, KTM and Bajaj are working on the third-generation platform, which will move away from the single-cylinder configuration and into twin-cylinder territory. While the exact displacement is not known, the new engine will likely be a sub-500cc unit and will eventually become the foundation for a new family of KTM motorcycles.
Why a Twin-Cylinder Now?
For years, KTM held back from introducing a twin-cylinder in this class because of cost constraints. A twin would have significantly raised prices in India, where affordability was key for sales success. However, the market has evolved. Globally, most rivals in the 400–500cc class, including Kawasaki, Honda, Aprilia, and even newer players like CFMoto, have moved to twin-cylinder engines. More importantly, the Indian motorcycle market has also matured, with riders showing a greater appetite for premium, higher-spec machines. An indication of this is the fact that BMW and TVS will soon introduce the F 450 GS and Apache RR 450 in India.
Against this backdrop, KTM seems to have decided to shift its engine strategy. But, as we understand, this new twin-cylinder engine is expected to be capped under Europe’s A2 license category, which limits output to 47bhp (35kW). Why, you’d ask? Well, this new engine will eventually replace the current 399cc motor, and the twin-cylinder motor will serve as the ideal rival to the sub-500cc global competition.
This new platform will help KTM be competitive in the global markets, while also offering Indian buyers a more refined and premium option. The twin-cylinder layout will naturally bring smoother performance, improved NVH levels, and a more engaging riding experience compared to the current single-cylinder offerings. In India, the existing 399cc engine will be downsized to under 350cc, rendering it to around 40bhp. So, the parallel-twin motor will make for an ideal upgrade, not only in terms of outright output figures, but also in terms of refinement and the feel of performance.
Built in India, for the World
One of the most important aspects of this project is that it is being developed fully in-house by Bajaj Auto’s R&D division. It will likely be produced at Bajaj’s state-of-the-art Chakan plant near Pune. This underscores Bajaj’s role as a global development and manufacturing hub for KTM, far beyond being just a majority stakeholder.
This new engine is expected to first power the Duke range, followed by the Adventure and RC models. And, it won’t be a surprise if this engine also makes its way on Husqvarna motorcycles. But that’s just wishful thinking on our part.
When Can We Expect It?
This new twin-cylinder engine platform is still under development, and a market launch is still some time away. That said, given the groundwork already in place and the growing urgency to compete with global competition, this new engine could be unveiled at EICMA 2027, with a market launch in early or mid 2028.
Clearing the Air on European Test Mules
Recent spy shots from Europe have led many to assume that the prototypes spotted testing are of the upcoming 490 range. However, as we had reported earlier, the bikes seen in Europe are part of a different project altogether, likely related to KTM’s new 790cc platform being developed in Austria as a replacement to the existing single-cylinder 690 range.
Similarly, the KTM RC 490 test mule that was spotted recently appears to use CFMoto’s 450cc twin-cylinder platform, which is not linked to Bajaj’s development efforts. That project is likely targeted at the Chinese and select European markets. And, it may not see the light of day, now that Bajaj owns KTM, and earlier partnerships may not continue. As things stand, the Bajaj-developed twin-cylinder motor has not yet reached the prototype testing stage and remains in early development.
Spy images courtesy: Motorrad-Magazin
