If you love sharp, sporty naked bikes and always felt the Duke 390 needed just a little more power, the KTM Duke 490 was the bike many riders had their eyes on. KTM planned to bring a brand-new 490cc parallel-twin engine, and the excitement around it was huge. Let’s talk about it in the most simple, natural way.

Table of Contents

Introduction to KTM Duke 490

The KTM Duke 490 was expected to launch in India around September 2026 with a price of roughly ₹3.5 lakh (ex-showroom). In Patna, the expected on-road price would have been around ₹3.9–4 lakh, depending on registration and insurance.

What made it special was the new parallel-twin platform KTM was developing. This engine was supposed to power multiple bikes. Unfortunately, the project was dropped in 2023 because the development cost became too high. Still, the hype around it hasn’t faded.

Design and Colours

The Duke 490 was expected to carry KTM’s sharp and aggressive design language. Think split LED headlamps, edgy tank shrouds, and a proper streetfighter stance.

Expected colours:

Orange Black
White Orange
Matte Grey

Among these, Orange Black would probably have been the most eye-catching on the road.

Key Features of the KTM Duke 490

Here’s a simple look at the expected features:

Engine: 490cc parallel-twin (expected)
Power: 55–60 bhp
Torque: Around 50 Nm
Gearbox: 6-speed
Fuel Efficiency: Around 25 kmpl
Top Speed: Close to 200 km/h
Seating: 2-seater
Console: Full TFT display with smartphone connectivity
Comfort: Adjustable suspension, ride-by-wire, slipper clutch
Safety: Dual-channel ABS, traction control, riding modes

The Duke 490 was expected to shake up the segment because it aimed to offer twin-cylinder performance at a price close to single-cylinder competitors.

Real-Life Rider Opinion

A cousin of my friend in Patna rides a Duke 390. He once said, “If KTM ever launches the 490, I’ll book it immediately. The 390 is fun, but a twin-cylinder Duke for long rides would be another level.”
This shows how genuinely excited riders were for this bike.

Comfort and Riding Experience

The Duke 490 was expected to provide a sporty but manageable riding position. Wide handlebars and an upright stance would have made it suitable for daily riding as well as highway trips.

Suspension was likely to include WP Apex adjustable forks, giving riders the choice to tune the bike according to comfort or performance.

Mileage and Performance

The expected mileage of the Duke 490 was around 25 kmpl.
With a fuel tank of 13–14 litres, the range would have been roughly 300–350 km on a full tank.

Performance was one of its biggest attractions. Early expectations suggested the bike would produce 55–60 bhp and accelerate from 0–100 km/h in under 5 seconds.

Technology and Safety

The Duke 490 was expected to include modern tech such as:

TFT display with smartphone connectivity
Ride-by-wire
Multiple riding modes
Dual-channel ABS
Traction control
Slipper clutch

If launched, it would have easily become one of the most advanced naked bikes in its segment.

Expected Price in Patna

In Patna, the on-road price was expected to be around ₹3.9–4 lakh. Yes, it would have been slightly more expensive than the Duke 390, but the twin-cylinder performance and additional features would have made the price feel justified.

My Honest Point of View

In my personal view, the KTM Duke 490 would have been the perfect upgrade for riders who love the Duke 390 but want more power and refinement. It had the potential to become one of the best mid-segment naked bikes in India.

If KTM ever decides to restart the project, the Duke 490 could easily dominate the market.

Final Words

The KTM Duke 490 was more than just another upcoming motorcycle. It had the potential to be a game-changer. With a twin-cylinder engine, sharp design, and advanced electronics, it promised to deliver both performance and value.

Even though the project was canceled, the excitement among riders shows how much the market wanted this bike. If you’re planning to buy a powerful naked motorcycle in the future, keep an eye on KTM — they might surprise us someday.

FAQs

1. What was the expected price of the KTM Duke 490?

Around ₹3.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

2. What would have been the on-road price in Patna?

Around ₹3.9–4 lakh.

3. What mileage was expected?

Around 25 kmpl.

4. What colours were expected?

Orange Black, White Orange, and Matte Grey.

5. What would the top speed be?

Around 200 km/h.

KTM Duke 490 – The Streetfighter Everyone Was Waiting For