The KTM 490 Duke is one of the most eagerly awaited motorcycles in the mid-capacity segment. Designed to deliver thrilling performance with modern features, the 490 Duke is part of KTM’s upcoming 490cc lineup. This new range is expected to fill the gap between the existing 390 and 790 series, giving riders an exciting new option.

Latest Update on KTM 490 Duke

KTM fans can rejoice as the KTM 490 Duke is expected to launch in April 2025. As per industry sources, the expected price of the KTM 490 Duke will range between ₹3.5 lakhs to ₹3.8 lakhs (ex-showroom). This pricing makes it a very attractive offering in the mid-size naked sportbike segment.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the KTM 490 Duke will be an all-new 490cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. This twin-cylinder motor will feature 4 valves per cylinder, delivering an estimated 55–60 hp of power and 45–50 Nm of torque. It will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox that includes an assist and slipper clutch, ensuring smoother gear shifts and added safety during aggressive downshifting.

Design and Frame

The 490 Duke will be built on a revised trellis frame similar to the Duke 390 but modified to fit the larger engine. The motorcycle is likely to adopt KTM’s updated design language, continuing the sharp, aggressive styling the Duke series is known for. For suspension, it is expected to come with inverted WP-Apex front forks and a WP-Apex rear mono-shock, promising an agile and responsive ride.

Features and Technology

KTM is known for offering advanced features even in smaller displacement models, and the 490 Duke is no exception. Anticipated features include:

• Ride-by-wire throttle

• Traction control

• Quickshifter

• Cornering dual-channel ABS

• Full-color TFT instrument display

Additionally, the bike is expected to offer three riding modes – Rain, Street, and Sport – allowing riders to tailor the bike’s performance based on riding conditions. A full-LED headlamp setup, similar to the current Duke 390, is also likely.

KTM 490 Duke Rivals

The KTM 490 Duke will enter a competitive segment and go head-to-head with popular models such as:

• Kawasaki Z400

• Honda CB500F

• BMW G 310 R

Each of these bikes has carved a niche in the entry-level performance motorcycle segment, but KTM aims to stand out with more power, premium features, and aggressive pricing.

Conclusion

With the KTM 490 Duke set to hit Indian roads in April 2025, it’s poised to be a game-changer in the under-500cc category. Its powerful new engine, advanced electronics, aggressive design, and competitive pricing make it a bike worth waiting for. Whether you’re upgrading from a 250cc or looking for a more refined alternative to the 390 Duke, the KTM 490 Duke looks like a promising option for performance enthusiasts.