KTM’s Twin-Cylinder Pivot: Why the 490 Engine Is Set to Succeed the Iconic 390

KTM is reportedly phasing out the 390 single-cylinder for a new 490 parallel twin. Explore the technical details, the Bajaj partnership, and what changes for A2 riders.

KTM 390 Replacement? New 490 Parallel Twin Engine: Specs & Details

KTM is reportedly phasing out the 390 single-cylinder for a new 490 parallel twin. Explore the technical details, the Bajaj partnership, and what changes for A2 riders.

KTM’s Twin-Cylinder Pivot: Why the 490 Engine Is Set to Succeed the Iconic 390

The mid-displacement motorcycle landscape is on the verge of a radical transformation. According to recent industry analyses and reports from Asian manufacturing hubs, KTM is preparing to retire the legendary single-cylinder engine of the 390 series to make way for a brand-new 490 cc parallel twin unit.

This move is not merely a range update but a strategic response to increasingly stringent emission regulations and pressure from competitors who have already established the twin-cylinder configuration as the gold standard for the segment.
The Legacy of the LC4c Single and the Limits of Development

Since its debut in 2013, the 373 cc engine (which evolved into 399 cc in 2024) has been the backbone of Mattighofen’s small-displacement production. However, the physics of large-bore single-cylinder engines have hit a developmental ceiling:

Euro 6+ Restrictions: Achieving high power output while reducing emissions is technically more complex on a large single due to combustion chamber temperatures and exhaust gas management.

Vibration and Comfort: While loved by purists for its "punchy" character, the single-cylinder suffers from high-frequency vibrations—a significant drawback for modern riders seeking versatility for longer commutes and touring.

Technical Analysis: What to Expect from the New 490 Parallel Twin

The project, developed in synergy with strategic partner Bajaj Auto, aims to create a modular platform. While official data remains under embargo, engineering trends suggest the following:

Power and A2 Licensing: The target remains the 35 kW (48 hp) limit. A twin-cylinder setup will allow KTM to reach this threshold with smoother delivery and torque better distributed across the entire rev range.

Mechanical Architecture: Expect a compact powerplant, likely featuring a 270° crank offset to mimic the character and sound of a V-Twin, while maintaining the lower production costs and packaging efficiency of a parallel twin.

Weight vs. Performance: Switching to two cylinders will inevitably result in a slight mass increase (estimated between 5 and 8 kg). KTM’s challenge will be to offset this weight with an even more refined chassis to preserve the Duke series' legendary power-to-weight ratio.

Market Context: The A2 Segment in 2026–2028

KTM is not the first to move in this direction. The segment is already occupied by giants who have traded the "thumper" for the "twin":

Honda: With its 500 range (CB500 Hornet, CBR500R), Honda remains the benchmark for reliability and fluid power delivery.

Kawasaki: Historically dominant in this space with its 400 and 500 cc units.

BMW: The upcoming F 450 GS confirms that even the Bavarian manufacturer is betting on the twin-cylinder to challenge KTM’s dominance among new riders.

Timeline and Availability: EICMA 2027 as the Launchpad

Despite competitive urgency, industrial development cycles require patience. The first concepts of the new 490 series are expected to be unveiled at EICMA 2027, with actual market availability projected for 2028.

Expert Advice: If you are considering a 390 Duke or Adventure today, there is no reason to wait. The current 399 cc LC4c engine is at the pinnacle of its technical maturity. The future twin-cylinder will be a different machine: more capable for highway cruising and touring, but perhaps less "raw" and specialized in tight technical sections compared to the current single-cylinder.