KTM 490 Adventure was conceptualized as a robust mid-segment adventure tourer, built on a new 490cc parallel-twin engine platform. Expected to launch around 2025, it aimed to bridge the gap between the KTM 390 Adventure and larger models like the 790 Adventure.
With India growing adventure touring culture think Ladakh, Spiti Valley, and Khardung-La Pass—the 490 Adventure was poised to cater to riders seeking power, agility, and affordability.
The Vision Behind the 490
KTM envisioned the 490 Adventure as a lighter, more maneuverable bike compared to heavier adventure tourers. It was expected to feature a 490cc parallel-twin engine producing 55–60 HP and 45–50 Nm of torque, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
The bike was designed to be BS6-compliant, with a six-speed gearbox and advanced electronics, making it suitable for both on-road touring and off-road exploration.
Why It Was Shelved
In January 2023, KTM announced it was halting the 490cc platform due to economic unviability. The high costs of developing a new engine outweighed the potential market returns, especially in price-sensitive markets like India.
Instead, KTM partnered with CFMOTO to focus on a 700-class twin engine, likely targeting premium segments. This decision disappointed Indian riders hoping for a mid-capacity adventure bike.
Why It Could Have Been Perfect for India
India’s adventure touring scene has exploded, with riders tackling diverse landscapes, from rugged mountains to unpredictable rural roads.
The KTM 490 Adventure was expected to excel in these conditions, offering a blend of power, agility, and features tailored for Indian riders.
Tackling Indian Terrains
- Versatile Performance: The 490cc engine would have provided enough power for highway cruising and the torque needed for steep inclines, ideal for Himalayan routes like Manali-Leh.
- High Ground Clearance: Expected to have around 200–230 mm of clearance, it could handle rocky trails and uneven roads common in India.
- Lightweight Design: At an estimated 180–190 kg, it would have been easier to maneuver than heavier tourers, crucial for navigating tight trails or city traffic.
The bike’s agility and suspension setup would have made it a top choice for riders exploring remote areas where road conditions vary drastically.
Fuel Efficiency and Range
With an expected mileage of 25 kmpl and a 14–15-liter fuel tank, the 490 Adventure could have offered a range of 350–375 km, perfect for long-distance tours where fuel stations are sparse, such as in Ladakh or the Northeast.
This efficiency would have appealed to budget-conscious Indian riders balancing performance with running costs.
Key Features That Excited Riders
The 490 Adventure was expected to come loaded with features to enhance comfort, safety, and performance, drawing from KTM’s expertise in adventure bikes like the 390 Adventure.
Advanced Electronics
- Ride Modes: Sport, Rain, and Offroad modes would have allowed riders to adapt to wet roads, highways, or dirt trails.
- Switchable ABS: Two-channel ABS with an off-road mode would have ensured safe braking on loose surfaces, a must for India’s mixed terrains.
- TFT Display: A 5-inch color TFT with Bluetooth connectivity for navigation and calls, ideal for long tours.
These features would have made the bike tech-forward, appealing to younger riders who value connectivity and customization.
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Suspension and Handling
The bike was slated to feature WP Apex USD forks (front) and a WP Apex monoshock (rear), with 200 mm of travel for absorbing shocks on rough terrain.
Tubeless spoke wheels (21-inch front, 17-inch rear) would have ensured durability and easy repairs, critical for remote touring. The setup promised a balance of on-road stability and off-road capability, perfect for India’s diverse roads.
Ergonomics for Indian Riders
The 490 Adventure was expected to cater to a wide range of riders with a seat height of around 830–850 mm, adjustable to accommodate shorter riders a key consideration in India.
Its upright riding posture and wide handlebars would have reduced fatigue on long rides, while a comfortable pillion seat and luggage mounts would have supported multi-day tours with gear.
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Accessibility for Shorter Riders
Many Indian riders, with an average height of 5’5”–5’7”, find tall adventure bikes intimidating. The 490 Adventure adjustable seat height and lightweight frame would have made it more accessible than larger models like the KTM 890 Adventure, ensuring confidence on challenging routes.
How It Compared to Rivals
The 490 Adventure would have competed with bikes like the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, Honda NX500, and the KTM 390 Adventure. Its parallel-twin engine promised smoother power delivery than the Himalayan’s single-cylinder.
while its lighter weight would have outshone the NX500 for off-road use. Compared to the 390 Adventure, the 490 offered more power for highway touring, making it a versatile all-rounder.
Price Expectations
Priced at an estimated Rs. 4–4.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the 490 Adventure would have been a premium yet attainable option, undercutting larger tourers like the Kawasaki Versys 650 (Rs. 7.77 lakh) while offering more features than the Himalayan 450 (Rs. 2.85 lakh). Its pricing would have positioned it as a value-for-money choice for serious tourers.
The Gap It Leaves Behind
With the 490 Adventure shelved, Indian riders are left with fewer options in the 400–500cc adventure segment. The KTM 390 Adventure (Rs. 3.68 lakh) is capable but underpowered for sustained highway runs.
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while bikes like the Honda NX500 (Rs. 11 lakh) are too expensive for many. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is a strong contender, but its single-cylinder engine lacks the refinement of a twin.
Alternatives to Consider
- KTM 390 Adventure (2025): Priced at Rs. 3.68 lakh, it offers a 399cc engine (46 PS, 39 Nm), adjustable suspension, and advanced electronics, ideal for mixed terrains.
- Royal Enfield Himalayan 450: At Rs. 2.85 lakh, it’s affordable, with a 452cc engine and 30 kmpl mileage, but less tech-forward.
- Hero XPulse 200 4V: A budget option at Rs. 1.52 lakh, great for light off-roading but underpowered for long tours.
These bikes cater to different budgets and needs, but none fully bridge the mid-capacity gap the 490 Adventure promised.
Why Indian Riders Still Want It
The 490 Adventure’s cancellation has left a void for riders seeking a bike that combines the agility of the 390 Adventure with the power of larger tourers.
Social media discussions on platforms like Team-BHP highlight the demand for a mid-capacity adventure bike that affordable, powerful, and suited for India’s unique conditions. The 490’s envisioned specs—lightweight frame, high ground clearance, and long-range fuel tank aligned perfectly with these needs.
Community Feedback
Riders on forums like ZigWheels and Team-BHP praise KTM’s adventure lineup but note the 390 Adventure’s limitations for high-speed touring.
The 490 Adventure could have addressed this, offering a bike that excels in both city commutes and epic cross-country journeys, resonating with India’s growing adventure community.
Conclusion of KTM 490 Adventure
KTM 490 Adventure 2025 could have been the perfect bike for Indian touring riders, blending power, agility, and advanced features for the country’s diverse landscapes.
Its 490cc parallel-twin engine, lightweight design, and rider-friendly ergonomics promised versatility for Himalayan trails, coastal highways, and urban jungles. However, KTM’s decision to shelve the project due to high costs has left enthusiasts wanting.
While alternatives like the KTM 390 Adventure and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 are strong contenders, they don’t fully fill the mid-capacity void. As India’s adventure touring culture grows, the absence of the 490 Adventure underscores the need for a bike that truly balances performance, affordability, and capability.