After years of speculation, delays, and whispers in the motorcycle community, the KTM RC 490 has finally been spotted undergoing testing in Europe. The sighting of this long-awaited sportbike marks a major milestone in KTM’s journey to expand its mid-capacity lineup and signals the revival of a project that many thought had been shelved for good.
Let’s dive into what the spy shots reveal, what we can expect from the RC 490, and why this bike could be a game-changer in the sub-500cc sportbike category.
🔍 A Glimpse Into the Future: Spy Shots Reveal Key Details
The test mule of the KTM RC 490 was recently snapped on European roads, and the images have sparked excitement across the biking world. The most striking feature? Twin header pipes emerging from the engine bay—strongly suggesting a twin-cylinder powerplant. This is a significant departure from KTM’s current RC 390, which uses a single-cylinder engine.
Other standout elements include:
- Single-sided rear swingarm: A design choice that adds both aesthetic appeal and mechanical sophistication. It’s reminiscent of the CFMoto 450SR-R, hinting at shared engineering DNA.
- Upside-down front forks (USD): A staple in performance bikes, offering improved handling and front-end stability.
- Sharper styling: Compared to the RC 390, the RC 490 sports a more aggressive design with a horseshoe-shaped LED headlamp flanked by aerodynamic winglets.
- Underbelly exhaust and narrow tail section: These design cues reinforce the bike’s track-focused intent.
🧠 The Engine: Twin-Cylinder Power for Refined Performance
The RC 490 is expected to be powered by a 490cc parallel-twin engine, likely producing between 50 to 55 horsepower. This setup promises smoother power delivery, better refinement, and a more engaging riding experience—especially at higher RPMs.
The move to a twin-cylinder engine also positions the RC 490 as a direct competitor to bikes like the Aprilia RS 457, Kawasaki Ninja 500, and the upcoming BMW F 450 GS. KTM’s decision to go twin-cylinder reflects the growing demand for more refined and versatile machines in the 400–500cc category.
🧩 The Backstory: A Project Revived
KTM’s 490 project has had a rollercoaster history. Initially announced in 2019 as part of a five-bike lineup—including the Duke 490, RC 490, 490 Adventure, 490 SMC R, and 490 SM T—the project was later shelved due to high development costs. KTM even considered pivoting to a 690cc twin platform for better cost efficiency.
But the recent boom in mid-capacity motorcycles and KTM’s partnership with Bajaj and CFMoto appear to have breathed new life into the RC 490. The bike seen in testing seems to borrow heavily from CFMoto’s existing platforms, which makes sense given their joint manufacturing ventures in China.
🧪 Expected Features: Tech-Loaded and Track-Ready
While the final spec sheet is still under wraps, the RC 490 is expected to come loaded with premium features:
- TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity
- Navigation support
- Multiple riding modes
- Cornering ABS and traction control
- Bi-directional quickshifter
These features would make the RC 490 not just a performance machine but also a tech-savvy companion for daily rides and weekend track days.
🏁 Why the RC 490 Matters
The RC 490 fills a crucial gap in KTM’s lineup. For years, riders looking for a step up from the RC 390 had to jump to the RC 790 or RC 890—both significantly more expensive and powerful. The RC 490 offers a middle ground: more power and refinement than the 390, without the intimidating heft of the larger twins.
This bike could also be a strategic move to capture emerging markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where mid-capacity sportbikes are gaining popularity among younger riders and enthusiasts.
🔮 What’s Next?
With testing underway, a global launch could be on the horizon—possibly in late 2025 or early 2026. KTM is likely to unveil the RC 490 alongside other models in the revived 490 series, including the Duke 490 and 490 Adventure.
If priced competitively and equipped with the right features, the RC 490 could become a benchmark in its class, offering a blend of performance, style, and everyday usability.
🏍️ Final Thoughts: A New Era for KTM Sportbikes
The KTM RC 490 isn’t just another motorcycle—it’s a symbol of persistence, innovation, and strategic evolution. After years of uncertainty, KTM seems ready to deliver a machine that could redefine expectations in the sub-500cc sportbike segment.
For now, all eyes are on the test tracks. But if the RC 490 lives up to the hype, it won’t be long before it’s carving corners on roads around the world.
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