Enthusiasts, brace yourselves: the long-rumoured KTM RC 490 is officially real. Recent clandestine spy shots circulating online confirm that prototypes are undergoing rigorous testing in Europe, signalling the project is back on track after being shelved in 2023. This upcoming supersport is poised to be a game-changer in the middleweight performance segment.
The excitement stems from an entirely new powertrain. KTM is moving away from the single-cylinder format to an all-new, liquid-cooled, 490cc parallel-twin engine. This configuration promises improved refinement and a power output exceeding 50 PS, delivering more effortless performance than the smaller 390 series.
The images reveal a sharp, aggressive design clearly inspired by KTM’s MotoGP machine, complete with integrated aerodynamic winglets, a sleek single projector LED headlamp, and minimalist bodywork.
Anticipated features match the high-performance aesthetics: expect a full-colour TFT display, cornering ABS, traction control, multiple riding modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, and premium adjustable WP suspension.
While a global unveil is likely set for EICMA 2026, the RC 490 is expected to hit the Indian market by late 2026 or early 2027, with an estimated price range of ₹4 lakh to ₹4.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will go head-to-head with rivals like the Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja 500. Manufactured locally by Bajaj Auto in India, the RC 490 is shaping up to be an aggressively priced and highly desirable performance machine.
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