New KTM RC Bikes Teased: Potential Engine and Platform Changes

KTM is developing a new 500cc twin-cylinder platform for adventure and naked bikes. A faired RC has been spotted during testing, sparking speculation. Autocar magazine suggests that the new twin-cylinder RC could be powered by an engine from CF Moto. The Duke 500 and the adventure bike prototypes appeared unfinished, but the RC seems close to production. Images from Motorrad magazine depict a near-production-ready motorcycle. The engine of the KTM RC 490 appears to originate from CFMoto, along with the main chassis. The full fairing obscures much of the engine, but the exhaust downpipes are similar to those of CFMoto models. The parallel-twin design from CFMoto is different from the KTM prototypes, and it is speculated that this model could be called the KTM RC 490. This motorcycle may be built on the CFMoto platform. The current KTM RC 390 still uses the 373cc engine; thus, KTM may be seeking a new power source for the next-generation RC. The information provided is based on observations of the new sports bike during testing.