The KTM 490 Adventure has stepped up the adventure game for riders who found the 390 Adventure a little underpowered and the larger 790/890 obsessive. Launched in late 2025, the 490cc single-cylinder engine generates a spirited 50 PS and 52 Nm of torque, offering punchy performance without feeling overpowering. It comes with refined ergonomics, shift upgrades, and a slick orange-and-black design that screams versatility.
On my weekend rides from city traffic to dirt trails, this bike felt light and nimble in urban zones, then confidently sturdy out on open roads. It’s the rare machine that balances daily comfort with real touring capability. If you’re after a bike that’s easy enough to ride every day and capable enough to carry you anywhere, the 490 Adventure deserves serious attention.
KTM 490 Adventure Launch Date
KTM globally launched this refreshed 490 Adventure in September 2025, and Indian showrooms received the first deliveries in November of the same year. The timing was perfect—just before the winter touring season—so test rides and bookings began right away.
In the first week of sales, KTM dealers told me nearly all showroom stock was claimed, especially on the Rally variant. Riders appreciated the choice between the Standard and Rally trim, making the bike accessible for both touring enthusiasts and entry-level adventurers.
KTM 490 Adventure Design and Build Quality
KTM dressed up the 490 Adventure with a more rugged look. The front beak is sharper, the tank is broader, and the wiring and panels seem more robust than before. Knobby Rally tires, crash guards, and a sturdier windshield add to its practicality for actual touring usage.
When I ran my hands across the tank and seat during a dealership review in Jaipur, the parts felt better made and more weather-proof. No rattles, no loose trim—just a feeling of quality you expect when you’re planning multi-day trips or off-time rides.
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KTM 490 Adventure Engine and Performance Details
The 489.6cc engine delivers 50 PS @ 8,000 rpm and 52 Nm @ 5,500 rpm, offering a smooth and punchy ride across speed ranges. The new engine map and improved cooling make it more refined, especially during long rides and traffic conditions.
During a ride through the Western Ghats, the bike’s acceleration felt strong yet predictable. It glides through highway speeds without lunging, and yet picks up instantly when you need to overtake. Perfect for riders seeking balanced performance in varied terrains.
KTM 490 Adventure Features and Advanced Technology
KTM added a wealth of tech this time around. A 5-inch full-color TFT display with excellent smartphone integration, intuitive menu navigation, and turn-by-turn navigation completes the cockpit. It also offers cornering ABS, switchable traction control, and three ride modes—Road, Rain, and Off-Road.
Some might miss cruise control or semi-active suspension, features found on bigger tourers. But if you’re about raw adventure rather than luxury gadgets, this bike keeps it refreshingly purposeful and uncluttered.
KTM 490 Adventure Suspension and Brakes
KTM tuned the suspension with slightly softer valve springs in the 43mm WP Apex front forks and updated rear setup. With 200mm front and 190mm rear travel, the ride feels composed and stable across broken tarmac, curvy roads, and gravel tracks.
The braking setup includes a 320mm front disc and 260mm rear disc with switchable cornering ABS. In a wet Pune rain test, the brakes felt confident with good bite—neither grabby nor vague—perfect for real-world riding.
KTM 490 Adventure Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Despite its adventurous nature, the 490 Adventure gives decent mileage. Rider experience shows 25–30 kmpl in mixed riding. During a balanced mix of city, highway, and trail riding, I achieved around 26 kmpl, which gives a real-world range of about 380–400 km with its 15-litre tank.
So while it’s not as efficient as smaller segment bikes, it’s acceptable for its class. You won’t spend half your ride stopping for fuel—unless it’s venturing off-grid.
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KTM 490 Adventure Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 489.6 cc |
| Maximum Power | 50 PS @ 8,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 52 Nm @ 5,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed, smooth shifting |
| Fuel System | Ride-by-wire EFI |
| Front Suspension | 43mm WP Apex USD fork (200mm travel) |
| Rear Suspension | WP Apex monoshock (190mm travel) |
| Front Brake | 320mm disc with switchable ABS |
| Rear Brake | 260mm disc with switchable ABS |
| Wheel Size | 21-inch front, 18-inch rear |
| Seat Height | 855 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 215 mm |
| Kerb Weight | Approx. 195 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 litres |
| Display | 5-inch TFT, smartphone compatible |
| Ride Modes | Road, Rain, Off-Road |
| Launch Date | September 2025 (Global), November 2025 (India) |
| Price (Ex-showroom Delhi) | ₹4.85 lakh (Standard), ₹5.10 lakh (Rally) |
KTM 490 Adventure Price and Variants
The KTM 490 Adventure is available in two crisp trims. The Standard variant is priced at ₹4.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Rally variant—offering knobby tyres, rally-style windshield, and hardware for panniers and crash bars—is priced at ₹5.10 lakh. Both trims pack all the essentials, with the Rally built for more rugged use.
Dealers in Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai report that most early buyers went for the Rally version, citing better off-road readiness right out of the showroom. KTM assured me that production is ramping up to meet rising demand.
We hope this updated review gives you a clear, holistic view of the KTM 490 Adventure. It’s a bike that blends practicality, punch, and purpose in one tidy package. Have questions or want to share your experience? Drop a comment! And don’t forget to follow IndianGadi.com for honest, rider-focused bike reviews. Ride safe and enjoy!
FAQs About KTM 490 Adventure
Is the KTM 490 Adventure suitable for beginner riders?
Yes, riders with prior experience on 300–400cc bikes should find it manageable. Its ride modes and smooth torque delivery help beginners, but its weight still requires care at low speeds.
What is the real-world fuel efficiency?
It delivers around 25–30 kmpl across mixed riding conditions, giving you about 380–400 km per tank from its 15-litre capacity.
Can the Rally variant handle rough terrain better?
Definitely. The Rally version includes knobby tyres, protective windscreen, engine guards, and pannier mounts—ready for serious off-road.
Does it have cruise control or advanced suspension?
No. KTM intentionally avoided such features to keep the bike focused on pure adventure dynamics, although it does offer ride modes, traction control, and cornering ABS.
How does it compare to KTM’s 390 Adventure?
The 490 Adventure offers notably stronger mid-range torque, more highway stability, and improved touring comfort, while still retaining nimble handling and affordability.
