Alright, this is big. Like “KTM just unlocked a new boss level” big.
Word on the street is that Bajaj-KTM is cooking up an all-new twin-cylinder engine platform, and no, this isn’t that old RC 490 rumour doing cardio again. This is something completely fresh. Built in India. Developed in India. For the world.
And if this plays out the way it sounds? The 390 badge might never be the same again.
From Thumpers To Twins – The Evolution
Gen 1 was the iconic 373cc motor that powered the Duke 390 and RC 390. Raw. Punchy. Slightly unhinged. We loved it.
Gen 2 gave us the newer 399cc LC4c motor in the latest Duke 390 and Adventure 390. More refined. More torque. Less drama. Still very KTM.
Now? Gen 3 is reportedly ditching the single-cylinder layout entirely.
Yes. KTM is finally going twin.
Why Now Though?
For the longest time, KTM avoided twins in this segment for one simple reason: money.
Twin-cylinder engines are costlier to develop, produce, and package. In a price-sensitive market like India, that could’ve been commercial suicide a few years ago. But the market has grown up.
Today’s 400–500cc buyer isn’t just chasing power figures. They want smoothness, premium feel, less vibration, and that big-bike vibe.
Globally, most rivals in the 400–500cc class have already moved to twin-cylinder engines. Even here at home, upcoming machines in the segment are expected to raise the bar significantly.
KTM simply couldn’t sit this one out anymore.
What We Know (And What We’re Guessing)
• It’ll be a sub-500cc parallel-twin
• Likely capped at 47bhp (35kW) to comply with Europe’s A2 licence rules
• Designed to replace the current 399cc platform globally
• Fully developed by Bajaj Auto
• Manufactured at the Chakan plant near Pune
Now here’s the interesting bit…
The existing 399cc single might reportedly shrink to under 350cc in India, producing around 40bhp. That would position it as the entry-level performance option. The new twin? That becomes the premium upgrade path. More cylinders. More smoothness. More maturity. Still orange. Still angry.
What Does A Twin Really Change?
Let’s be honest. KTM singles are fun, but they aren’t exactly silk.
A twin-cylinder layout would mean:
• Noticeably smoother revving
• Lower NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)
• Better highway comfort
• A more linear, grown-up power delivery
• Possibly a completely different exhaust note
Imagine a 390-sized KTM that still attacks corners like a caffeinated squirrel… but cruises like a middleweight. That’s the dream.
Who Gets It First?
If KTM follows tradition:
1. Duke
2. Adventure
3. RC
4. Maybe even Husqvarna (we’re manifesting this one)
The Duke will almost certainly be the first to debut the motor and if timelines hold, we could see an unveiling at EICMA 2027, with a market launch sometime in 2028.
Yes, it’s a wait. But revolutions don’t happen overnight.
Bigger Picture: Bajaj’s Power Move
This isn’t just about a new engine.
It’s about Bajaj evolving from “manufacturing partner” to full-blown global development hub.
An all-new twin platform, conceptualised and engineered in India, replacing a globally successful KTM single-cylinder family? That’s massive.
The orange empire’s next chapter might very well be written in Pune.
The TDH Take
If this twin lands right… priced aggressively, built well, and wrapped in sharp KTM madness… It could redefine the segment.
But if it becomes too expensive, it risks losing what made the 390 so special in the first place: accessible chaos.
Either way, 2027 just got a lot more interesting.
So here’s the big question…
Would you upgrade from your current 390 to a twin-cylinder version?
Or is the single-cylinder madness part of the charm to you?
