Recent spy shots showcase a KTM ADV and a naked motorcycle being tested. While international outlets are calling it the new “790 Adventure” undergoing testing, we believe there might be other possibilities. Here is what we think these test mules could be.  

1. KTM test mules equipped with a single front disc
2. Motor appears to be a smaller capacity twin-cylinder

KTM Adventure and Duke spy shot details

These bikes sport just one front brake disc, which is unusual for the 790 range.

The lack of a twin-disc setup at the front suggests that this is not an actual 790 model but rather a smaller-capacity twin-cylinder prototype. In addition to that, this motor also appears to be completely different from the one found in the outgoing 790 range and possibly a smaller discplacement going by the size.  

Former CEO Stefan Pierer, in an interview in 2018, had revealed that KTM plans to introduce a new twin-cylinder motorcycle in the 500cc segment. A year after this, KTM CEO Stefan Pierer revealed that the company was working on an all-new 490 series of motorcycles, powered by a parallel-twin engine. These models even appeared in an investor presentation, with reports suggesting that Bajaj would manufacture them in India. However, Pierer later confirmed to Autocar India in 2023 that the 490 project had been permanently shelved. 

Given varied statements by KTM’s previous leadership about its future projects and considering the current market situation, this new engine platform is likely in the 500-700cc ballpark. However, we have reason to believe that this new motor seen testing in Adventure and Duke guises is a brand-new parallel-twin that displaces around 500cc

At the time, the decision was attributed to the high costs of developing a completely new parallel-twin motor at such a relatively small capacity. Instead, Pierer told us that KTM would shift its focus to creating a new scaled-down parallel twin platform based on the 790 platform that could be called a new 690. He also stated that this bike would be made by KTM’s partners CFMoto in China rather than being made in India.

Just two months later, though, KTM appeared to pivot once again. Pierer hinted that a new made-in-India twin-cylinder platform was in the works, with plans to also sell these bikes in markets such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Australia—markets chosen based on pricing sensitivity, proximity, and other strategic factors. He also confirmed that this range would debut with a Duke, though it’s reasonable to expect spin-offs like an RC and even an Adventure in the future.

Image credits - www.motorrad-magazin.at

While there is a possibility of this test mule simply running a single-disc setup, given the appearence of this engine not sharing any similarity with the outgoing 790 range, it is quite likley these could be small capacity twin-cylinder models we've been waiting for. Given that Honda, Aprilia and CFMoto already have smaller capacity twins, it is only fair KTM throws its hat in the ring. Even BMW is working on its 450cc twin which will soon join the fold. What the eventual capacity of this motor is remains to be seen, but the possibilites lie in the 500-700cc mark. This move would also align with the KTM's previously shared ambitions to downscale the LC8c architecture for more affordable, accessible motorcycles.