The Bajaj-developed 500cc engine might be used in sports or naked motorcycles, though nothing is confirmed yet.
KTM is one of biggest names in the motorsport world, be it the Dakar Rally or the US Supercross Championship. So, it is needless to say that the R&D department of the Austrian company is always working on developing something or the other at all points of time.
One of the many things under development in the departments of KTM is a new twin-cylinder 500cc engine. However, as confirmed by the CEO, Mr. Stefan Pierer, this new engine is being developed by Bajaj Auto in its Indian facility.
We aren’t sure about the segment that will see the use of this new twin-cylinder engine, whether a fully-faired sports motorcycle or a naked middleweight. Whatever it may be, it will surely take the company a bit closer to becoming the third largest sports motorcycle maker in the world, only behind the two Japanese greats – Yamaha and Honda.
The CEO also highlighted the fact that the emerging markets are undergoing huge growth, especially in the 500-800cc segment. Hence, the Bajaj-developed 500cc engine (being developed in India) will play a very vital role in such markets.
Getting success in the motorcycle market on a global scale isn’t very easy in this generation. There are many restrictions and compliances being imposed on the manufacturers, like the latest emission norms and upcoming noise restrictions. Hence, failing to meet such guidelines might mean the end of road.
Considering the present range, the new 500cc engine might be used in a replica of the 390 series with a sports bike and a naked street model.
Bajaj 500cc Engine
– Will be a twin-cylinder engine
– Might be a replica of the 390 series
– Is being developed by Bajaj Auto in India
Source – SpeedWeek.com
