The Cat's Out Of The Bag: Behold The KTM RC 450 In All Its Glory

KTM’s upcoming middleweight supersport has effectively been revealed, reportedly through Chinese type-approval documents linked to the brand’s joint venture with CFMoto. While we thought it could be called the RC490, looks like KTM has ‘downsized’ its nomenclature as you can clearly see the signature KTM orange fairing with a large ‘RC’ logo and ‘450’ badging on the fairing. While it may look like a fresh KTM on the surface, the bike shares its core platform with the Chinese CFMoto 450SR-S, helping fast-track its journey from development to production.

Yes, the KTM RC 450 project is believed to have been greenlit well before KTM’s financial turmoil began. It is expected to be a China-only offering, where buyers will likely get the option of choosing between the CFMoto 450SR-S or the more hardcore, orange KTM RC 450. Bringing this particular bike doesn’t make sense for KTM, now that Bajaj has taken the Austrian brand’s reins, especially in terms of optics. So, it looks highly unlikely that this bike will ever make it to India, or even the American and European markets for that matter. 

That said, we do know that Bajaj is already working on an all-new parallel-twin platform for India and global markets, but that project is still some time away. Until then, KTM is expected to update the RC lineup with the Gen 3 KTM 390 Duke engine, keeping the RC badge alive outside of China for now.

With that out of the way, it’s also important to note that this bike was earlier spotted testing in Europe, wearing heavy camouflage. Compared to those spy shots, there are visible changes on the production version, especially the turn indicators now being mounted on the mirrors, giving it a cleaner and more track-focused appearance.

Engine and Hardware Borrowed From CFMoto

Powering the new KTM RC 450 is the same 449cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank that first debuted on the CFMoto 450SR. However, KTM has extracted more performance from it. While the CFMoto 450SR-S makes around 52PS, the KTM pushes this figure to approximately 56PS, likely thanks to a revised engine tune. The approval documents reportedly lists the top speed at 195kmph, which is right in line with what you’d expect from a modern 450cc twin-cylinder sportbike.

The trellis frame is also shared with CFMoto, and even the single-sided swingarm comes straight from the higher-spec 450SR-S. Despite this parts-sharing approach, the KTM ends up slightly lighter at 168kg, compared to 171kg for the CFMoto.

WP Suspension, Steering Damper & Track Bias

Where KTM really draws a clear line between itself and the CFMoto is in the suspension and riding hardware. While the 450SR-S uses a KYB fork, the KTM gets fully adjustable WP Apex suspension, reinforcing its race-bred intent. Adding to the aggressive setup is a WP steering damper.

The clip-on handlebars on the KTM RC 450 seem more aggressive than the ones on the current-gen RC390. The footpegs are also revised and appear to be placed higher, further underlining its track-focused posture. Paired with the sharper engine tune, the steering damper and upgraded suspension make this KTM look like a much more serious track tool compared to the 450SR-S, or even the current-gen RC390 for that matter.

According to the approval documents, the KTM RC 450 has a wheelbase of 1,360mm, which is 10mm shorter than the CFMoto 450SR, indicating a sharper, more nose-down riding geometry. Braking duties are handled by Bosch 10.3MB ABS, and it runs the same tyre sizes (110/70 R17 at the front and 150/60 R17 at the rear) as the SR-S. That said, we hope the KTM gets properly grippy rubber.

Styling Inspired by the KTM 990 RC

In terms of design, the new RC 450 follows KTM’s sharp and angular styling philosophy and looks closely inspired by the bigger KTM 990 RC R. The aggressive fairing, winglets, and the sky-high pillion seat all add to its hardcore supersport identity. The wheels differ from the split-spoke design seen on the CFMoto, though the mirrors integrated with indicators are straight from the 450SR-S.

Expect the bike to be launched in the Chinese market later next year. It will likely command a fair premium over the CFMoto 450 SR-S.

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