- Styling inspired by KTM 990 RC
- Comes with a 449cc parallel-twin engine
- No word about global launch yet
Early details of KTM’s upcoming RC450 have surfaced through homologation filings in China, offering a first look at a new middleweight sportbike closely related to the CFMoto 450SR S.
While the RC450 shares its core platform with the CFMoto, KTM has clearly worked to give the bike a distinct identity. The most obvious change is at the front, where the RC450 adopts a sharper nose with vertically stacked twin LED headlights. Fairing-mounted winglets add a more aggressive, big-bike appearance, while revised bodywork, KTM’s trademark orange paint and RC450 graphics help separate it visually from its CFMoto sibling.
The RC450 is powered by the same 449.5cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, but with a noticeable bump in output. KTM’s version is said to produce 55.3bhp, around 5bhp more than the 450SR S, with a claimed top speed of 195km/h.
Suspension is another key area of difference. The RC450 is equipped with WP Apex hardware, including front forks with external rebound and compression adjusters similar to those found on KTM’s 390 models. A shorter wheelbase, reduced by 10mm compared to the CFMoto, should also make the KTM feel sharper and more responsive. Adding to its track-focused setup is a WP steering damper, designed to improve stability at higher speeds.
Despite the extra equipment, the RC450 is reportedly lighter, tipping the scales at 168kg kerb weight, which is around 3kg less than the 450SR S. Underneath, it continues to use the same steel trellis frame and single-sided swingarm. On paper, the KTM RC450 shapes up as a strong rival to bikes like the Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja 500. However, its market availability appears limited. The model is expected to be China-only for now. The bike also exceeds European A2 licence limits, meaning it would require detuning to make sense for wider global markets.
Instead, KTM may focus on expanding its smaller-capacity sportbike lineup, with reports suggesting a new RC 390 based on the latest-generation 390 Duke could arrive for 2026. Whether that approach extends to markets such as New Zealand and Australia remains to be seen.
