New Delhi: In some sources, it has been revealed that some key specs of the upcoming KTM RC450 have been revealed through homologation documents filed in China. The bike is based mainly on the CFMoto 450SR S, but with a few changes to give it a unique KTM identity of its own. The first change that catches attention is the reworked design. The KTM gets a sharper-looking headlight section, with a twin vertically stacked LED headlight setup. The front section is complete with fairing-mounted winglets, giving it that big bike look. The fairing also looks quite different compared to the 450SRs, and the signature KTM orange plus RC450 graphics make the bike stand out.
Powering the bike is the same 449.5cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine as the CFMoto 450SR S. But on the KTM RC450, the motor produces 55.3bhp, which is a 5bhp bump compared to the 450SR S. The bike has a claimed top speed of 195kmph. Another difference is the suspension setup; the upcoming KTM RC450 gets a WP Apex suspension setup. The fork features the same fork end switches for rebound and compression adjustment, similar to what people have seen on the KTM 390 range.
The bike should, in theory, be a bit more agile, with the 10mm shorter wheelbase, compared to the CFMoto 450SR S. Lastly, the KTM RC450 also gets a WP steering damper, which should help prevent tank-slappers at higher speeds. The RC450 is 3kg lighter, with a kerb weight of 168kg compared to the CFMoto 450SR S’s 171 kilograms. Aside from these changes, the RC450 is built on the same Trellis frame and single-sided swingarm as the 450SR S. The KTM RC450 looks quite promising, and users think it would be a good alternative to the Aprilia RS 457 and the Kawasaki Ninja 500. The bike is unlikely to come to India and will likely be exclusive to the Chinese market. In India and the global markets, KTM will launch the 2026 KTM RC 390 based on the third-generation 390 Duke.
