- Features a reworked headlight setup
- Gets WP Apex suspension at both ends
- Lighter than the CFMoto 450SR S
Details of the upcoming KTM RC450 have been revealed via homologation documents filed in China. The bike is largely based 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 450SR’s, 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 we have seen on the KTM 390 range.
The bike should, in theory, be a bit more agile, thanks to the 10mm shorter wheelbase, compared to the CFMoto 450SR S's. Lastly, the KTM RC450 also gets a WP steering damper, which should help prevent tank-slappers at higher speeds. Even with all these additions, the RC450 is 3kg lighter, with a kerb weight of 168kg compared to the CFMoto 450SR S’ 171kg. 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 we think it would be a good alternative to the Aprilia RS 457 and the Kawasaki Ninja 500. However, the bike is unlikely to come to India and will likely be exclusive to the Chinese market. With Bajaj now owning a majority stake in KTM, the strategy for India and the global market will differ significantly compared to what KTM is doing with CFMoto in China. Plus, the bike does not conform to European A2 licensing norms, so it does not make sense to launch the motorcycle outside China unless the brand caps the power output to 48bhp.
In India and the global markets, KTM will launch the 2026 KTM RC 390 based on the third gen 390 Duke. For riders who are looking for an even bigger bump in performance, KTM is working with Bajaj to develop a new twin-cylinder platform as a replacement for the 390 platform. But that platform is still a few years away.
