The upcoming KTM RC450 Supersport has surfaced through new homologation filings in China, revealing detailed specifications and confirming that KTM is working on a lightweight supersport with serious track intentions. Although it shares its foundation with the CFMoto 450SR S, the RC450 has been extensively re-engineered with KTM’s sharper chassis tuning, aggressive ergonomics, and more powerful engine mapping.
If launched globally, this motorcycle could become one of the most performance-focused machines in the sub-500cc supersport category.
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More Power, Less Weight: A True KTM Upgrade
The RC450 continues to use the 449.5cc parallel-twin co-developed with CFMoto, but KTM has extracted significantly higher performance from the same base motor.
Engine & Performance Comparison
| Component | KTM RC450 | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 449.5cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin | Same base as CFMoto 450SR S |
| Max Power | 55.3 bhp (56.2 PS) | Around 5 bhp more than 450SR S |
| Top Speed | 195 km/h (claimed) | Among the fastest in the class |
| Kerb Weight | 168 kg | 3 kg lighter than 450SR S |
With over 55 bhp, the RC450 comfortably outpowers supersport rivals:
- Aprilia RS 457 – 47.6 hp
- Kawasaki Ninja 500 – approx. 45 hp
- Yamaha R3 – 42 hp
This makes the RC450 one of the strongest-performing middleweight twins under 500cc.
High-Spec WP Suspension and Track-Focused Chassis
KTM has taken the hardware much further than the standard CFMoto.
Suspension and Handling
- WP Apex adjustable suspension
- USD forks with rebound and compression adjustment (similar to latest-gen KTM 390s)
- WP steering damper for stability at high speeds
- Shorter wheelbase (10 mm shorter) for sharper agility
- Reinforced trellis frame tuned by KTM
- Single-sided swingarm, carried forward from the 450SR S
The presence of a factory steering damper instantly places the RC450 above most 400–500cc supersports in terms of track readiness.
Design: Pure RC-Series Aggression
While the 450SR S has a softer, flowing design, KTM gives the RC450 a much edgier and purposeful supersport identity.
Key Styling Elements
- Dual vertically stacked LED headlamps
- Integrated aerodynamic winglets
- Sharper fairing with minimalist RC-style cuts
- KTM orange colour scheme with RC450 badging
- More race-focused seating and clip-on position
The stance is unmistakably KTM — aggressive, angular, and built for committed riding.
Why the RC450 May Be China-Only (For Now)
Despite strong enthusiast interest, KTM may restrict RC450 sales to China initially.
1. Built by CFMoto for China
Exporting the model would push pricing high due to manufacturing and homologation costs.
2. Not A2-Compliant for Europe
At 55 bhp, the RC450 exceeds the 48 bhp A2 limit, requiring detuning — something KTM may not prefer for a track-focused model.
3. Pricing Challenges for India
A single-sided swingarm, WP hardware, and a high-power twin could push the price well beyond the ₹3.5–₹4 lakh market sweet spot.
What KTM Will Likely Launch Globally Instead
With KTM focusing on upcoming platforms, the RC450 may not be the global priority.
Expected international models include:
- Next-gen 2026 KTM RC 390 (based on the Gen-3 390 Duke architecture)
- A new KTM–Bajaj-developed twin-cylinder platform currently under testing
These models are more suited to KTM’s international strategy.
Final Thoughts
The leaked details confirm that the KTM RC450 Supersport is shaping up to be one of the most potent sub-500cc track machines ever built — with more power, lighter weight, WP suspension, a steering damper, and sharper geometry than any rival in its class.
Whether KTM brings this motorcycle to India or other global markets will depend heavily on pricing and licensing regulations. But its capability on paper is hard to ignore.
So, what do you think — should KTM launch the RC450 in India as a premium supersport, or would pricing make it impractical? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
