Key highlights
- KTM RC 450 super sportsbike confirmed for Europe in 2028
- It is based on the CFMoto 450 SR-S
- KTM is developing a new 450cc engine for the Indian market
EICMA 2026 show has brought some interesting products. One such motorcycle put up on display is the KTM 450 RC super sports bike. Initially introduced for the Chinese market, the 450 RC boasts the same engine as the CFMoto 450 RS-S, which is a popular super sports bike in China.
The brand has now confirmed that it will launch the 450 RC in Europe in early 2028. Powering this motorcycle is a 449cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine. It makes 56 bhp at 10,000 RPM and 36 Nm at 9,500 RPM. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-assist clutch and a quickshifter.
The 450 RC packs serious hardware. It is suspended over the lightweight trellis frame. Meanwhile, it rides on 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels and gets premium hardware like the WP Apex adjustable USD fork and rear monoshock suspension, dual-channel ABS, ride modes, traction control modes, cornering-sensitive ABS, cruise control, etc. The bike also comes with full LED lights and a 5-inch TFT console with Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones.
KTM has been looking to replace the 390 RC for a long time with a bigger and more powerful engine. The 450 was launched in China, and it received a positive response in the market. However, the brand is building a new 450cc parallel-twin engine from scratch, which is rumoured to launch in India soon. The latter is likely to replace the Indian-spec 390 RC, and it will produce a peak output of around 55 bhp.
With that said, KTM has not disclosed the exact launch price for the 450 RC in Europe, but has confirmed that it will be introduced in early 2028. Upon launch, it will rival the likes of the Aprilia RS457 in Europe.
Also read: Norton 450 Urban breaks cover at EICMA 2026
