KTM caught the global media completely off guard at EICMA 2026 by showcasing the all-new KTM 450 RC. Featuring new chassis geometry, top-tier hardware, and authentic KTM supersport dynamics, the 2028 KTM 450 RC represents a grounded, track-focused evolution for the Austrian brand’s middleweight lineup. Official production is slated to begin in late 2027, arriving globally as a 2028 model year motorcycle.
High-Spec WP APEX Suspension & Single-Sided Swingarm
The 450 RC features a bespoke chassis setup tuned specifically for sharp, dynamic handling on both track and street:
- Front Suspension: Fully adjustable 43 mm WP APEX USD front forks equipped with dedicated compression and rebound damping controls.
- Rear Suspension: Preload and rebound adjustable WP APEX rear monoshock.
- Single-Sided Swingarm: The rear shock is mounted directly to a distinctive single-sided swingarm layout, enhancing both aesthetics and structural stiffness.
Braking Setup, Wheels & Standard Tyres
Engineered to keep unsprung mass as low as possible while delivering strong stopping force:
| Component / Parameter | Specification Details |
| Front Brake | 320 mm single disc paired with a 4-piston radial WP caliper |
| Brake Design Purpose | Lightweight single-disc layout designed to cut unsprung weight |
| Standard Tyres | Shod with sticky, high-performance Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres as standard equipment |
Advanced Rider Tech & Electronic Suite
KTM has brought high-end electronics typically reserved for its larger-displacement Street range straight down to this mid-capacity sportbike:
- Dual-Channel ABS System: Features Cornering ABS alongside MTC Dual-Channel ABS with dedicated Road and Supermoto modes.
- Multiple Ride Modes: Allows riders to adjust power maps and intervention levels according to riding conditions.
- Digital Display Console: All electronics and settings are managed via a full-colour 5-inch TFT instrument dashboard.
- Device Connectivity & Power: Comes equipped with both USB-A and USB-C charging ports as standard equipment.
My Thoughts
“KTM Pairing a twin-cylinder 450cc engine with high-end WP APEX adjustable suspension, a single-sided swingarm, and Supermoto ABS modes makes the 450 RC a dream bike for many. Unconfirmed news report that KTM and Bajaj manufacture this twin-cylinder platform in India to keep pricing aggressive, it will completely disrupt the sub-500cc supersport space. While there is a Chinese variant that looks exactly the same, the one we get will look mostly only look similar because there are rumours that the twin cylinder engine will be shared with a recently unveiled 450.”
— Avin Richards
