EICMA: 2028 KTM 450 RC
KTM takes a more aggressive middleweight sportsbike route with the twin-cylinder 450 RCKTM has shown an early hand in Milan, with its new 450 RC twin-cylinder sportsbike making an appearance before its release as a 2028 model – as well as marking a shift from the traditional single-cylinder RC offerings.
The chassis includes adjustable WP APEX suspension at each end. Up front, a 43mm WP APEX upside-down fork with compression and rebound adjustment keeps things in check, with a preload- and rebound-adjustable WP APEX shock on the rear mounted to a single-sided swingarm.
KTM hasn’t mentioned performance figures in its EICMA media release, but sources suggest power will be around the 55hp mark.
Stopping power comes courtesy of a 320mm front disc with a four-piston radial WP caliper, with a lightweight single-disc setup to reduce unsprung weight. Premium Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres are fitted as standard.
The 450 RC also boasts rider technology usually found higher up the KTM Street range, with cornering ABS, dual-channel ABS with road and supermoto modes, and multiple ride modes.
Styling is influenced by the 990 RC-R, particularly through the nose, fairing and high-mounted pillion seat.
KTM hasn’t indicated if the introduction of the compact 450 RC will be at the expense of the single-cylinder 390 RC, but with such a long lead time before the new model is introduced, the information vacuum will slowly close.
Production is planned from late 2027.
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