The upcoming KTM RC450 has been leaked in production-ready form in China as it is based on the CFMoto 450SR-S
We earlier told you that KTM is developing a new 450cc portfolio of motorcycles and a few images emerged on the web of a mysterious RC test mule. Now, the upcoming KTM RC450 has been leaked online ahead of its launch. Based on the same platform as the CFMoto 450SR-S, it is not likely to launch in the Indian market. The type-approval documents filed by KTM and CFMoto in China have revealed a lot of interesting details about the RC450. Also, the leaked images are believed to be of a production-ready model.
Despite sharing the platform with the 450SR-S, KTM RC450 gets several unique elements, including WP-sourced suspension setup instead of the KYB units seen on the CFMoto model. Equipped with a single-sided swingarm, the sportsbike is likely to boast of lower handlebar and higher-set footpegs in order to offer a committed riding position.
The documents further reveal that the upcoming KTM RC450 will have a wheelbase of 1,360 mm which is 10 mm less than the 450SR-S. It adorns the signature KTM design language with small winglets upfront which have been neatly integrated into the front fairing. The sportsbike is also expected to come packed with quickshifter and a steering damper.
The leaked documents state that the RC450 rides on 17-inch wheels with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tyres. The braking system has been sourced from Bosch akin to the CFMoto 450SR-S. The sportsbike tips the weighing scale at 168 kg, which is nearly 3 kg lighter than the 450SR-S (171 kg), which indicates that KTM has skilfully used lightweight elements in the bike.
At the heart, it shares the 449cc parallel-twin engine with CFMoto 450SR-S, albeit with increased power output. While the China-spec 450SR-S has top power of 51 bhp, the RC450 has max power of 54.6 bhp with the same engine. The approval documents also show a top speed of 195 kmph for the sportsbike. A special mention goes to the Bosch 10.3MB ABS.
KTM RC450 launch date is not in public domain yet. In fact, the price has also not been announced as of now. But, it is certain that the sportsbike will have its global debut in the first half of 2026. It will be up against the mighty BMW F 450 GS. Since it uses the trellis frame from CFMoto and is not made by KTM in India, we do not expect it to launch in the Indian market, at least for the time being.
