The all-new KTM RC 450 is the first model among many others to be based on the 450cc engine platform for the Chinese market
The new KTM RC 450 has made its global premiere in China. Equipped with a twin-cylinder engine, the fully-faired sportsbike has been developed in collaboration with Chinese brand CFMoto. The European brand is likely to roll out the Duke 450 and Adventure 450, based on the same 450cc engine platform as the RC 450 for the Chinese market. However, this engine platform will not be brought to the Indian shores as the company is said to be working on a brand spanking new 450cc twin-cylinder engine platform which will be different from the CFMoto-derived platform.
The KTM RC 450 had first garnered media attention when the official vehicle registration documents of the government were released last year in December. Now, with the fully faired bike unveiled in all its glory, it can be stated that the styling cues, predominantly the front winglets and angular design, have been taken from the KTM 990 RC R which made its debut in 2025.
Several media reports claim that the RC 450 shares the 450cc parallel-twin engine with the CFMoto 450 SR. On the other hand, multiple significant cycle parts such as the main frame and single-sided swingarm are likely to be borrowed from CFMoto 450 SR-S. Despite sourcing the engine, frame and swingarm from CFMoto bikes, the RC 450 is expected to offer distinct ride experience.
KTM RC 450, with the 449cc twin-cylinder engine, has maximum power output of 55 bhp as it clocks a top speed of 195 kmph, revealed the homologation documents from China. In comparison, the CFMoto 450 SR has the highest power output of 51 bhp and top speed of 192 kmph with the same engine. The RC 450 has a better power to weight ratio than the CFMoto SR as it is lighter by 3 kg at 168 kg.
The RC 450 gets 17-inch front and rear wheels as standard which are fitted with 110/70 section and 150/60 section tubeless tyres, respectively. The same wheel and tyre setup is available with the CFMoto 450 SR. The suspension duties are carried by WP-sourced USD front forks and an adjustable monoshock rear unit. The stopping power comes from front and disc brakes, which are supplied by WP Braking Systems.
Some of the notable features onboard the RC 450 are Bosch-sourced lean-angle adaptive control system, dual-channel ABS, traction control, cruise control, electronic throttle with mode selection, digital instrument panel with TFT display and multiple connected features. The customers can also avail heated grips and tire pressure gauges as optional equipment.
