KTM surprised the media at EICMA26 with the unexpected appearance of the KTM 450 RC, a new twin-cylinder supersport motorcycle built to raise the bar in the entry and mid-displacement sportbike segment.
The 2028 KTM 450 RC is a distinctly KTM-engineered motorcycle, with its own chassis setup, calibration, and specifications that combines class-leading performance, premium componentry and authentic KTM riding dynamics.
The chassis setup includes adjustable WP APEX suspension at each end. Upfront, a 43 mm WP APEX USD 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.
Stopping power comes courtesy of a 320 mm front disc with a 4-piston radial WP caliper, with a lightweight single-disc setup which reduces unsprung weight, while perfectly supporting its dynamic character, while premium Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tires are fitted as standard.
The KTM 450 RC also boasts rider technology usually found higher up the KTM Street range, with Cornering ABS, MTC Dual-channel ABS with Road and Supermoto modes, and multiple Ride Modes available. These can be accessed via a 5-inch TFT dashboard, while USB-A and USB-C charging ports complete the tech package.
The 2028 KTM 450 RC brings rider confidence and top-level safety tech to the mid-displacement Sports segment, with the everyday usability and dynamics to keep it ahead of the competition.
Production is planned for late 2027, with the KTM 450 RC arriving as a model year 2028 motorcycle. Full technical specifications and further details on market availability will be announced closer to the start of production.
