2028 KTM 450 RC: First Look at the New Twin-Cylinder Lightweight Supersport

Few expected KTM to reveal anything brand new at EICMA 2027, so the early look at the 450 RC came as a pleasant surprise. It is a new lightweight supersport that will arrive as a 2028 model, with full details promised closer to the start of production in late 2027.

The 450 RC is powered by a new twin-cylinder engine that steps into the gap in KTM's lineup between its 390 and 690 singles. Exact displacement has not been confirmed, but the engine is expected to spread to at least a 450 Duke, and possibly a 450 Adventure, 450 Enduro or 450 SMC R down the line.

Chassis and styling

The fairing is reminiscent of the 990 RC R, with small winglets on either side of the headlight and a central air intake. Behind the fairing sits a trellis frame with a bolt-on rear subframe, further hinting at more 450 variants to come.

Suspension comes from KTM-owned WP, with a 43mm APEX inverted fork offering adjustable compression and rebound up front, and a preload and rebound-adjustable WP APEX shock mounted to a single-sided swingarm at the rear. WP also supplies the hand levers and brakes, with a single 320mm front disc and a four-piston radial-mount caliper.

Key details

• New twin-cylinder engine filling the gap between KTM's 390 and 690 singles.
• Trellis frame with bolt-on rear subframe.
• WP APEX 43mm inverted fork, adjustable compression and rebound.
• WP APEX rear shock on a single-sided swingarm, preload and rebound adjustable.
• Single 320mm front disc with four-piston radial caliper.
• Selectable ride modes, cornering ABS with Road and Supermoto modes.
• Five-inch TFT display with USB-C and USB-A charging ports.
• Power, curb weight and pricing to be confirmed closer to late 2027 production.

Specifications

Gallery

Source: Motorcycle.com, EICMA 2028 KTM 450 RC Quick Look. Images and specifications are credited to the original source.