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KTM 450 RC Unveiled at EICMA 2026: Gets 56bhp Parallel-Twin Engine, India Launch Ruled Out
KTM introduced the new 450 RC sportbike at EICMA 2026, developed in partnership with CFMoto. It features a 449cc parallel-twin engine delivering 56bhp and 48Nm torque, along with advanced WP APEX suspension and Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres.
Updated Nov 5, 2026, 12:55 PM IST
KTM 450 RC Unveiled at EICMA 2026: Gets 56bhp Parallel-Twin Engine, India Launch Ruled Out
KTM has expanded its global sportbike lineup with the unveiling of the new 450 RC at EICMA 2026. Developed in collaboration with Chinese motorcycle manufacturer CFMoto, the new parallel-twin sportbike is based largely on the CFMoto 450SR-S but gets KTM-specific styling, suspension and braking components.
Key Highlights:
KTM 450 RC unveiled at EICMA 2026 with a 449cc parallel-twin engine.- The engine produces 56bhp and 48Nm of torque.
- Gets WP APEX suspension, Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres and a single-sided swingarm.
- European launch planned for 2028, while India launch has been ruled out.
The KTM 450 RC is aimed at the entry-level middleweight sportbike segment and will compete in international markets. However, Indian buyers will miss out on this motorcycle as KTM has no plans to introduce it in the country. The bike is expected to go on sale in Europe in 2028, with production scheduled to begin in late 2027.
KTM 450 RC: Engine and Performance
The KTM 450 RC uses an altered version of CFMoto's 449cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC parallel-twin engine. The motor produces 56bhp and 48Nm of peak torque. However, the European-spec version could be restricted to 48bhp to meet the requirements of the region's A2 motorcycle licence category.
The motorcycle is the second major collaboration between KTM and CFMoto. Their earlier partnership resulted in the CFMoto CF1250, which uses a heavily modified version of KTM's LC8C V-twin engine.
With the 450 RC, the arrangement works in the opposite direction, as KTM uses CFMoto's existing engine platform for its new sportbike.
KTM 450 RC: Hardware and Features
The KTM 450 RC is based on a steel-molybdenum alloy trellis frame, which it shares with the CFMoto 450SR-S. It also gets a single-sided aluminium swingarm, giving the motorcycle a distinctive rear-end design.
For suspension duties, KTM has equipped the bike with a 43mm WP APEX upside-down front fork with compression and rebound adjustment. The rear gets a WP APEX monoshock with preload and rebound adjustment.
Braking hardware is different from the CFMoto 450SR-S. The KTM 450 RC gets a 320mm front disc with a four-piston radial WP caliper, while the rear uses a 240mm disc with a two-piston caliper. It rides on Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres.
In terms of electronics, the sportbike gets lean-sensitive dual-channel ABS, switchable rear ABS and multiple riding modes. These features can be accessed through a five-inch TFT instrument console positioned behind the front windscreen.
Why KTM 450 RC Will Not Launch In India
While the KTM 450 RC could attract attention among Indian sportbike enthusiasts, the company has ruled out an India launch. The primary reason is its manufacturing arrangement with CFMoto.
Since the 450 RC is based on a platform manufactured through KTM's partnership with CFMoto, local production in India is not currently an option. Bringing the motorcycle here would require completely built unit (CBU) or completely knocked down (CKD) imports, potentially making it expensive for Indian buyers.
KTM also has a strategic manufacturing partnership with Bajaj Auto, which is now its parent company. This makes developing a separate, locally manufactured platform a more practical option for the Indian market.
The upcoming 490cc parallel-twin platform, which has been spotted testing in Europe, is expected to play an important role in KTM's future India strategy. Developing a motorcycle around this platform could help the company keep manufacturing costs and pricing competitive.
KTM 450 RC India Launch and Expected Timeline
The KTM 450 RC will be manufactured from around late 2027, with its European market launch scheduled for 2028. The company has not announced its international pricing yet. Although the 450 RC will remain limited to select global markets, KTM is expected to focus on its upcoming 490cc platform for markets such as India, where local manufacturing and competitive pricing remain important factors.
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