KTM 450 RC 2028: New twin for the supersports class

At EICMA 2026, KTM springs a surprise with a new name in its sport line-up: 450 RC. Behind it is a twin-cylinder supersports bike with which the brand aims to target the entry-level and mid-capacity segment. KTM stresses that it is its own development, with its own chassis setup, calibration and specification. The ambition: to combine sporty dynamics with everyday usability. It is already slated as a 2028 model year bike.

When it comes to the suspension, there are concrete details instead of big promises. Up front is a 43 mm WP APEX USD fork with adjustable compression and rebound. At the rear sits a WP APEX shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Add to that a single-sided swingarm. This gives riders room for setup tweaks, rather than KTM sending the new RC onto the road with fixed settings only.

At the front, KTM relies on a single 320 mm brake disc and a radially mounted four-piston WP caliper. Why only one disc? According to the manufacturer, the lightweight single-disc setup is meant to reduce unsprung mass and suit the dynamic character of the bike. For tyres, KTM fits Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 as standard.

On the electronics side, KTM also wants to bring tech from higher classes into the smaller sport segment. Cornering ABS, MTC traction control and a dual-channel ABS with Road and Supermoto modes are listed. Multiple riding modes are also part of the announced package. The functions are operated via a 5-inch TFT display. For charging devices, both a USB-A and a USB-C port are on hand. According to KTM, the combination is meant to deliver confidence and safety without losing sight of the sporty ambition.

Anyone wanting a close look at the new RC will find it at EICMA in Milan. KTM lists the dates as 3 to 8 November 2026, Hall 22, Stand 08. Some patience is still required before series production begins, though: production is planned for late 2027, and the bike is set to arrive as a 2028 model.

What kind of bike is the KTM 450 RC?

KTM presents it as a new twin-cylinder supersports bike for the entry-level and mid-capacity segment. According to the manufacturer, its chassis setup, calibration and specification are all its own.

What suspension components does the KTM 450 RC get?

Up front, a 43 mm WP APEX USD fork with adjustable compression and rebound; at the rear, a WP APEX shock with adjustable preload and rebound. The RC also features a single-sided swingarm.

Which rider aids has KTM announced for the 450 RC?

Cornering ABS, MTC traction control, a dual-channel ABS with Road and Supermoto modes, plus multiple riding modes. Everything is operated via a 5-inch TFT.

When is the KTM 450 RC set to go into production?

The start of production is planned for late 2027. The new RC has been announced as a 2028 model year bike.