2028 KTM 450 RC Announced at EICMA: The RC Returns as a Twin
North American KTM fans may have noticed that the Austrian firm’s lightweight supersport hasn’t been updated since 2024. Today, at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, the brand announced what could possibly be its replacement: the 2028 KTM 450 RC. KTM North America has not confirmed availability or pricing at this time, but we will update this story when more information is revealed.
What We Know: A Fistful of Specs
KTM is being tight-lipped about its new entry-level sportbike, though it did share limited information. The 450 RC uses a twin-cylinder engine instead of a single like its predecessor, though KTM hasn’t specified whether it’s a parallel or a V-twin engine, but the images provided by the brand do indicate that it’s a parallel-twin powerplant. It also boasts a new chassis, 990 RC R-influenced bodywork, and much more. As for answers to questions such as pricing, availability, and performance figures? That will have to wait until KTM releases them. So, the “450” in the name is the only hint at engine size for now.
What KTM has shared instead is centered on chassis hardware. Up front, a 43mm WP APEX USD fork offers compression and rebound damping adjustment, which is not common in the lightweight sportbike segment. Likewise, the WP APEX shock goes the extra mile with spring-preload and rebound damping adjustment. Perhaps the most interesting new design choice is the single-sided swingarm, which is almost unheard of at this end of the market.
Braking is handled by a single radial-mount WP four-piston caliper and 320mm disc in the front, a setup KTM says reduces unsprung weight. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires are standard. KTM didn’t cite rear braking specifications, weight, or clarify whether it still uses a steel-trellis frame, though there is evidence of one in the photos.
On the electronics side, the 450 RC borrows IMU-supported rider aids found further up the KTM street ranks. KTM cites dual-channel cornering ABS (Road and Supermoto modes), multiple ride modes, multi-level traction control, and a 5-inch full-color TFT display. In addition, USB-A and USB-C charging ports are standard.
What We Don’t: Availability
Production is scheduled to begin in late 2027, with the 450 RC arriving as a 2028 model. KTM says full technical specifications and market availability will be announced closer to production. KTM North America has not confirmed U.S. availability or pricing, and we will update this story as details are released.
2027 KTM 450 RC Photo Gallery:
Source: KTM
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