KTM has offered the first look at its 450 RC at EICMA, presenting a lightweight supersport intended to arrive as a 2028 model. Production is scheduled to begin in late 2027, while the manufacturer is keeping the complete specification for a later date.

The motorcycle is powered by a new twin-cylinder engine, although KTM has not disclosed its exact displacement. This architecture is aimed at the space between the company’s 390 and 690 single-cylinder engines. A 450 Duke is expected to use the same platform, while a 450 Adventure, 450 Enduro and 450 SMC R are being considered as possible additions; none of those latter derivatives has been confirmed.

A sports chassis with a broad equipment list

The bodywork recalls the 990 RC R, but the details are scaled to this smaller project: compact winglets flank the headlight and a central intake sits in the nose. Part of a trellis frame can be seen behind the fairing, and the rear subframe is bolted in place. Together, those choices suggest a platform intended to serve more than a single model.

WP supplies the suspension, hand levers and brakes. The front end uses a 43mm WP APEX inverted fork with compression and rebound adjustment. At the back, a WP APEX shock with preload and rebound adjustment is linked to a single-sided swingarm. Stopping power comes from one 320mm front disc and a four-piston radial-mount caliper.

The electronic package brings selectable ride modes and cornering ABS with Road and Supermoto settings. A five-inch colour TFT display is paired with USB-C and USB-A charging ports. KTM has not yet released power figures, weight or price, but the hardware already outlines the role of the 450 RC as the first public glimpse of its new middleweight twin-cylinder direction.