KTM RC 450 Launched In China; Will it Come to India?

KTM has launched the KTM RC 450 in China, entering the 450cc twin-cylinder supersport segment. This new supersport comes from KTM’s tie-up with CFMoto and sits on a shared platform. It gets a 449cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank, producing 56bhp and 39Nm. For anyone who has followed KTM’s smaller RC bikes, this feels like the upgrade many riders have been waiting for, especially in a segment that is getting more competitive by the day.

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The design looks properly track-focused and takes inspiration from the bigger KTM RC 990 R. You get sharp bodywork, winglets, and a riding stance that clearly leans towards performance. KTM has added a trellis frame and a single-sided aluminium swingarm, which gives it a premium feel. At 168kg kerb weight, it stays relatively light. Suspension duties are handled by WP Apex USD forks and a rear monoshock, while braking comes from a 320 mm front disc with Bosch dual-channel ABS.

What stands out is the feature list. The RC 450 gets traction control, a quickshifter, and multiple riding modes through ride-by-wire. There’s also a TFT display with connectivity and even cruise control. These are features riders usually expect on bigger bikes, so seeing them here makes the package feel more complete for both road and occasional track use.

Pricing in China is set at around CNY 34,999, which is close to Rs 4.7 lakh. That puts it right against bikes like the Aprilia RS 457. But here’s the catch, this version is built around KTM’s China-specific partnership with CFMoto, which means it is unlikely to come to India in the same form.

For India, KTM is working on a different plan with Bajaj Auto. A new 450cc twin-cylinder platform is already in development and will be used for future RC, Duke, and Adventure models. The next big update for the RC lineup is expected around 2027. Until then, the KTM RC 390 will continue to represent KTM in this space, while riders wait for a new twin-cylinder machine built for our market.