After months of development, the KTM 450 RC It is already a reality, although for now only Chinese fans can enjoy it. The Austrian brand has chosen the country of the rising sun as the ideal place for the commercial debut of its new medium-displacement sports frame. A launch that opens up numerous unknowns around the model, but also the possibility of a new “490 range” focused on European markets.
KTM 450 RC in detail
Before eviscerating, technically speaking, this newly manufactured 450 RC, it is worth clarifying that we are facing a “redesigned version of the CFMoto 450SR-S”as Cycle World points out. The commercial ties between both brands have provided the ideal scenario to shape the KTM sports frame. However, the European firm has used its own ingredients for the conception of its new creature.
Starting, obviously, with the general aesthetics of the model, in the image and likeness of its older sister, the 990 RC R. Its characteristic headlight, as well as the front spoilers, are unmistakable hallmarks of this new stylistic stage within the Austrian brand. On the other hand, we have the mechanical section, where the brand’s technical department has given a twist to the well-known 449.5 cc in-line twin-cylinder engine.
For the occasion, the 450 RC declares a final power of 56 HP at 10,000 rpm and 40 Nm at 8,000 revolutions of maximum torquewhile the approved top speed is located in the 195 km/h. As for the cycle part, it also has specific equipment, different from that of the model from which it starts. Starting with the suspensions, where we find a 43 mm WP APEX inverted front fork, with adjustable compression and rebound, along with a rear monoshock that is also adjustable and signed by the same company.
Something similar happens with braking, where WP is once again in charge of supplying the components. In this case we have a 320 mm disc actuated by a four-piston caliper on the front axle and a 240 mm disc clamped by a single-piston caliper on the rear axle. The set comes installed on alloy wheels shod with 110/70 R17 and 150/60 R17 tires, front and rear respectively.
With a bike of this level, KTM has also focused on reducing the maximum weight as much as possible. In this aspect, the 450 RC declares a final dry figure of 168 kilogramsto which we have to add the 14 liters of gasoline that enter its tank. With these numbers it would be somewhat below the motorcycle from which it is derived.
Specifically, about 2.3 kilos less than the versions of the CFMoto 450SR-S that are currently sold in the different markets where the brand has a presence. Finally, closing this section of dimensions, according to the model approval documents, the seat of the new 450 RC would be at 810mm off the ground, offering a wheelbase of 1,360mm.
In short, we would be looking at a compact and light motorcycle in equal parts, which also comes quite well equipped in terms of electronics. In this aspect, it has, among others, different driving modes—Street, Rain, Sport and Track (optional)—ABS with cornering assistance and Supermoto mode, cruise control, traction control, quick shift, TPMS system and optional heated grips.
All of this is controlled from a good-sized full-color TFT screen, as well as the switches located on the control panels. With a base price in China of around 35,000 yuan, about 4,400 euros at the exchange ratewe are not very clear that, if it is marketed in Europe, the 450 RC will do so under this commercial name. Traditionally, KTM, with the exception of its MX and 125 cc models, usually uses nomenclatures ending in “90”.
That is why everything indicates that there could finally be a 490 RC variant, adjusted to the power limit of the current A2 license, and after it a succession of naked, adventure and supermoto models, equipped precisely with this same mechanics.
In any case, it is still early to confirm this theory, so we will have to wait for new information on the subject or for KTM’s own confirmation.
