KTM Shows 450 RC at EICMA 2026
KTM revealed its 450 RC motorcycle at the EICMA 2026 show, with production planned to start in late 2027.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Motorcycles
KTM showcased the 450 RC at EICMA 2026. The company plans to begin production of the motorcycle in late 2027, with the bike arriving as a 2028 model.
Why it matters
The unveiling gives riders an early look at KTM's upcoming twin-cylinder machine, which is positioned with a full set of premium chassis and electronics features. Details on market availability will follow closer to the start of production.
The 450 RC uses a 43mm WP APEX upside-down fork and a 320mm front disc with a four-piston radial WP caliper. Its 5-inch TFT instrument display, USB-A and USB-C ports, and twin-cylinder engine are confirmed, though pricing and final output figures remain unreleased.
The players
KTM
KTM is an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer known for its off-road and performance motorcycles, and it is the company behind the 450 RC.
The details
The 450 RC features a WP APEX rear shock with adjustable preload and rebound, a single-sided swingarm, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres as standard. Its electronics include Cornering ABS, Motorcycle Traction Control, and dual-channel ABS with Road and Supermoto modes.
Timeline
EICMA 2026: KTM showcases the 450 RC.
Late 2027: Scheduled start of 450 RC production.
2028 model year: The 450 RC arrives as a 2028 model.
Roadmap
The 450 RC carries WP APEX suspension, which KTM uses across its performance lineup, into a new twin-cylinder platform. The bike's electronics suite, including Cornering ABS and Motorcycle Traction Control, reflects the broader move among premium motorcycle makers toward electronic rider aids as standard equipment.
The 450 RC's arrival as a 2028 model gives prospective buyers a clear timeline for planning a purchase. Riders weighing a premium twin-cylinder motorcycle can use the announced suspension and braking specifications to compare it against current competitors before pricing is released.
The takeaway
The 450 RC shows KTM's direction for its next generation of performance motorcycles, combining WP APEX suspension with rider electronics. Readers tracking the bike should watch for pricing and availability announcements as production nears in late 2027.
What happens next
Production of the 450 RC is scheduled to begin in late 2027, and KTM has said it will announce further details, including market availability, closer to that date.
Further reading
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