KTM's upcoming RC450 specs have been leaked due to Chinese type-approval documents filed by the joint-venture operation that is KTM and CFMoto. Thank god for homologation documents. The long-awaited update to the Austrian brand's entry-level sportsbike is heavily based on the CFMoto 450SR-S, except it's, well, better or at least sportier.
Powering the little orange rocket is the same 270-degree 449cc parallel twin engine that debuted in the CFMoto 450SR. But, unlike the 50 HP that this unit puts out in the 450 SR-S, it'll produce an extra 5 HP in the RC450, bringing the grand total to 55 HP and, interestingly, making it non-A2 compliant in Europe without restricting the power. Either way, it's going to beat the US version of the niche-topping Ninja 500, which produces 51 HP.
Cradling the parallel twin is a trellis-style frame that also features on CFMoto's 450 SR-S, but whereas the 450 SR-S tips the scales with a dry weight of 171kg, KTM has ensured that RC450 has been made on a calorie restriction and weighs just 168kg dry. The bottom line is that the KTM has more power and less weight than the CFMoto that donated so much of its DNA to put this bike into production so quickly.
One place the RC450 differs from the 450 SR-S is its 1,360mm wheelbase, which is 10mm shorter than the CFMoto's. So the KTM should give it a racier riding position. The type approval document also revealed that the RC450 will be fitted with Bosch 10.3MB ABS, but we don't know what other rider aids await us.
The RC450 steps up the sportiness in other areas, too, with its WP suspension, WP steering damper, and clip-ons that appear to be mounted below the top yoke in a racier position than the 450 SR-S. Again, exaggerating the fact that this is made to attack tracks are revised pegs and foot controls that are mounted quite high on the RC450, and a quickshifter load sensor. Then there's its style, or rather lack of.
You don't have to look too long to recognize that the RC450 has two decently sized winglets at the front. For a bike that tops out at around 120 mph, on a good day, I can't imagine how often the downforce from these winglets will come into play and whether they're worth the trade-off in style points. Speaking of style, I'll leave it up to you to decide whether you like the front blinkers and mirrors, which have been taken directly off the 450 SR.
The RC390 was hugely competitive in this market thanks to a racy chassis, but couldn't keep up as other manufacturers developed more powerful engines before the Kawasaki Ninja 500 essentially became the de facto motorcycle in this niche—Aprilia's RS 457 is raising eyebrows, however. Now that KTM is coming out with what'll likely be the most powerful motorcycle in this category, is it going to take everyone else's lunch money?
