New lightweight is more than just a rebodied CFMoto 450SR-S
KTM might be owned by India’s Bajaj now but the Austrian brand has a long-running partnership with CFMoto in China and it’s from that tie-in the latest orange machine has appeared in the form of a parallel twin RC450 sports bike.
Initially launched in the Chinese market, where multiple KTM models and engines are manufactured by KTM and CFMoto’s joint venture, this is the first time we’ve seen CFMoto components and tech appear in a KTM-branded bike. Previously the flow has gone in the other direction, with CFMoto borrowing KTM’s parallel twin LC8c engines for its 800MT, 800NK and the new 1000MT-X models.
The donor bike in question is CFMoto’s 450SR, or more specifically the higher-spec 450SR-S model with its single-sided swingarm, which donates its 449.5cc parallel twin engine and chassis to the KTM cause. Wrapped in sharp-edged styling that’s nearly indistinguishable from that of the larger, more expensive KTM 990 RC-R, the result is undeniably appealing – but at the moment it’s unclear whether it will ever be sold outside the Chinese market.
In KTM form, the engine’s output is upped a fraction, hitting a claimed 41kW at 10,000rpm and 40Nm at 8,000rpm, against 37.5kW at 9,500rpm and 40Nm at 7,750rpm for the CFMoto, and the orange bike is just 168kg at the kerb against a claimed 179kg for the 450SR-S.
The bigger changes are the suspension and brakes. Where CFMoto uses KYB suspension and Brembo stoppers, the RC450 swaps both for WP-branded parts. The forks are fatter 43mm WP Apex units, adjustable for compression and rebound, and the rear shock is also WP, with adjustable rebound and preload. Since the KTM-owned WP brand has recently made the leap into manufacturing brakes as well as suspension, it’s no surprise to see that’s where the calipers are sourced – a single radial four-pot on the front grabs a 320mm disc, paired to a 240mm disc and single-piston caliper at the rear, and both are governed by Bosch cornering ABS. Like other KTMs, the rear brake’s antilock can be disabled to back the bike into corners.
The electronics continue with traction control and three riding modes, as well as cruise control and heated grips.
Although the chassis comes from CFMoto, the KTM’s setup is quite different, with a shorter 1360mm wheelbase, steeper 22.4° rake and less trail, and allied to the improved power that suggests it should be a sportier bike overall. In China it’s priced around 25% higher than the CFMoto 450SR-S, too.
The bike’s chances on the export market could be stymied by KTM’s new owner, Bajaj, which is keen to manufacture a purpose-made, sub-500cc parallel twin engine for a future range of KTM models. The promised ‘490’ twin has been spotted on test before in an Adventure-style machine, and will be made by Bajaj in India rather than by CFMoto in China. One way or another, though, a small-capacity twin-cylinder KTM lineup is on the way.
