Highlights of the KTM 450 XC-F (MY25)

The 2025 KTM 450 XC-F wears a crown made of victories. Being the leading 4-stroke in the cross-country division for years, the KTM 450 XC-F once again brings its undeniable READY TO RACE spirit to the starting line with a relentless assault on the podium. With its proven track record, sledgehammer-like power, and insane handling, it can only mean one thing - it's time to extend the trophy room. This motorcycle is designed, developed and produced in Austria.

Benefits of this bike

01. Before The Flag

Easy Suspension Adjustment: The 2025 KTM XC and XC-F range took their already awesome suspension package and turned it up to 11. The WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks and WP XACT rear shock has been updated, with reworked settings and alterations to improve weight distribution and increase overall response. As always, the suspension boasts an easy tool-free setup at both ends, ensuring you chase down the podium in total control. On the rear, a hand-adjustable dual compression control allows riders to adjust high- and low-speed settings in a matter of seconds. The forks on the front end are also easily adjusted thanks to hand-adjustable clickers on the bottom of the fork shoe and top cap.

AIRBOX: Now a more robust one-piece construction, the airbox on the 2025 KTM XC range features a redesigned air inlet sleeve and snorkel, which prevents deformation and improves airflow. But don't fret, toolless filter access is retained, with an intuitive filter mounting system and protection against dirt intrusion.

02. Start Strong

More Usable Power: The KTM 450 XC-F boasts one of the most manic 4-Stroke powerplants in the pits, with its SOHC engine proving to be the perfect example of advanced engineering. For 2025, the engine features a new 6-speed gearbox by PANKL for optimal XC performance in fast, flowy sections. With a low sprocket position for ideal anti-squat behavior, optimal mass centralization, and massive peak power output with an overall engine weight of only 59 lb, you'll leave the competition with more than a little mud on the face.

Launch Control & Quickshifter: Launch control, ENGAGED! Designed for the holeshot, the 2025 KTM 450 XC-F comes standard with launch control and a Quickshifter function, allowing for fast upshifts without using the clutch. Launch control is easily engaged by pressing the traction control and Quickshifter buttons simultaneously and works by limiting the amount of power to the rear wheel, improving traction, and preventing loss of control under hard acceleration. Meanwhile, the Quickshifter function means you can bang through from 2nd to 6th gear with your focus solely on the first corner.

Selectable Maps + TC: The map select switch on the 2025 KTM 450 XC-F features a simpler design, allowing for easier functionality in switching between 2 engine maps. Map 1 provides a more linear power curve, while map 2 punches all-out with aggressive throttle and explosive power. Luckily, Traction control is easy toggled to an on or off position from the same switch, ensuring maximum traction and a distinct advantage in wet or muddy conditions.

03. Calm Under Fire

Absolute Control: No matter how gnarly the trail is, you'll stay in control thanks to a rider-focussed frame design that has not only been engineered for longitudinal rigidity, but also positions rotating mass as close as possible to the center of gravity. Thick frame walls also improve reliability, flex characteristics and offer unmatched rider feel. The shock mounting also provides the perfect amount of anti-squat for better traction out of corners, while the footpeg mounting position reduces the risk of hooking up on roots or rocks. Additionally, forged brackets on the lower frame rails allow for easy installation of the skid plate.

Ergonomics: The 2025 KTM XC and XC-F range feature upgraded tank shrouds with bi-compound plastics, which work alongside the specially-developed rider triangle, to providing unmatched knee contact and gripping surfaces - especially when standing on the pegs. While the plastics work to expel mud buildup in wet, muddy conditions, the flat seat profile and high-grip orange seat cover providing exceptional rider movement and control. A handy grip pocket under the seat, just above the airbox, makes gripping the bike and lifting it much easier.

Go the distance: You call it a fuel tank. We call it a 8.5 liters race bucket. For 2025, the transparent polythene fuel tank has been upgraded with a new fuel tank roll - which not only secures the tank more firmly in place, and allows for easy fuel level monitoring - it also protects the frame from unwanted scrubbing and race rash.

04. Hit The Big Stuff

Mass Centralization: The 2025 KTM XC and XC-F range receive some major frame updates directly from Factory Racing efforts. For starters, the frame area around the rear shock mount has been updated, and more streamlined. The front area of the frame is also updated. with a different wall thickness compared to the previous model year, with renewed engine mounts. This adds up to a 300g weight saving, and improved flex for better cornering behavior.

WP XACT Fork: Reworked settings find their way into the WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks for the 2025 KTM XC and XC-F line-up, to ensure stellar performance alongside the updated frame and rear linkage. While full adjustability and proper READY TO RACE credentials remain.

WP XACT Shock: As with the front end, the WP XACT rear shock has also undergone some changes for 2025. Reworked settings to account for the updated frame, and rear linkage, changes for stiffness and that weightsaving, make the 2025 KTM XC range even more READY TO RACE. This, along with full adjustability, 300 mm of travel, and unmatched out-the-box ability, make this the ideal setup for cross-country domination.

05. Maintaining Momentum

Connectivity Unit Offroad: Riders - meet your new secret weapon. Available in the KTM PowerParts catalog as a must-have addition to the KTM XC-F range, the Connectivity Unit Offroad offers a wide range of functionalities and adjustability options via the KTMconnect app. The CUO gives you a new insight into your riding, allows you to alter your engine behavior, and even provides you with optimized suspension settings based on individual preferences and riding conditions. Welcome to the next level moto.

Ultimate rigidity: A new chain guide and chain guard result in improved durability and minimize the chances of hooking on external objects. Especially in extremely muddy conditions, while reducing dirt build-up around the swingarm and chain guard. This, together with this new hollow, die-cast aluminum swingarm, means optimal stiffness and reliability at the lowest possible weight. Now that's a Win-Win.

Consistency: The compact and lightweight SOHC cylinder features a short profile with the camshaft located as close to the center of gravity as possible. Lightweight valves are actuated via a DLC coated rocker arm with optimized timing, specifically designed to deliver precise levels of torque and throttle response. The diameter of the intake valves is 40 mm, while on the exhaust it is 33 mm. The intake ports also allow higher flow coefficients, resulting in a more efficient and powerful engine, with the valve cover reducing the number of mounting screws, and a single oil spray jet guarantees efficient cooling while keeping the weight low.