The 2025 KTM 300 XC casts a pretty imposing shadow. Not only does it feature a legendary 2-stroke depth charger at its core, but it now also boasts refined suspension settings, a reworked frame, and one of the leading power-to-weight ratios in the open class. When hare scrambles and offroad racing were conceived, the KTM 300 XC was the poster child.
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.
This 300 cc 2-stroke powerhouse brings a new choice of weapon to the Open category and provides more choice for racers looking for maximum power at the least possible weight. Along with low maintenance costs and an overall engine weight of just 52.6 lb, the 2025 KTM 300 XC provides pure performance. Coupled together with advanced technical innovations, e-start, electronic fuel injection, and an electronic exhaust control, this is the new cross country kingpin.
Fuel Injection
With Electronic Fuel Injection setting the standard, there's no more jetting setup pre-race, and thanks to the Keihin EFI, the ECU coming from Vitesco and reed valve case design, you can be guaranteed of laying down optimal power at any altitude, all of the time.
Selectable Maps + TC
The 2025 KTM 300 XC features a map select switch as standard, allowing the racer to switch between 2 perceptible engine maps. Map 1 provides a linear, predictable power delivery, while Map 2 gives it the full beans with crisp, explosive power output.
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.
Reworked settings find them 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.
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.
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
A 72 mm bore, highly innovative electronic exhaust port management, and a machined finish for accurate port timing means the cylinder on the KTM 300 XC does more than just house the piston. It results in much-improved rideability, engine control, and more adjustability of the engine characteristics, thanks to 2 selectable and distinguished engine maps. Also, it's auto-calibrating, meaning there's no more hassle with wrong power valve adjustments.