Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 KTM 450 XC-F: KING OF THE DIRT.
Introducing the 2025 KTM 450 XC-F…
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.
2025 KTM 450 XC-F Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
THE 2025 KTM XC RANGE IS LINED UP AND READY TO TAKE ON GNCC AND NHHA DUTIES
The 2025 KTM XC and XC-F range brings a series of updates adopted directly from KTM Factory Racing efforts, making this the most READY TO RACE cross-country motorcycle line-up to date.
With years of race-winning credentials and a trophy room bursting at the seams, KTM is no stranger to winning premier cross-country racing titles. For 2025, the KTM XC and XC-F range bring proper KTM Factory Racing expertise to the trail in a bid to continue its domination.
Leading the charge when it comes to development, the frame now features visible cutouts and different tube-wall thicknesses around the headstock area, with the engine mount and rear shock mount areas receiving the same treatment.
These changes have been specifically engineered to improve chassis flex characteristics and reduce weight by around 300g while maintaining overall stability and improving cornering behavior. An updated swingarm with a machined chain slider – for better mud dissipation – and an updated rear brake pedal – for improved durability and resistance to bending – round out the changes to the frame.
To complement the updates, the WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring fork and XACT linkage shock feature reworked settings to account for the more flex and less weight. The WP XACT shock also benefits from an updated linkage with renewed seals and smaller diameter linkage bolts. The setup is taken directly from the KTM Factory Racing Team and is optimized to benefit weight savings and stiffness parameters.
New tank shrouds with bi-composite plastics make for a fresh, sharper look, along with improved cooling characteristics. This is supported by an updated fuel tank mount that protects the frame against wear from scrubbing and improves tank fitment. Full-orange bodywork with red and black in-mold graphics brings these changes together.
The 2025 KTM XC and XC-F models also feature an updated, 1-piece air inlet sleeve and snorkel design to prevent deformation, thanks to a more robust and stiffer material design, with full-orange bodywork and orange and black in-mold graphics bringing these changes together.
2025 also sees the introduction of the Connectivity Unit Offroad available as KTM PowerParts for the XC-F line-up. The CUO offers a wide range of functionalities and adjustability options via the KTMconnect app. This exists as two parts, namely, the CUO itself, mounted on the right upper fork between the lower and upper triple clamp, and the GPS sensor on the front fender in a CUO-compatible pocket. This comes as a complete kit from KTM PowerParts.
The 2025 KTM XC and XC-F range will arrive in authorized KTM Dealerships this May.
2025 KTM 450 XC-F Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
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.
BREATHE EASY
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.
UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE
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.
DROP THE CLUTCH
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.
TOTAL TRACTION
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.
CORNER ON RAILS
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.
FLUID RIDER MOTION
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.
UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE
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.
HARNESSING GRAVITY
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.
UNFLAPPABLE FRONT END
WP XACT Fork
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.
ALL-OUT TRACTION
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.
WELCOME TO NEXT LEVEL MOTO
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.
UNOBTRUSIVE IMPACT
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.
FLAT OUT TO THE FINISH
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.
2025 KTM 450 XC-F – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for pricing in USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for pricing in CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Transmission 6-speed
Starter Electric starter
Stroke 63.4mm
Bore 95mm
Clutch Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Compression ratio 13.1
Displacement 449.9cm³
EMS Keihin EMS
Design 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
Fuel-mixture generation Keihin EFI, throttle body 44 mm
Chassis
Weight (without fuel) 104.8kg
Tank capacity (approx.) 8.5l
Wheelbase 1493mm
Front brake disc diameter 260mm
Rear brake disc diameter 220mm
Front brake Disc brake
Rear brake Disc brake
Chain 520 X-Ring
Frame design Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Front suspension WP USD closed cartridge Ø 48 mm
Ground clearance 343mm
Handlebar Neken, aluminium Ø 28/22 mm
Rear suspension WP XACT Monoshock with linkage
Seat height 954 mm
Silencer Aluminium
Steering head angle 63.9°
Rear subframe design Aluminum-reinforced polyamide
Suspension travel (front) 300mm
Suspension travel (rear) 300mm
Wheels Spoked wheels with aluminium rims
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
