With sledgehammer power, razor-sharp handling, and a legacy built on podium finishes, it’s not just here to compete — it’s here to expand the trophy room. When the gate drops, the KTM 450 XC-F answers with authority.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 KTM 450 XC-F: THE KING OF DIRT.
Introducing the 2026 KTM 450 XC-F…
The KTM 450 XC-F wears a crown forged in championship grit. As the undisputed heavyweight in the 4-stroke cross-country class, it brings a relentless, READY TO RACE attitude to every starting line. With sledgehammer power, razor-sharp handling, and a legacy built on podium finishes, it’s not just here to compete — it’s here to expand the trophy room. When the gate drops, the KTM 450 XC-F answers with authority.
2026 KTM 450 XC-F Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Cross-country racing never lets up.
The 2026 KTM XC lineup is purpose-built for riders who push hard from the first flag to the final checkpoint. Whether you’re threading through tight woods or charging across open terrain, these machines are engineered to deliver consistent, race-focused performance in the most challenging conditions. The 2026 KTM XC lineup is purpose-built for riders who push hard from the first flag to the final checkpoint. Whether you’re threading through tight woods or charging across open terrain, these machines are engineered to deliver consistent, race-focused performance in the most challenging conditions.
2026 KTM 450 XC-F Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
CLICK INTO ACTION
Easy Suspension Adjustment
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 option allows riders to adjust high- and low-speed settings in a matter of seconds. The forks on the front end are also easily modified thanks to hand-adjustable clickers on the bottom of the fork shoe and top cap.
AIRBOX
The robust one-piece design airbox on the KTM XC range features an 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. Inside the engine works a 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 (26.7 kg), 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 KTM XC-F range 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 KTM XC-F range 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 easily 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 complete control thanks to a rider-focussed frame design that has not only been engineered for longitudinal rigidity, but also repositions rotating mass closer 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 is positoned in such a way to reduce the risk of hooking up on roots or rocks. Additionally, forged brackets on the lower frame rails allows for easy installation of the skid plate, too.
FLUID RIDER MOTION
Ergonomics
The KTM XC and XC-F range feature tank shrouds with bi-compound plastics, which work alongside the specially-developed rider triangle, 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 provide 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 2.24 gallon (8.5 liter) race bucket. The transparent polythene fuel tank has a 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
Besides the expertly crafted, hydro-formed, laser-cut, and robot-welded frame being engineered to provide exceptional rider feedback and straight-line stability, the chassis consists of specifically calculated parameters of longitudinal and torsional flex. This means the frame acts as a “shock absorber” of sorts, making for a less harsh ride, resulting in less rider fatigue over many hard laps.
UNFLAPPABLE FRONT END
WP XACT Fork
Let’s get the technical parts out of the way first; the 48 mm WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks fitted to the KTM XC and XC-F line-up feature progressive and consistent damping, while oil and air bypasses reduce pressure peaks. In combination with the mid-valve damping system, all this provides exceptional feedback and rider comfort. The fork also has settings which not only complement the frame and rear linkage, but ensure stellar performance at all levels. Speaking of settings, these are easily adjusted via easy-access click adjusters for compression and rebound.
ALL-OUT TRACTION
WP XACT Shock
Keeping things in check at the rear, the WP XACT rear shock uses settings directly from the KTM Factory Racing Teams. The frame and shock geometry mean more ground clearance at the linkage, making it less susceptible to bottoming out. Small diameter linkage bolts save weight, while optimized linkage seals refine rear shock response and advanced damping characteristics.
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
Count on a durable chain guide and chain guard and minimize the chances of hooking on external objects – especially in extremely muddy terrain while reducing dirt build-up around the swingarm and rear sprocket. For 2026 we’ve also modified the fixing points and routing of the wiring harness so it’s less prone to wear and damage.
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 finger followers 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.
2026 KTM 450 XC-F – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Design
1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
Displacement
449.9 cm³
Transmission
6-speed
Fuel-mixture generation
Keihin EFI, throttle body 44 mm
EMS
Keihin EMS
Clutch primary drive teeth
72
Primary drive
29:72
Clutch
Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Engine cylinder
Single cylinder
Engine stroke
4-Stroke
Chassis
Frame design
Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Front brake
Disc brake
Rear brake
Disc brake
Rear subframe design
Aluminum-reinforced polyamide
Chain
520 X-Ring
Suspension
Front suspension
WP XACT Closed Cartridge Ø 48 mm
Rear suspension
WP XACT Monoshock with linkage
Suspension travel (front)
300 mm
Suspension travel (rear)
300 mm
Front suspension adjustment
Compression (high and low speed), rebound
Rear suspension addition
Preload adjuster
Dimensions
Seat height
954 mm
Ground clearance
343 mm
Tank capacity (approx.)
8.5 l
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
Posted on Friday, August 1st, 2025 by Michael Le Pard
