2023 KTM XC And XC-F Cross-Country First Look

Cycle News Staff | May 10, 2022

KTM’s line of 2023 cross-country XC and XC-F models sees many of the same updates as its SX motocross cousins. A full range of two-stroke and four-stroke XC models will again be available. Returning are the 125, 250 and 300cc XC (two-stroke) models, and the 350 and 450cc XC-F (four-stroke) models.

As with the new SX models, the two-strokes XCs feature all-new fuel injection systems.

Below are some of the new highlights of each model.

HIGHLIGHTS

All-new generation model with new chassis and engine wrapped in new bodywork.
New engine with electronic power valve offers improved mid-range power and rotating mass.
New 39 mm Keihin throttle body features advanced EFI technology for immediate throttle response and ease of use—no more jetting for conditions.
New frame design with parallel mounts, new forged shock mount and reworked rigidity to better manage rider comfort.
New topology optimized subframe with hybrid polyamide and aluminum construction for improved durability.
New hollow, die-cast swingarm offers reduced unsprung weight and increased rigidity.
Updated WP XACT fork with new settings and new hydrostop to improve bottoming resistance.
New, completely redesigned WP XACT rear shock has a lighter and shorter body and all new internals.
New topology optimized handlebar mounts increase grip surface for reduced bar twist.
New map select switch changes engine character depending on track conditions and rider preference.
New polyamide composite skid plate for advanced protection and durability.
New Dunlop MX33 front and AT81 rear tires are mounted to high-end GIANT rims with CNC-machined hubs.

HIGHLIGHTS

All-new generation model with new chassis and engine wrapped in new bodywork.
New engine with electronic power valve offers improved mid-range power and rotating mass.
New 39 mm Keihin throttle body features advanced EFI technology for immediate throttle response and ease of use—no jetting for conditions.
New frame design with parallel mounts, new forged shock mount and reworked rigidity to better manage rider comfort.
New topology optimized subframe with hybrid polyamide and aluminum construction for improved durability.
New hollow, die-cast swingarm offers reduced unsprung weight and increased rigidity.
Updated WP XACT fork with new settings and new hydrostop to improve bottoming resistance.
New, completely redesigned WP XACT rear shock has a lighter and shorter body and all new internals.
New topology optimized handlebar mounts increase grip surface for reduced bar twist.
New map select switch changes engine character depending on track conditions and rider preference.
New polyamide composite skid plate for advanced protection and durability.
New Dunlop MX33 front and AT81 rear tires are mounted to high-end GIANT rims with CNC-machined hubs.

HIGHLIGHTS

All-new generation model with new chassis and engine wrapped in new bodywork.
New engine with electronic power valve offers improved mid-range power and rotating mass.
New 39 mm Keihin throttle body features advanced EFI technology for immediate throttle response and ease of use—no jetting for conditions.
New frame design with parallel mounts, new forged shock mount and reworked rigidity to better manage rider comfort.
New topology optimized subframe with hybrid polyamide and aluminum construction for improved durability.
New hollow, die-cast swingarm offers reduced unsprung weight and increased rigidity.
Updated WP XACT fork with new settings and new hydrostop to improve bottoming resistance.
New, completely redesigned WP XACT rear shock has a lighter and shorter body and all new internals.
New topology optimized handlebar mounts increase grip surface for reduced bar twist.
New map select switch changes engine character depending on track conditions and rider preference.
New polyamide composite skid plate for advanced protection and durability.
New Dunlop MX33 front and AT81 rear tires are mounted to high-end GIANT rims with CNC-machined hubs.

HIGHLIGHTS

All-new generation model with new chassis and engine wrapped in new bodywork.
Redesigned engine is tilted 2° back to improve anti-squat and features increased compression for better mid-range performance.
New frame design with forged shock mount and reworked rigidity to better manage rider comfort.
New topology optimized subframe with hybrid polyamide and aluminum construction for improved durability.
New hollow, die-cast swingarm offers reduced unsprung weight and increased rigidity.
Updated WP XACT fork with new settings and new hydrostop to improve bottoming resistance.
New, completely redesigned WP XACT rear shock has a lighter and shorter body and all new internals.
New topology optimized handlebar mounts increase grip surface for reduced bar twist.
New map select switch changes engine character depending on track conditions and rider preference.
New polyamide composite skid plate for advanced protection and durability.
New Dunlop MX33 front and AT81 rear tires are mounted to high-end GIANT rims with CNC-machined hubs.

HIGHLIGHTS

All-new generation model with new chassis and engine wrapped in new bodywork.
Redesigned engine is tilted 2° back to improve anti-squat and features better mass centralization and increased compression for better mid-range performance.
New frame design with forged shock mount and reworked rigidity to better manage rider comfort.
New topology optimized subframe with hybrid polyamide and aluminum construction for improved durability.
New hollow, die-cast swingarm offers reduced unsprung weight and increased rigidity.
New Quickshifter function allows clutchless upshifts from 2^nd to 5^th
Updated WP XACT fork with new settings and new hydrostop to improve bottoming resistance.
New, completely redesigned WP XACT rear shock has a lighter and shorter body and all new internals.
New topology optimized handlebar mounts increase grip surface for reduced bar twist.
New map select switch changes engine character depending on track conditions and rider preference.
New polyamide composite skid plate for advanced protection and durability.
New Dunlop MX33 front and AT81 rear tires are mounted to high-end GIANT rims with CNC-machined hubs.

From KTM:

Our cross country machines take the very best from our SX range – light, nimble chassis, powerful engines, top-level componentry and technology – and add the essential equipment to achieve nothing less than total cross country domination. Large 2.24-gallon polythene fuel tanks, 18-inch rear wheels, XC-specific suspension and gearing, a standard side stand, skid plate and set of handguards, among other features, turn the 2023 SX machines into the dedicated XC cross country weapons that riders and racers love.

There’s no question that we know how to win in cross country competition. Nine of the last 10 AMA Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series titles, and on-track for a 10th consecutive in 2022. Five of the last eight World Off-Road Championship (WORCS) titles. Over 91 national victories since 2006. Ben Kelley, Kailub Russell, Dante Oliveira, Taylor Robert and more. The trail is our specialty.

It’s clear to see why the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team is considered the most dominant force in offroad racing, and, as we said, nothing has changed about our determination to win in 2023. The future looks bright aboard the 2023 KTM XC-F models, including the 250, 350 and 450 cc four-stroke capacities and the screaming 125, 250 and 300 cc two-stroke models.

Like the 2023 SXs, the whole of the XC range benefits from improved energy management – comfort from the new frame, subframe and updated suspension – coupled with increased performance across the four-stroke and two-stroke powerplants, meaning whether you’re carving through the woods, tearing across open deserts or mixing track and trail, you’ve got the bike under you to hunt down victory.

The all-new electronic fuel injection feeding the freshly reworked SX two-strokes is also found on the new two-stroke XC range, showing the dedication of the KTM R&D team to the development of two-stroke technology. Industry-leading EFI and race-proven electric start will keep you in the race and ready for the podium.

Preparing for the race, hitting the starting line with confidence, getting out in front of the competition and staying there until the checkered flag waves are the keys to any race, motocross or cross country, and once the dust has settled, riders will consider some ‘mods’ to their machines in preparation for the next battle. This is when accompanying KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear will have you covered. Riding gear, protection and extra parts and much more can be found and have been specially crafted for our 2023 KTM SX and XC incarnations. CN

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