First look at the new, 2026, KTM XC off-road model range including 250 and 300 two-strokes plus 250 and 450 four-strokes – but where has the standard 350 F and the 125 gone?

The first thing that grabs us as we eye up the long-awaited Cross-Country off-road model range from KTM is the lack of a standard 350. It comes as a surprise, not just because the 350 4T is such an important model for KTM, but because the previous six model line-up has reduced to four – the standard 350 and 125 models have been dropped. That said a Factory Edition 350 four-stroke is on the cards and due in September.

We’re looking at the four bike XC range and seeing already where KTM are streamlining production following the focusing on key models notion we’ve heard talk of since the financial rescue. Worth noting also GNCC have ditched the XC3 class for next year, leaving the 125s without their own class. 

Long awaited? Tyes, because we kinda got used to the orange bikes coming in around May time, year after year. But not this year as we stand on the eve of August – although you can hardly have expected the financial issues the Austrian manufacturer has had would not affect the new model production.

What’s changed for 2026? KTM XC Highlights:

• New orange graphics with purple flashes, black seat cover and frame
• New threaded radiator cap closure is easier to use (on a thread)
• New protection cap for the fuel connector keeps dirt out and makes a more “definite” connection
• Improved wiring harness routing and fixation points are tougher  
• Dunlop AT82 tyres as standard
• XC specific features (different to the SX models) include different gearing, a larger fuel tank (9 L / 2.37 gal), side stand, handguards, and skid plate

The new features apply to all four models for 2026: 250 XC, 300 XC (two-strokes) and 250 XC-F, 450 XC-F four-strokes. KTM add the details on the 2026 KTM 350 XC-F Factory Edition are coming in September.

The details of the key upgrades for 2026 are simple and, as we said following the announcement of the SX and SX-F models 24 hours ago (read about them here: First look: 2026 KTM SX and SX-F Motocross Models – All you need to know), the changes are as expected given the situation at KTM over the last months.

KTM says they have “refined its technical package” across the KTM XC range and there’s no doubt the bikes are proven at the highest level with Johnny Girroir, Ben Kelley and the Oliveira brothers and Trystan Hart all riding XC models to national championships.

Looking at the details the claimed “improved cooling performance” seems a bit of a push to be honest when all it means in reality is a new radiator cap design. Some people struggled with the previous model rad cap which needed pushing and turning, this new one has more of a thread they tell us and is easier.

The tweak to the fuel connector is a good thing though, as anyone who has suffered with fuel starvation off a start line because they hadn’t connected it properly will know.  The cap is more robust and protects better KTM says, providing a better seal against dirt, dust, and water.

The 2026 XCs two-strokes also have a new wiring harness with new fixation points and routing, which they say improves durability and means less risk of electrical problems.

Fresh graphics

The 2026 models have new in-mold graphics in orange with purple dashes on the tank shrouds and wrap-around fork guards. There is a hint of the models from two years ago here but it is distinct enough to be different. 

The MY26 XC bikes also arrive with a black frame and seat while Dunlop AT82 off-road tyres, an 18-inch rear wheel different gearing, handguards and  the bigger gas tank stand them apart from the SX and SX-F versions.

KTM say 2026 XC range will be available in dealers from September 2025.

More information: www.KTM.com