Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 KTM 125 XC: HERE COMES THE ‘BRAAAP!’.
Introducing the 2025 KTM 125 XC…
Two years of hard-charging R&D have gone into the making of the 2025 KTM 125 XC. That’s right, we meant Racing and Development. A reworked, lighter frame, updated engine mounts, and a new durable chain glide – to name a few – make the 2025 KTM 125 XC the leader in the 2-Stroke GNCC screamer class.
2025 KTM 125 XC Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
UNMATCHED 2-STROKE PERFORMANCE
FOR THE LOVE OF SMOKE
Fuel-injected and furious, the 2025 KTM XC range of 2-stroke machinery sets the bar. From the energetic and wildly agile KTM 125 XC to the screaming banshee KTM 300 XC, these machines are set to dominate the world of cross-country racing.
- WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks and WP XACT shock with upgraded suspension settings to support the updated frame and rear linkage, improving weight distribution, stiffness, and response.
- Upgraded rear brake pedal construction for increased stiffness and resistance to bending.
- New fuel tank roll for improved fitment, reducing frame scrubbing, and enhancing durability.
Connectivity Unit Offroad is available as KTM PowerParts for the KTM XC-F line-up with a wide range of functionalities via the KTMconnect app.
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 125 XC 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.
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.
More Usable Power
Designed to churn out more torque than any 125 cc 2-Stroke on the market, the 2025 KTM 125 XC is set to continue its dominance in its class with unrelenting forward momentum. With an overall engine weight of only 39.37 lb and impressive horsepower figures, this lightweight powerplant retains its typical high-revving character, while laying down the grunt where it matters most.
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
Once again slicing into the 125 cc class with the leading edge of technology, the 2025 KTM 125 XC features a map select switch as standard, allowing the racer to switch between 2 perceptible engine maps.
Map 1 provides the ultimate power delivery to dominate hard-pack surfaces, while Map 2 gives you the edge in soft, sandy conditions
125 Factory Performance Kits
Give your KTM 125 XC a more bite with a 125 Factory Performance Kit. Comprising of upgraded engine parts, an FMF exhaust system, and special engine mapping, it provides an impressive hp increase felt across the rpm range.
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.
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 provide 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 give 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.
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.
WP XACT Fork
Reworked settings find their way 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 weight-saving, make the 2025 KTM XC range even more READY TO RACE. This, along with full adjustability, 300 mm of travel, and unmatched out-of-the-box ability, make this the ideal setup for cross-country domination.
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.
Consistency
A 54 mm bore, highly innovative electronic exhaust port management, and a machined finish for accurate port timing means the cylinder on the KTM 125 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.
2025 KTM 125 XC – 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 54.5mm
Bore 54mm
Clutch Wet multi-disc DS clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Displacement 124.8cm³
EMS Vitesco Technologies EMS
Design 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine
Fuel-mixture generation Keihin EFI, throttle body 39 mm
Chassis
Weight (without fuel) 94.8kg
Tank capacity (approx.) 9l
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 XACT cartridge Ø 48 mm
Ground clearance 359mm
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).
