KTM’s newest challenger in cross country racing was revealed Thursday as the 2026 KTM XC series is set for release in August.

Four bikes will be available for the new model year: the KTM 250 XC and KTM 300 XC for two-stroke motorcycles, and the KTM 250 XC-F and KTM 450 XC-F for four strokes.

Like the KTM SX unveiled on Wednesday, all four bikes come with a new radiator closure and protector cap. The former is to improve cooling, while the latter is affixed to the CPC fuel connector to protect the fuel injection system from dirt and water. The two strokes have a new wiring harness to make them more durable and less prone to electrical failures.

More purple has also been added to the otherwise predominantly orange bikes.

KTM proclaimed:

The offroad racing competition is not going to get off that easy – the new 2026 KTM XC collection is coming to tracks and trails this summer. The expansive motorcycle roster will once again be the tempting and only realistic choice for riders of all ages and abilities with one eye on the podium and the other on outright performance and adrenaline.

KTM has refined its technical package across the KTM XC spectrum over the last four years, and the attributes are well known and race-proven.

The chassis? Steel tubes with optimized wall thickness and revised shock mounts deliver reduced weight and reactive flex, and a lithe swingarm helps with superb agility, stability, and traction. The engine? Efficient, dependable torque-and-power for days in both 4-stroke and 2-stroke forms. Ergonomics? An acute rider triangle with in-mold, bi-composite plastics for control, contact, and assurance. Handling? WP Suspension’s XACT material for both closed cartridge spring forks and shock, generating maximum tractability on a wide pick of terrain. Tech? Pankl gearboxes, TPS, e-starts, and the Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) permit further customization for conditions, set-up, and engine character, as well as GPS potential.

Not to be confused with cross-country rally (rally raid), cross country racing entails series like GNCC and the National Hare & Hound Association. Ben Kelley currently leads the former’s overall standings on his KTM 350 XC-F while Dante Oliveira sits atop the NHHA outright leaderboard with his KTM 450 XC-F.

The 2026 lineup reveal comes on the heels of KTM resuming full production on Monday. The company will also reveal their new enduro bikes on August 5.

Featured image credit: KTM