KTM 450 XC-F specifications
KTM · Cross-country
Total Motorcycle says the 2026 engine weighs only 59 lb (26.7 kg), has a low sprocket position for anti-squat behavior, a single oil spray jet for cooling and a 6-speed gearbox by Pankl for fast, flowy sections. Dirt Bike Magazine's tester has ridden the 450 XC-F as a main bike for a couple of years and says you need power, stability and suspension and the XC scores high on all three.
But that the 450 is a little more work to ride at lower speed than the smaller engines.
KTM 450 XC-F
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Displacement | 449.9cc |
| Bore x stroke | 95x63.4 mm |
| Compression ratio | 13.1:1 |
| Front suspension | WP XACT Closed Cartridge Ø 48 mm |
| Weight without fuel | 104.8 kg |
| Starting MSRP | $12,549 |
| Class | Cross-country |
| Engine | 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine |
| Fuel system | Keihin EMS |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final drive | 520 X-Ring |
| Front suspension travel | 300 mm |
| Rear suspension | WP XACT Monoshock with linkage |
| Rear suspension travel | 300 mm |
| Front brake | Disc brake |
| Seat height | 954 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 2.25 gal |
| Ground clearance | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Frame | Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel |
| Destination charge | $690 |
Dirt Bike Test says the coil-spring WP fork is a welcome addition for many riders, though several of its testers still prefer, and some prefer, the outgoing WP air fork for its light feel and tunability.
The 450 XC-F weighs 104.8 kg (231 lb) without fuel, 3 kg more than the KTM 250 XC, and has 300 mm (11.81 in) of travel at both ends. It sits 343 mm (13.5 in) off the ground and carries 2.25 gal, 0.13 gal less than the two-strokes.
Against the 450 SX-F
The XC-F costs $12,549, $900 more than the KTM 450 SX-F at $11,649, and gains a six-speed gearbox and a tank 0.35 gal larger. It weighs 1.7 kg more. Choose the SX-F for the track and the XC-F for a trail or a cross-country race.
Ownership and upkeep
A 450 four-stroke asks for regular oil, filter and valve attention. The 2026 engine's single oil spray jet and reduced valve cover screws are aimed at cooling and simpler service, according to Total Motorcycle. Coil-spring forks also have a practical upside for a trail rider: springs are swapped for weight, where an air fork is tuned by pressure.
As with the other XC models, this is a competition machine with no lights or registration in stock form, so check state rules before riding it off private land.
The 450 XC-F suits a fit, experienced rider who wants a four-stroke with race-level power in the woods or desert. Dirt Bike Magazine's remark that it takes more work at low speed tells you it is not the easiest bike in tight terrain.
450 XC-F against the 300 XC and 450 SX-F
The 300 XC is the two-stroke alternative on the same chassis, and the KTM 450 SX-F is the track version.
KTM 450 XC-F — specification referenceKTM · Cross-country
The 450 XC-F is KTM's four-stroke cross-country race bike, new for 2026 with a coil-spring fork. Testers say it scores high on power, stability and suspension but takes more work at low speed. KTM asks $12,549 before destination.
Where the 450 XC-F and the 350 XC-F differ, from the two KTM listings
- Front suspension
- WP XACT Closed Cartridge Ø 48 mm, 300 mm (11.81 in) travel; WP USD closed cartridge Ø 48 mm, 300 mm (11.81 in) travel.
- Model-year range
- 2024–2027
- Compared editions
- 4
- Specification entries
- 21
- Entries that differ
- 5
- Frame design
- Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel; Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel.
- Front suspension
- WP XACT Closed Cartridge Ø 48 mm; WP XACT Closed Cartridge Ø 48 mm.
2027 KTM 450 XC-F questions
What changed on the 2026 KTM 450 XC-F?
Dirt Bike Test says the WP suspension moves to coil-spring forks, which many testers welcome while some still prefer the previous WP air fork for its light feel.
Is the KTM 450 XC-F hard to ride slowly?
Dirt Bike Magazine says the 450 makes a little more work to ride, especially at lower speed, but that power, stability and suspension score high.
How much fuel does the KTM 450 XC-F carry?
KTM lists 2.25 gal, which is 0.35 gal more than the 450 SX-F motocross bike but 0.13 gal less than the two-stroke XC models.