2015 KTM Cross-Country Models

The 2015 KTM XC line-up is poised to keep its foot on the throat of the competition

The KTM family of cross-country machines really has nothing to prove.

The Austrian company has been the dominant force in off-road racing for years, and its bright orange machines can be spotted flashing through the trees or streaking across the open desert in international and domestic competition on any given weekend. 

But having nothing left to prove and having no room for improvement are two different things. For 2015, KTM continues its tradition of building what it calls the best possible production off-road motorcycles that it can, offering a diverse selection of models with a host of new and improved components on both its two-stroke and four-stroke models.

Here is the list of improvements and features on the entire 2015 KTM XC line:

New Frame
Manufactured by WP Performance Systems and made from lightweight, high-strength chromoly steel sections, the redesigned 2015 frame features a new machined cross tube that unites the two sides of the frame and connects the linkage rods to the frame.  KTM says that the machining process creates more exact production tolerances than welding for better repeatability from frame to frame. It is lighter 58 grams lighter than the previous cross tube design. All XC models also come with a built-in side stand on the frame.

New Swingarm
KTM says that its cast-aluminum swingarms for 2015 were manufactured using the latest in calculation and simulation software, and the design and wall thickness of the cast aluminum swingarm have been optimized for minimum weight and maximum stiffness with the ideal flex characteristics to provide stability,  traction and rider comfort.

New Linkage
The rear suspension on 2015 KTMs features a new rising-rate linkage with revised geometry and a higher starting rate intended to gain a flatter, less progressive curve for better control (the rear end is slightly lower than before). KTM uses a production process for the triangle and pull-rod shaves that saves 40 grams of weight from the system.

New WP Shock
A new, fully adjustable WP Suspension rear monoshock features valving to match the new linkage geometry and harmonize with the WP 4CS fork’s character. The new shock also features a 4mm longer stroke while maintaining the same amount of wheel travel as last year’s shock.

WP 4CS Fork
The XC model range received the WP 4CS fork for the 2014 model year, but for 2015 the 4CS has undergone a slight revision. The fork is 8mm longer across the range (only the 450 SX-F FE off-road model had this spec in 2014), same as the 2015 SX models. The fork also gets a new hydro stop design and new pistons inside the cartridge, along with a stiffer 20Newton/millimeter chamber spring (up from 18N/mm spring used in 2014). The fork is compression and rebound adjustable via knobs on the tops of the tubes. US models also receive specific starting settings that have been developed based upon KTM’s cross-country racing experience. KTM says that these settings provide more comfort and traction and better bottoming resistance.

New Front Axle
The front axle has been reduced in size from 26mm to 22mm to reduce weight and offer a better front-end feel on the 2015 models. The smaller axle is also move backed 2mm in the axle clamp to provide more stability via slightly increased trail.

New Front Fork Protectors
It’s a small detail in the grand scheme, but KTM has revised its fork protectors to be lighter and to fit the new axle clamps. KTM says that one benefit of the change is that the fork protectors now allow easier access to the fork legs for quicker cleaning and faster maintenance.

Revised CNC Triple Clamps
Top quality CNC-machined triple clamps have been something of a KTM trademark for years. Offering a precise handling with maximum performance, they particularly support the flex characteristics, and with it, the forks’ action. The O-ring support for the lower bearing on the steering stem has been revised and is now made of aluminum to save 22 grams, while the steering stem bolt is now also 8 grams lighter.

New Bodywork and Graphics
In shaping the bodywork the KTM designers’ ergonomic and design focus was to achieve complete harmony between rider and bike. The front fender is a prime example of a molded polymer component, gaining maximum stability through a well thought-out structure and mounting system. For MY 2015, the bodywork will be decorated with updated graphics to highlight the racing character of the MY 2015 XC range of cutting-edge offroad racing motorcycles.

Fuel Tank
The XC’s feature a large 2.6 gallon translucent fuel tank on the two stroke XC’s and a 2.4 gallon translucent fuel tank on four strokes. The 1/4-turn fuel cap is easy to open and provides extremely quick refueling during a race.

Airbox
The airbox design offers maximum protection of the air filter against dirt, while providing maximum airflow for high performance. The TwinAir filter can be changed without tools in seconds, which is a standard feature by KTM for fast and efficient maintenance.

New Wheels
The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear Giant brand aluminum rims have been blacked-out to give the 2015 models a different look than their predecessors. The rims are mated to lightweight, CNC-machined hubs via black spokes, with lightweight silver aluminum nipples providing a classy styling contrast. The wheels wear Dunlop GEOMAX AT81 tires that were developed with input from the Factory FMF/KTM off-road team in the US.

New Rear Sprocket
A new sprocket design is 50 grams lighter than the previous unit.

New Handlebars, Hand Guards and Grips
All of KTM’s 2015 XC models are fitted with a new, black-anodized Neken tapered handlebar. The KTM bar mounts mount allow the handlebar to be mounted in four different positions. Also standard for all XC models are new hand guards, which use a new material for better impact resistance. Softer two-compound hand grips are also new for the 2015 XC models.

Exhaust
KTM works with WP systems to produce high-quality exhaust systems designed to maximize engine performance while meeting increasingly stringent racing sound level requirements.

Brakes
Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM off-road bikes, and are combined with the lightweight Galfer Wave discs.

2015 KTM Four-Stroke Models

250 XC-F
Revisions to the 2015 KTM 250 XC-F include a lighter clutch basket and new clutch springs for its CSS (coil spring steel) one-piece clutch system, for more consistent feel and durability. The clutch is actuated by a Brembo hydraulic system for light lever effort and precise modulation.

The 250 XC-F’s Compact DOHC engine gets new O-rings on the oil pump suction screen to increase durability. All 2015 four-stroke engines still use the Keihin Engine Management system with electronic fuel injection and a 44mm throttle body.

350 XC-F
In the hands of Kailub Russell and Taddy Blazusiak, the KTM 350 XC-F claimed both the AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Championship (Russell) and the GEICO AMA EnduroCross Championship (Blazusiak). The 350 has long been hailed as a machine that combines the best attributes of a lightweight 250 and a more powerful 450 in one package.

For 2015, the 350 XC-‘s titanium-valved DOHC four-stroke engine gets the new O-rings on the oil pump suction screen and a new, lighter clutch basket with new clutch springs in the CSS clutch.

450 XC-F
Thanks to the Factory FMF/KTM Offroad Racing Team, the KTM 450 XC-F is a known force in the AMA Hare and Hound and GNCC championship. Its fuel-injected SOHC engine delivers a claimed 60 explosive but controllable horsepower in the new-for-2015 chassis and suspension set-up.

The only noteworthy change in the engine is the switch to new O-rings on the oil pump suction screen for increased durability.

2015 KTM Two-Stroke Models

250/300 XC
KTM says that its two stroke 250 XC and 300 XC models have the best power-to-weight ratios in their respective classes, with enough power to excel in all sorts of terrain. The performance of their lightweight two-stroke power units makes them contenders against the more sophisticated four-stroke competition. For 2015 the only significant change to both models is a reworked clutch baskets to reduce rotating weight.