PERSEVERANCE

The challenging world of Enduro competition gives the KTM R&D engineers a deep palette of information to craft a bike for any rider to win. In 2021 the efforts of Manuel Lettenbichler – the last WESS Champion – and Josep Garcia in tackling the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship and FIM Enduro World Championship showcases the best of this 2022 KTM EXC hardware.

From their base in the heart of Austria to the rest of the world and through several racing events, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing are steering KTM EXC 2-Stroke and 4-Stroke machinery against the most skillful offroad athletes from across the continents. ‘READY TO RACE’ is more than an ethos and a mantra. It can be taken as a literal interpretation. True to this philosophy, the 2022 KTM EXC models are created to compete, to win, to perform. 

KTM strove to keep the ultimate blend of balance, power, handling and competitiveness for 2022 and that meant an approach of renovation across the new range. After progressive steps with chassis and engine development, as well as upgrades from WP suspension hardware in the last three years, the KTM EXC model range maintains the same high lofty technical specifications for their fuel-injected 2-Stroke motorcycles and their 4-Stroke bikes. 

In the search for even more connectivity with any terrain or obstacle, KTM has worked with WP suspension to alter the production settings of the WP XPLOR forks and shock for a firmer and sportier feel. The 2022 suspension package and the heightened sensation of grip is augmented by a new MAXXIS MaxxEnduro set of tires that, after comprehensive tests, were found to bring better all-round lasting performance. The ‘look good, feel good’ factor means that the clear, racier livery with added blue accents for 2022 was essential for these vibrant competition-based machines.

2022 KTM EXC - KEY RANGE UPGRADES

• Revised WP suspension settings for a firmer & more responsive feel
• Improved oil circulation in the suspension for more consistent feedback
• New MAXXIS MaxxEnduro tires for unmatched grip in all terrains
• New 13:52 gearing giving the KTM 250 EXC TPI added bottom end punch
• Head-turning 2022 colors inspired by the Factory bikes
• Bold design & retro colors for the revamped KTM EXC SIX DAYS line-up

2-STROKE INNOVATION

KTM’s groundbreaking TPI fuel-injection system breathed new life into 2-Stroke technology and emboldened the ‘stroker’ family to surge even more in popularity. Unbeatable torque, simplistic and effective engine architecture, light weight and pulsing performance means the three models – led by the formidable blend of power and handling that is the KTM 300 EXC TPI - are perfectly meeting the high demands of the modern offroad rider.

4-STROKE FORMIDABILITY

Talk the torque: KTM’s arsenal of 4-Stroke KTM EXC-F ‘weaponry’ guarantees enough output and grin-inducing fun to cope with any race condition or situation. Few Enduro bikes come this well-equipped for the demands of the clock or the threat from rivals. From 250 cc to 500 cc 4-Valve, single cylinder powerplants there is more than enough horsepower for even the grabbiest throttle hand. Occupying the spotlight is the ultra-popular KTM 350 EXC-F with its enviable combination of motor and mobility and is the choice of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Josep Garcia in the current season.

ENGINE: 2-STROKE

For half a decade KTM’s TPI fuel-injection has reset the potential for the response and finesse of 2-Stroke power. Additionally, it allowed all KTM EXC TPI models to meet cleaner emission goals, facilitating basic engine maintenance and ensuring more efficient operation. Each electric-starting, liquid-cooled EXC TPI benefits from a 39 mm Dell’orto throttle body and a wet multidisc hydraulic Brembo clutch. The exhaust system uses an aluminum silencer. For 2022, the KTM 250 EXC TPI has been given even more boost at the bottom end of the power curve thanks to a new 13:52 gearing ratio.

ENGINE: 4-STROKE

The benchmark in torque and useable delivery, KTM’s EXC-F 4-Strokes deliver ultra-potent, compact 4-Valve DOHC tech. The KTM 250 EXC-F and KTM 350 EXC-F count on finger followers while the OHC tech of the KTM 450 EXC-F and KTM 500 EXC-F utilize rocker arms. All four KTM EXC-F models depend on 42 mm Keihin throttle bodies and dual pump pressure lubrication as well as a wet multidisc hydraulic Brembo clutch. The exhaust system uses an aluminum silencer.

CHASSIS

KTM’s CroMo steel fabricated double cradle frame has been forged after decades of experience with the material and the manufacturing process. KTM has been able to sculpt a chassis that allows the KTM EXC models to be masters of ‘extremes’: agile, light, reassuring and consistent but also tough and responsive when under heavy demand from either KTM 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke engine power. An aluminum subframe graces the entire range to shave even more kilograms while the 63.5 degree steering head angle and 22 mm of triple clamp offset fixes the geometry to ensure stability and boost rider confidence. 

Suspension

WP suspension XPLOR hardware and race-winning levels of quality remain as the sole choice for the 2022 KTM EXC bikes. The updated set-up makes use of robust and lightweight material to provide outstanding damping performance. The 48 mm upside down front forks are matched in excellence through the latest-specced PDS shock absorber with both supplying 300 mm / 310 mm of travel respectively.

For 2022, together with WP suspension, KTM has adjusted the stock settings - firmer and sportier – to achieve several notable improvements. The XPLOR forks come with reduced seal friction for the outer tube, a polished spring for less pollution of the oil and the upper cartridge screw connection has a 2 mm gap compared to the four 6 mm holes on the previous edition of the kit that enhances the rebound damping. The PDS shock now boasts better resistance to ‘bottoming-out’ whereas a new ‘O’ ring is less prone to deformative, wear and fading.

Design

The KTM EXC models are representative of pure design-function thinking. The bikes are shaped for one thing: maximum implementation to the track, trail or competition. This means the ergonomics and the contact points are finely tuned for the most efficient movement, grip and harmony between rider and motorcycle. As with other facets of the KTM EXC, the profile of the bodywork, saddle, tank and the general riding position comes directly from feedback at the highest level of racing where athletes such as Manuel Lettenbichler and Josep Garcia help give not only the elite rider’s viewpoint but also acute insight to what every level of Enduro fans requirements might be. The mix of blue and orange on the 2022 liveries draws a direct parallel to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team’s works machinery, in particular the ‘factory’ blue saddle.

Equipment

Count on a 9-liter tank capacity for most models, with the KTM 450 EXC-F and KTM 500 EXC-F increasing the limit to 9.2 l to ensure decent mileage and running time through the undergrowth. The sustained horsepower can be partially controlled by 260 mm and 220 mm front and rear brake discs throughout the range. The sensitive and superlative braking systems furnish wheels that carry new MAXXIS MaxxEnduro tires for the KTM 2022 line-up. In collaboration with KTM, MAXXIS has produced rubber that is easy to fit, puncture resistant and grippy, therefore being the ideal accompaniment for the new KTM Enduro models.

KTM EXC SIX DAYS 2022

Excellence in racing is routinely celebrated in the KTM EXC family with several dedicatory or upgraded models. The KTM EXC SIX DAYS make use of optimum race-focused accessories to greatly refine their specification and they also come with distinctive color schemes. Riders have to be a little special to embrace the possibilities and prestige of these bikes orientated for the true KTM Enduro 'orange bleeder'.

KTM is READY TO RACE. We live and thrive on the challenge of providing equipment that can go from the crate to great. We also know there are times when riders and racers will still demand that small slice of ‘extra’, or they want to personalize their KTM EXC even more. This is where the copious array of products and options in the KTM PowerParts catalog becomes extremely tempting, and in some cases unmissable.

WP Pro Components bring upgrades to the XPLOR forks that permit extra adjustability and reinforced internal material to cope with even bigger or harsher conditions. The interior of the Cone Valve forks features less friction and smaller tolerances with higher resistance and lower weight. The same improvements come with the XPLOR Pro shock with options for more control, comfort and rebound damping.

• 01 FACTORY TRIPLE CLAMP
  Manufactured from the highest-grade aluminum and tuned to produce perfect steering stem stiffness and flexibility – adapted precisely to the WP fork.
• 02 FACTORY FRONT WHEEL 1,6 × 21"
  Anodized D.I.D DirtStar rim, developed to produce the ideal compromise between rigidity and flexibility.
• 03 FMF TITAN POWERCORE 2.1 SILENCER
  Fully made of high-grade treated titanium which allows enriched sound and extremely low weight compared to a stock silencer.

• 04 WAVE BRAKE DISC
  Floating system enables flawless brake control and minimal wear on brake pads.
• 05 AKRAPOVIČ “SLIP-ON LINE”
  Akrapovič slip-on silencer offers more power and torque, uncompromising factory racing looks, and substantial weight savings.

BROWSE ALL POWERPARTS

KTM POWERWEAR

As much as the Replica team wear allows orange-bleeders to look exactly like the KTM Factory riders and staff in paddocks across the globe, the KTM PowerWear collection is not only about apparel. Fans can also align the look with their new KTM EXC when in the saddle with a host of practical and functional gear and protection. Far from being a licensing afterthought, the KTM PowerWear line-up is formed from a series of associations with renowned specialists in the motorcycle field.

ANDREAS GKLAVAS

MARKETING MANAGER OFFROAD
andreas.gklavas@ktm.com

BILLY GILTROW

PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER
billy.giltrow@ktm.com