2023 KTM Enduro and Dual Sport Motorcycles First Look

May 6, 2022 c_admin Dirt Bike Racing Comments Off on 2023 KTM Enduro and Dual Sport Motorcycles First Look

In the week prior to announcing its 2023 motocross and cross-country range, KTM has pulled the covers off its 2023 enduro and dual sport motorcycles. All of the models are given an orange frame instead of the black they’ve had since 2020. Further aesthetic revisions are seen in the graphics, as KTM went with a white, purple, and orange color scheme to pay homage to its enduro models from the early 1990s.

2023 KTM 450 XCF-W

KTM has dropped the 350 XCF-W and 500 XCF-W from its lineup for 2023 in favor of a new displacement enduro model, the 450 XCF-W. (KTM/)

All of the XC-W and XCF-W models now feature a Dunlop Geomax MX33 soft-to-intermediate-terrain motocross tire on the front, which replaces Dunlop’s Geomax AT81 off-road front tire seen on prior year models. A Geomax AT81 is still spec’d on the rear. Big news in terms of the models themselves is the 450 XCF-W, which replaces the 350 XCF-W and 500 XCF-W.

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2023 KTM 300 XC-W

To pay homage to its enduro models from the early 1990s, KTM selected a white, purple, and orange color scheme for MY23.

To pay homage to its enduro models from the early 1990s, KTM selected a white, purple, and orange color scheme for MY23. (KTM/)

Returning two-strokes include the 300 XC-W, 250 XC-W, and 150 XC-W. Note that KTM dropped “TPI” from the nomenclature of these models. Is that because Transfer Port Injection (TPI) has been a feature on the two larger-displacement machines since 2018 and the 150 XC-W since 2020? Or is it foretelling that all KTM two-stroke models (including the motocrossers) will have this technology in 2023 and beyond, thereby making mention of “TPI” in the model name unnecessary? Only time will tell.

2023 KTM 250 XC-W

Dunlop’s Geomax MX33 soft-to-intermediate-terrain motocross tire is spec’d on the front wheel of the four enduro models, while the rear is still Dunlop Geomax AT81 off-road rubber.

Dunlop’s Geomax MX33 soft-to-intermediate-terrain motocross tire is spec’d on the front wheel of the four enduro models, while the rear is still Dunlop Geomax AT81 off-road rubber. (KTM/)

And speaking of predicting the future, the last time KTM’s enduros and dual sports had orange frames was in 2019, and the following year’s models were all-new. This is a trend on the motocross and cross-country racers as well. So although we can’t be certain, don’t be surprised to see the 2024 KTM XC-W, XCF-W, and EXC-F models with an all-new chassis, updated engines, revised suspension settings, and other new features.

2023 KTM 150 XC-W

The switch from a black to orange frame for MY23 means we’ll more than likely see all-new enduro and dual sport motorcycles from the Austrian manufacturer in 2024.

The switch from a black to orange frame for MY23 means we’ll more than likely see all-new enduro and dual sport motorcycles from the Austrian manufacturer in 2024. (KTM/)

Back to the present: the 2022 KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days may be the flashiest dual sport motorcycle on the market. This special-edition model is a tribute to the 2022 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in France. Up-spec features include orange anodized CNC-milled triple clamps, a solid rear brake disc, rear brake safety wire, front axle puller, skid plate, orange chain guide, and Six Days seat cover, graphics, and logos throughout.

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2023 KTM 500 EXC-F

Suggested retail price for the 500 EXC-F is $12,549.

Suggested retail price for the 500 EXC-F is $12,549. (KTM/)

KTM’s 2023 enduro and dual sport motorcycles will be available from May 2022 onward. Suggested retail price for the 500 EXC-F Six Days is not available at the time of this writing, but pricing for all other models is as follows:

450 XCF-W: $11,649

300 XC-W: $11,099

250 XC-W: $10,799

150 XC-W: $9,799

500 EXC-F: $12,549

350 EXC-F: $12,149

2023 KTM 350 EXC-F

According to KTM, the 350 EXC-F weighs 238 pounds without fuel.

According to KTM, the 350 EXC-F weighs 238 pounds without fuel. (KTM/)

2023 KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days

Orange anodized triple clamps, a solid rear brake disc, and front axle puller are just a few of the trick items on the 500 EXC-F Six Days model.

Orange anodized triple clamps, a solid rear brake disc, and front axle puller are just a few of the trick items on the 500 EXC-F Six Days model. (KTM/)