2019 KTM XC And XC-F Models Announced

KTM has released information on its 2019 XC and XC-F off-road lineup, which includes the 250 XC, 300 XC, 250 XC-F, 350 XC-F, and 450 XC-F. All models feature several chassis changes, updated settings in the WP suspension components, and a number of changes made to the engines of each specific model.

Each 2019 XC and XC-F have new, model-specific header pipes and mufflers, and the new mufflers have reworked internal designs individually developed for each model. Along with the header pipe and muffler changes, the WP AER 48 fork has revised settings specific to off-road designed to improve its damping characteristics. The WP shock gets an updated main piston and new settings intended to provide improved damping characteristics and to match the new fork setup.

The XC and XC-F models have new frames with a 2-percent increase in longitudinal stiffness and a 10-percent increase in torsional stiffness, designed to provide better handling and straight-line stability. Along with the new frames, each bike has new frame guards with the right piece doubling as a heat shield for the muffler. To complement the new frame, the upper triple clamp is stiffer as well. The swingarm has also been reworked and has a longer slot for the rear axle, allowing the rear wheel to be adjusted up to 5mm farther back.

New radiators are mounted 12mm lower than the previous models to lower the center of gravity and make the bike narrower, and therefore make it easier for the rider to get forward on the bike. Another change in the radiator area is the revamped coolant tube integrated in the frame triangle, which has a 4mm-larger center tube that enlarges the cross section by 57 percent, increasing the efficiency of the coolant flow from the cylinder head to the radiators.

Revised airboxes are designed to get better airflow to the engine, with new fuel tanks fashioned to improve the ergonomics. Further chassis changes include a 40mm (1.6 inch) longer subframe for better rear fender stability, a newly shaped seat, a reworked bar pad and cover, updated bodywork, and new graphics.

Each bike now comes with a newly designed resonator called Flow Design Header (FDH), a small chamber around the pipe that makes the front part of the exhaust slimmer and is devised to provide improved engine performance and less noise. The mufflers on the four-strokes have a new aluminum sleeve profile, new end cap, and a revised internal design. The muffler is now longer where it connects to the header pipe, which makes it easier to install and uninstall the exhaust system and eliminates the need to remove the shock when doing so.

The Keihin Engine Management System (EMS) has a new 44mm throttle body, a new seal for the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) system designed to increase reliability, and a updated throttle cable mount to allow for smoother routing of the cables and to provide better access. The ECU also has new maps to work better with the new exhaust and cylinder head as well as optimize the traction control.

The XC-F bikes also come with a new lithium-ion starter battery designed to make the bike fire to life quicker, especially in colder conditions. The packaging of the voltage regulator and condenser has also been reworked in order to make the system more reliable, according to KTM. The final change made specifically to the XC-F machines are that they have three new brackets in the lower part of the frame to allow for an optional composite skid plate that can be purchased through KTM PowerParts.

The 450 XC-F has a newly developed, more compact cylinder head that is 15mm (approximately 0.6 inch) lower and 500 grams (approximately 1.1 pounds) lighter than the previous model. The cylinder head also has newly shaped ports, a new camshaft, and shorter valve timing designed to improve responsiveness. The cam chain guides are now made of a lower friction material as well.

The 350 XC-F features an updated cylinder head design that has the same architecture as the previous model but weighs 200 grams (approximately 0.44 pound) less. It also has a new diaphragm steel (DS) clutch and a new Pankl Racing Systems transmission. The gear ratios in the transmission have not been changed though.

The 250 XC-F also receives a new DS clutch and Pankl Racing Systems tranny with the same gear ratios, but also has a new exhaust camshaft with new timing designed to improve the power delivery.

For the two XC models, the 250 XC and 300 XC, the engine has been raised by one degree in the frame around the swingarm pivot, which is designed to improve the front wheel traction and overall handling of the bike. Another change in the chassis department are the engine hangers, which are now made of aluminum instead of steel and should increase cornering precision and reduce vibration.

The 250 XC and 300 XC engines also have new header pipes with reduced width and more ground clearance, and due to the new shape of the pipe, it’s stronger and less likely to be damaged in the case of an impact. According to KTM, the new header pipes allow for a higher over-rev of the engine as well. The bikes’ mufflers have reworked internal designs intended to improve the power delivery and the mount for the mufflers are now welded aluminium brackets, which replace the former plastic units and actually reduce weight slightly.

Final changes made to the XC two-stroke engines are new carburetor settings meant to improved throttle response, a new machined exhaust port designed to improve the power delivery, and a reworked water pump casing to optimize the flow of coolant.