Dirt Bikes

2025 KTM 125 XC Technical Overview

Features and specifications of KTM’s 125cc two-stroke cross-country motorcycle in 2025.

May 28, 2025

KTM has quite a lineup of cross-country motorcycles with a trio of two-strokes and as many four-strokes. At the bottom of the Austrian manufacturer’s XC range in terms of displacement is the 125 XC. This small-bore premix-burning dirt bike for off-road riding and racing has been around since 2021 and continues to impress year after year. Prior to testing the 2025 model, which sees a mid-generation update like its motocross-focused SX model counterparts, we pointed our cameras at it to highlight some of what’s new as well as its features and specifications. Scroll down for that information about the 2025 KTM 125 XC.

KTM’s 125 XC is a small-bore two-stroke off-road racing weapon that’s quite light at just 227 pounds wet on our automotive scales.Mark Kariya

The Austrian manufacturer has had one of the most powerful 125cc two-stroke engines for decades, and that trend continues in 2025. The 125 XC produces excellent power with 33.0 hp and 15.8 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear wheel, as measured on Dirt Rider’s in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer.Mark Kariya

Since 2023, the 125 XC has used electronic fuel injection via a Keihin 39mm throttle body with dual injectors. The power valve system is also integrated into the EFI setup and is electronically controlled.Mark Kariya

Being a closed-course competition model allows the 125 XC to feature the same lightweight, high-performance exhaust system as the 125 SX motocrosser.Mark Kariya

The 125 XC offers dual engine maps for varying soil and riding surfaces. Map 1 (white light illuminated) is recommended for hardpack and map 2 (green light illuminated) is recommended for sand or heavier load conditions.Mark Kariya

At first, it can be hard to spot the differences in the new double-cradle chromoly steel frame on the 2025 125 XC, but with a closer look, you can easily see the large cutouts in the shock tower. The front area of the frame has also been updated with a different wall thickness too. KTM says this new frame is 300 grams (0.7 pound) lighter than the previous version.Mark Kariya

The 125 XC uses a hybrid aluminum/polyamide subframe designed to flex in a crash and return to its original position. It also features a tray on the top of the airbox to keep the electronics clean, dry, and out of the off-road elements.Mark Kariya

KTM switched the front suspension of its trio of cross-country motorcycles to a WP Xact 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork last year. Their WP Xact shock was redesigned in 2023 and given updated settings in 2024, and the latter rings true for this year too.Mark Kariya

One of KTM’s signature items is its extremely well-designed oversize 2.4-gallon fuel tank. It’s as narrow as an SX model tank (which has a 1.9-gallon capacity), carries the additional fuel low, and is clear, making it very easy to determine how much fuel you have left.Mark Kariya

For tires, the 125 XC relies on a Dunlop Geomax MX33 up front and Dunlop Geomax AT81 in the rear for best all-around traction. Being an off-road model, it’s spec’d with an 18-inch rear wheel.Mark Kariya

Gearing is 13/51.Mark Kariya

Unlike most of the Japanese off-road bikes, KTM’s rear brake pedal is routed inside the frame, keeping it well tucked in and much safer from getting snagged by roots, rocks, and other obstacles that could damage it.Mark Kariya

Not all manufacturers include hand guards on their off-road models, but KTM does. Its OEM hand guards are among the best in the business, and are included in stock trim on all of its cross-country racers, enduro bikes, and dual sports.Mark Kariya

The 2025 KTM 125 XC has a suggested retail price of $8499 and is available now.Mark Kariya

2025 KTM 125 XC Specs

MSRP:	$8499
Engine:	Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke single-cylinder
Displacement:	125cc
Bore x Stroke:	54.0 x 54.5mm
Compression Ratio:	N/A
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	33.0 hp @ 11,000 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	15.8 lb.-ft. @ 10,700 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 39mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate Diaphragm Steel (DS); hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Central double-cradle chromoly steel
Front Suspension:	WP Xact 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Xact shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Front Tire:	Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21
Rear Tire:	Dunlop Geomax AT81; 110/100-18
Rake/Trail:	26.1°/NA
Wheelbase:	58.8 in.
Ground Clearance:	14.1 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.4 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	227 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	ktm.com