2026 KTM 450 XC-F First Ride
Story and Photos by Trevor Hunter
KTM is back for 2026 and despite their financial issues in 2025, they’re still producing the XC models in the lineup with seemingly no hiccups. Included in that lineup is the 450 XC-F, the big-bore 450cc off-road racer that is destined for Grand Prix and desert racing success for Orange Brigade riders, made apparent by Dante Oliveira clinching his sixth straight AMA National Grand Prix Championship as well as his maiden AMA National Hare and Hound Championship aboard this very machine. Currently he is undefeated in both series’ to start 2026 as he looks to defend both titles again as he continues to dominate west coast off-road with KTM and the 450 XC-F.
Changes for 2026 are simple and modest, but welcomed in terms of performance and ease of use. KTM has updated the radiator caps – something so small on paper but with how much of a pain it was to check coolant levels on the old cap, we’re here for this change. Other changes include the switch to Dunlop’s AT82 tires front and rear, and bold new graphics to complete the look of the bike.
The engine on KTM’s big-bore off-road racer is easily a stand-out trait. There is so much power on tap and it’s delivered in direct correlation with your right wrist. There’s a healthy bottom end at the opening of the throttle and the power steadily climbs in linear fashion through the mid-range and into the top end where the power climbs quite far for a 450cc off-road bike. Something KTM has improved over the years is they’ve reduced low RPM flameouts in slow speed, technical terrain. It still isn’t on par with a bike like the 450 XC-W, but for a cross-country race bike, it’s adequate and gets the job done.
The transmission ratios are on par and equally spaced to put the power to the ground without any gaps, and the addition of the sixth gear in recent years has helped make this bike much more of a true off-road weapon. The Brembo clutch is as good as any for a hydraulic clutch with a smooth pull and good engagement.
The WP suspension with coil-spring forks is a welcomed addition for many on the Austrian off-road bikes, though many of our test riders do still like and some even prefer the outgoing WP AER air fork for its lightweight feel and tunability with a simple fork pump. The setup on the 450 XC-F feels best suited for a hare scramble type of riding. The bike has a stinkbug feel with a softer fork that rides a little lower than the rear. Part of this is due to the 10mm shorter fork length of the closed-cartridge spring forks (940mm) vs the standard length 950mm length of the air forks. Pair that with a softer setting and we feel the front end riding low and bottoming in faster terrain. However, in technical rocks and slow singletrack, the setup works very well with good control, maneuverability, and comfort and stability at the slow speeds.
The newest chassis that debuted in 2025 is much more comforting and stable than the old chassis while still retaining good amounts of agility and precision. This bike offers a lot less harsh feelings through the hands and feet when racing and riding across the roughest terrain. Likewise, stability has increased and the bike has a more planted nature than before. We won’t go as far to say it’s on the level of the 2019-2022 chassis in terms of comfort and stability, but most all of our testers feel it’s in a good place and provides a good chassis balance.
On the trail, the 450 XC-F has all the traits you’d expect from a KTM. It boasts a strong and meaty engine but delivers in a smooth and controlled manner. The WP suspension is refined and comforting. And the chromoly-steel chassis ties it all together in a stable yet nimble chassis with all the bells and whistles featured on the Ready To Race platform.
