Long-Gone KTM Junior Enduro Bike Makes a Comeback in the Refreshed 2025 EXC Lineup

In the Enduro segment, the company is playing the game with the help of a very extensive lineup of motorcycles called EXC, which are offered as both four-stroke machines (the EXC-F) and two-stroke ones (EXC). Because KTM just listed the 2025 model year versions of the bikes right alongside the 2024 model year ones, the range presently comprises no less than 21 models.

Last year KTM's Enduros went through a significant revamp, with no less than 95 percent of all the components that went into the motorcycle lineup being new.

The biggest change was the use of a brand-new hydro-formed frame with laser-cut elements, allowing for new longitudinal and torsional flex parameters. Tied to it was an equally new subframe made of polyamide and aluminum.

To hold the bike upright KTM installed a new 48 mm WP XACT closed cartridge spring fork at the front and an updated shock at the rear. As a whole, the suspension system allowed for adjustments to be made with no tools, something that was described by KTM at the time as being an industry first.

In the case of the 2024 EXC bikes, the revisions also included the installation of an 8.3-liter fuel tank for the two-stroke bikes and an 8.9-liter tank for the four-stroke ones.

As far as the engines are concerned, KTM gifted the Enduro range with something called Throttle Body Injection. Used for the first time in this range, it allows for "ultra-smooth power delivery while eliminating the need for re-jetting at different altitudes."

I went through many of the 2024 model year changes because, after such a significant overhaul, it was to be expected KTM would tone it down a bit for the 2025 model year. And that's exactly what it did: it kept all the upgrades made last year, and only performed minor modifications here and there. Minor, but not less important in the grand scheme of things.

KTM claims the biggest change it made to the range is the replacement of last year's color scheme. Initially, the bikes had 1990s-inspired purple highlights, but those have now been replaced by "a timeless silver-gray graphic over predominantly orange bodywork and a black frame."

The seats of the bikes continue to be offered in orange with the textured look, the same approach that can be found on the frame protectors, tank shrouds, and bar pad.

The visual upgrades are visible at the front in the form of a new fuel tank roll, meant to secure the container in place and protect the frame against scrubbing. The handlebars have been equipped with a new on/off switch gear you may be familiar with from the SX range.

The opposite end of the KTM EXC bikes benefits from new settings for the shock, changes that are supposed to improve pressure balance and lower the risk of cavitation. As far as the swingarm is concerned, machined elements are meant to increase the durability of the chain glider.

KTM lists the member of the 2025 EXC lineup as follows: the two-stroke range will come as the 150 EXC, 250 EXC, and 300 EXC, while the four-strokes will line up the 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F, 450 EXC-F, and 500 EXC-F.

There's another member of the two-stroke family I haven't mentioned yet, because this one deserves special attention: the 125 XC-W.

The 125cc bike was present in the bike maker's portfolio before, but it was discontinued in 2016 and hasn't been made since. Now, it comes back to "reclaim its dominance in the 125 cc Junior Enduro category."

Designed with competition in mind, the bike uses the engine fitted on the 125 SX, only made to work with a transmission borrowed from the 150 EXC. What sets this ride apart from the rest of the range, aside from engine displacement, of course, is the fact it does not come with an extra oil tank, and that makes it the "sole pre-mix model," as per KTM. A map select switch is included, while all the other components are shared with the rest of the family it is part of.

The Austrians say the new bikes, which are already available to be configured, will start rolling off the assembly lines this month, and they'll be on dealers' lots in July. For pricing you should get in touch with your local KTM store. Aside from the bikes themselves, they'll also inform you on the many extras, both in terms of wear and parts, that are available for the range.