2025 KTM 125 XC

There’s a reason they’re called screamers. A 125cc two-stroke makes the meat of its power high in the rev range, which means you really need to twist the throttle, bang through gears, and work the clutch if you want to get anywhere fast. It’s also the basis of the appeal of eighth-liter two-strokes like the KTM 125 XC.

Ideal for lightweight, aggressive riders, especially young riders taking the step up from minibikes, KTM’s 125 XC is a bantamweight fighter that will reward proper technique and, above all, teach riders to carry momentum. It’s what makes a 125 two-stroke such a great learning tool. And it’s not only about the youngsters—though riders over 30 might want to pound a few shots of espresso before climbing aboard.

Based on the KTM 125 SX motocross bike, the 125 XC also features electronic fuel injection with TBI (throttle body injection), multiple engine maps for modifying power delivery, a revised frame, and updated suspension settings for 2025. As its cross-country cousin, the XC features an 18-inch rear wheel, larger fuel capacity, kickstand, and hand guards. Another key difference between the two is the WP Xact fork—the 125 XC runs a coil spring rather than the pneumatic spring of the 125 SX’s WP Xact AER fork. For many, the return to the coil-spring fork is a welcome relief due to its better consistency over longer stretches. All of these changes are designed to equip the 125 XC for cross-country racing, which tend to be longer (up to three hours as opposed to a 30-minute moto), and involve rocks, roots, trees, and the elements.

The 2025 KTM 125 XC is available in orange for $8,499.