Dirt Bikes

2022 KTM Motocross and Cross-Country Bikes First Look

Color changes to the frame and seat cover of KTM’s MY22 MXers and XC racers.

May 5, 2021

Most years, an orange frame is reserved for KTM’s limited-edition 450 SX-F Factory Edition, but such is not the case for MY22. Those who have longed for the latest-generation KTM motocross and cross-country models to come with orange frames are in luck as the Austrian brand has shelved the black frame paint in favor of orange for its 2022 lineup. For MX, this includes the 125 SX, 150 SX, and 250 SX two-stroke machines as well as the 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F, and 450 SX-F four-stroke motorcycles. On the off-road competition model side is the 125 XC, 250 XC TPI, 300 XC TPI, 250 XC-F, 350 XC-F, and 450 XC-F.

The last time the Austrian manufacturer’s standard motocross and cross-country models featured orange frames was in 2018 before receiving a full overhaul for 2019. The same thing happened in 2015; those bikes came with orange frames and the following year brought a long list of updates. Is this a sign of things to come? Although we can’t say for certain, an orange frame on KTM’s standard motocross and off-road competition models usually signifies big updates are in the works for the 450 SX-F Factory Edition and the following year’s standard models. While that is somewhat speculative, the noticeable trends of years past are worth mentioning. The telltale sign will be the 2022 450 SX-F Factory Edition. If it is significantly updated this year, we’ll have a good idea of what to expect for the 2023 KTM dirt bikes.

Appearance changes across KTM’s 2022 motocross and cross-country lineup include a blue seat cover and new graphics. The 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F, 250 XC-F, and 350 XC-F come with a new counterbalancer shaft bearing in the engine to reduce friction and increase durability. Also, the 125 XC is spec’d with a one-tooth-smaller rear sprocket. According to KTM, the switch to a 50-tooth was to increase the 125cc two-stroke cross-country racer’s top-end speed. The 2022 KTM SX, SX-F, XC, and XC-F models will be available at authorized KTM dealers from May 2021 onward.

2022 KTM 250 SX

Orange frames are a shared feature among all of KTM’s full-size motocross bikes for 2022.KTM

2022 KTM 150 SX

KTM is one of only two dirt bike manufacturers (the other being TM) to offer a 144cc two-stroke motocross bike with its 150 SX.KTM

2022 KTM 125 SX

Blue seat covers blend in nicely with the new blue-accented graphics.KTM

2022 KTM 250 SX-F

For two years running the KTM 250 SX-F has produced the highest peak horsepower numbers in the 250 four-stroke motocross bike class when run on our in-house dyno, in 2020 and 2021. We wouldn’t be entirely surprised if that trend continues this year.KTM

2022 KTM 450 SX-F

For several years now, the KTM 450 SX-F has been the lightest bike in the 450 motocross bike segment. The Austrian manufacturer’s claimed weight with all fluids except fuel for the 2022 model is 220 pounds.KTM

2022 KTM 350 SX-F

A new counterbalancer shaft bearing is an engine update featured on the 350 SX-F, 250 SX-F, 350 XC-F, and 250 XC-F.KTM

2022 KTM 125 XC

The 125 XC now comes with a 50-tooth rear sprocket, which is one tooth smaller than last year’s model. This was done to increase top-end speed according to KTM.KTM

2022 KTM 250 XC-F

KTM’s 250 four-stroke cross-country bike retails for $9,799.KTM

2022 KTM 450 XC-F

Sharing 95 percent of its parts with the 450 SX-F motocross model, the 450 XC-F employs some off-road-specific components to better suit it for cross-country racing including softer suspension settings, a larger-capacity fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, kickstand, hand guards, and Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires.KTM

2022 KTM 350 XC-F

According to KTM, the 350 XC-F weighs 222 pounds with all fluids except fuel.KTM

2022 KTM 250 XC TPI

KTM’s claimed seat height of its 250cc two-stroke cross-country model is 37.4 inches.KTM

2022 KTM 300 XC TPI

The 2022 KTM SX, SX-F, XC, and XC-F models will be available at authorized KTM dealers from May 2021 onward.KTM