I had the pleasure of riding Destry Abbott’s KTM 350 XC-F Factory Edition earlier this year, and having been on a relatively stock 350 EXC-F for most of that day, the contrast between his race bike and the plated dual-sport I had been riding couldn’t have been more stark. For most folks, though, the Austrian brands' name and numbering designations can be both confusing and overwhelming – letters followed by numbers followed by more letters.
They carry meaning, though, and for those who are familiar with the product line, you’ll know that the XC-F Factory Edition models are developed using insights taken directly from the FMF KTM Factory Racing GNCC program. They’re purpose-built race bikes, and the closest thing you can get at a dealership to what top riders in the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series are riding.
According to KTM’s press release, “the 2026 KTM 350 XC-F Factory Edition features the same range of refinements found across the updated XC lineup.” The 2026 model utilizes a steel tube chassis that is said to deliver “a balance of agility, stability, and traction.” Powering the Factory Edition is a DOHC 350cc single-cylinder paired with a six-speed Pankl transmission optimized for cross-country use. There’s a simplified radiator cap closure and a new protective cover for the CPC fuel connector, too.
For suspension components, KTM bolted on a set of WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring forks, along with a WP XACT rear shock. The good stuff. Dunlop GEOMAX AT82 tires come standard, and the Factory Edition is outfitted, as you might expect, with a state-of-the-art FMF muffler to further reduce weight and increase performance.
Additionally, KTM’s Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) is standard equipment on the Factory Edition, and integrates seamlessly with the ‘KTMconnect’ app, giving riders access to detailed tuning and data analysis. The CUO is mounted on the upper right fork leg and works in conjunction with a GPS sensor on the front fender to allow for advanced customization and ride optimization.
Johnny Girroir, the reigning GNCC champion, wears the number one plate on his 350 XC-F Factory Edition, and with Ben Kelley securing this year's XC1 Open Pro Class title with two races to spare, the KTM 350 XC-F has proven itself to be the weapon of choice for some of the best off-road racers in the U.S.
And it comes with a few more goodies, including: Red Bull FMF KTM Factory Racing Graphics, Factory Racing Seat, Factory Racing Triple Clamps, Factory Wheel Set, Factory Start Device, Factory Skid Plate, Factory Racing Front Brake Disc Cover, Semi-Floating Front Brake Disc, Solid Rear Brake Disc, Orange Anodized Rear Sprocket, and Hinson Outer Clutch Cover.
The 2026 KTM 350 XC-F Factory Edition will be coming off the Mattighofen production line and available at authorized KTM dealers later this month, and will set you back a cool $13,549.
