KTM’s 2022 motocross, cross country lineups remain mostly the same

[advrider]

KTM’s 2022 motocross and cross country bikes are here. There aren’t many updates to the new machines, but KTM likely has good reasons for keeping things mostly unchanged.

The announcement for the new models says the KTM 250 SX-F and 350 SX-F four-stroke motocross machines get a new counterbalancer shaft bearing for next year. KTM says this will “reduce friction and increase durability.”

Aside from that, there’s also a new 50-tooth rear sprocket on KTM’s 125 SX F. Aside from that, it seems most of the machines get new paint for 2022, and that’s it.

KTM’s 450 four-strokes continue to tear up the pro race series. That helps to explain the minimal changes for 2022. Photo: KTM

That isn’t really a surprise. For one, the current KTM lineup is winning. Cooper Webb just rode the 450 SX-F Factory Edition to nail down the AMA Supercross title for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team, his second championship in the 450SX class. Across the pond, the KTM 125 SX took seven of the top 12 spots in the 2020 EMX125 European Championship.

Then, remember the entire motorcycle industry is tangled up in the coronavirus pandemic. The best policy here is KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid. With supply chain issues chewing holes in motorcycle production schedule, why risk making problems worse? Offroad bikes are selling like mad right now, and KTM will have no problem moving its MXers and cross country machines, even if many of them only see Bold New Graphics for 2022.

The KTM 250 SX F gets new crankshaft bearings, the only real mechanical update for next season. Photo: KTM

Remember, too, that this is only part of KTM’s offroad lineup. Perhaps we’ll see some changes to the trail/enduro machines when they come out later this year.

For 2022, KTM has the 450, 350 and 250 four-stroke models returning from last season, in motocross (SX) and cross country (XC) format. The cross country bikes have an 18-inch rear wheel, handguards, sidestand, 8.5-litre fuel tanks and different tires, but they’re basically the same machines as the motocross bikes. The 125, 250 and 300 two-strokes also return, as do the 50, 65 and 80 machines aimed at youth riders.

These machines are supposed to be in KTM showrooms this month. For pricing, your best bet is to contact your local dealer, as we’ve heard reports of various dealers changing pricing to reflect increased demand as the COVID-19 pandemic goes into its second summer.

 

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