The KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro continues its run in the Austrian company’s cross-country lineup. Intended for riders who demand the most challenging riding terrain available, it features several upgrades for enhanced durability and reliability compared to the already rugged standard 300 XC-W. The 2026 KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro also gets some updates, so let’s look at what’s new and remind you of what’s returning.
- The 2026 KTM 300 XC-W gets new radiator shrouds. If any bike needed radiator protection, this is it. The new shrouds have a more aggressive look and are comprised of two different types of plastic.
- The WP suspension gets new parts and settings. The Xact closed cartridge fork has shorter, lighter, and polished main springs. Also, the fork enjoys a one-piece hydrostop for smoother bottoming and a new pressure reservoir. To match the changes to the Xact fork, the Xplor PDS shock has new settings this year.
- There’s a new twist to opening the radiator cap. The new cap is threaded, which facilitates “easier and faster opening with reduced force,” according to KTM.
- A new protection cap enhances the fuel system’s security. The fuel connector, made by Minnesota-based CPC, is now less susceptible to damage and inadvertent disconnection.
- The 2026 KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro sports bold new graphics. In addition to model-specific graphics, the bike gets a Hardenduro handlebar-mount pad and a grippy Selle Dalla Valle seat from Italy.
- There’s an impressive list of returning protective parts:
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- Clutch slave cylinder guard
- Frame guards
- Front disc guard
- Rear disc guard
- Skid plate
- Wrap-around handguards
- These parts make the Hardenduro more durable and reliable:
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- Factory wheels w/ Excel rims
- Front disc is floating
- Radiator fan
- Rear brake safety wire
- Rear disc is solid
- Supersprox Stealth 2-piece rear sprocket
- Triple clamps that are CNC-machined and black-anodized
- There are even more goodies to make the Hardenduro more competitive when it gets gnarly. The map select switch is standard, Brembo provides the clutch and brake hydraulics, Dunlop Geomax AT82 tires put the power to the ground, and pull straps are installed at each end of the bike.
- The 2026 KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro drops onto dealer showroom floors this month. The list price is $13,699. The bike is only available in the Hardenduro livery, as if you would want anything less.
2026 KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Single-cylinder 2-stroke
- Displacement: 293cc
- Bore x stroke: 72mm x 72mm
- Fueling: Keihin EMS w/ 39mm throttle body
- Exhaust: Electronically controlled power valve
- Cooling: Liquid
- Starting: Electric
- Lubrication: Electronically controlled oil injection
- Transmission: Wide ratio 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet-multiplate Damped Diaphragm Steel w/ Brembo hydraulics
- Final drive: 520 X-ring chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Double-cradle chromoly steel
- Subframe: Polyamide reinforced w/ aluminum
- Handlebar: Neken tapered aluminum
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable WP Xact inverted 48mm fork; 11.8 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-free, fully adjustable WP Xplor piggyback-reservoir shock w/ progressive damping; 12.2 inches
- Wheels: Excel
- Front wheel: 21 x 1.60
- Rear wheel: 18 x 2.15
- Tires: Dunlop Geomax AT82
- Front tire: 80/100-21
- Rear tire: 110/100-18
- Front brake: 260mm disc w/ Brembo caliper
- Rear brake: 220mm disc w/ Brembo caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 58.6 inches
- Rake: 26.1 degrees
- Triple clamp offset: 22mm
- Seat height: 37.9 inches
- Ground clearance: 14.7 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 2.4 gallons
- Wet weight: 248 pounds
2026 KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro Price: $13,699 MSRP
2026 KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro Photo Gallery
