2022 KTM 125XC Review

I have ridden my 2022 KTM 125XC on moto tracks, old school GP tracks, and woods loops and has about 10 hours use so time for an overview video. The few words summary of the 125XC: Lightweight Fun!
Even after riding this bike over the past year my impressions have not changed from my first ride video......
125's 2-strokes are such fun bikes to ride as you work the throttle, clutch, and shifter to keep them making power and they sound so good screaming through the gears! The lightweight and flickability is off the charts....MTB like! The KTM 125XC is basically a 125SX moto bike with softer suspension valving, 18" rear wheel, bigger 2.6 gallon fuel tank that caries the extra fuel low in the chassis, kick stand, o-ring chain, lighting coil for plug and play lights. And the 125XC comes with both a kick starter and e-start! The chassis and suspension work great on the trails and are fine for a slow Vet rider like me on the MX track. The AER fork updates from 21/22 model year are noticeable and the forks are very tunable for different weight riders and trail conditions. I find the stock settings work well for a wide variety of off road and light moto riding. Cornering is excellent with good tire contact patch feel. The same Brembo brakes that work so well on the 350/450SXF are amazing on the 200 lb 125XC so it is easy to carry speed into corners and brake very late.
Engine wise this bike pulls strong from mid to top end. The initial crack of the throttle (0~1/4 turn) is not as snappy as my 2020 YZ125X but once above 5000 RPM the 125XC simply pulls strong. The hydraulic clutch has a super light pull effort so a quick flick of the clutch lever gets the 125XC into the meat of the power. The FMF Fatty pipe and Power Core 2 silencer give a little sharper response mid to top and sound even better.
So far really enjoying the MTB like lightweight feel and agility, plush suspension, and the synchronizing the throttle, clutch, and shifter to keep the 125XC screaming down the trail or around the track...a little more work but such an engaging and FUN bike to ride!

[@thomasswisshelm9156]

Great video

[@mxengineer1]

Thank you! Fun bike!

[@MountainStorz]

How much do you weigh? Considering a 125xc but I weigh 200lbs. Ride mountain singletrack in NC and TN mostly.

[@mxengineer1]

I 6'2" tall and weigh 190 lbs before riding gear

[@EGGZ1983]

Regardless.. ANY full size dirt bike is catered for average weight of a man 80-85kg. You will need to get springs changed. Bike will be fine. And YES, even for a 450. I weigh 110kg. Used to own a 450. Looking at a 2 stroke for something different. Will change springs. It'll be fine then. Even for a 125..

[@bryden_smith]

How did u get those factory decal kits

[@mxengineer1]

That is plastic from a 450 Factory Edition

[@SWFlowseeker]

Where is the best place to get decal kits?

[@mxengineer1]

I think DeCal Works makes good stuff.

[@joeb10p69]

I get mine from scrub designz, they're an eu based company. Quality stuff with extremely fast delivery time. Took less than a week for my full kit.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

So this or 200 beta?

[@mxengineer1]

If strong low to mid power is more important then the Beta 200RR. If lightest weight is top priority then 125XC. Maybe Beta 200 Race Edition is most versatile small bore?

[@okcmoparguy724]

Does the Beta 200 turn-in as nicely as the 125xc? Looking for a bike for my son and he loves my buddy's yz125x. I may ride it some as well (currently ride 22' yz250fx) and would want e-start. I'm concerned the Beta 200rr may be too much for a fearless 14yr old. Our trails in Oklahoma look very similar to yours in Ohio. Need to do something soon, he's too large for his big wheel yz85. Thanks and really enjoy your videos and excellent commentary!

[@okcmoparguy724]

Just to clarify his favorite part of the yz125x is the turn-in. He's not scared of the 125 power and we do on occasion ride more technical terrain where the 200 would most likely perform better. Would the Beta give up much in terms of agility compared to the 125xc? We share a Beta Evo 200 trials bike, it's been a wonderful performer and training tool. Appreciate your input as very few have ridden both.

[@mxengineer1]

@@okcmoparguy724 Glad you are enjoying the channel! Very cool you have a son that enjoys riding with you - may be faster than you someday too! I really liked the handling of the 2019 Beta 200RR I owned and the motor was like a mini 300 with so much low end. Very easy bike to ride. The 21/22 KTM 125XC is much lighter (maybe 12~14 lbs) than a current Beta 200RR so that might be helpful for you son. However the KTM 125XC does not have the low end and needs more RPM (but coming off a YZ85 might not notice). I like e-start and both have that feature. I would give a slight agility/handling edge to the 125XC while the 200RR has the the edge for easy to ride smoother power. The Beta 200RR also has oil injection and Keihin carb so it runs cleanly and is easy to jet for different temperatures. No wrong choice!

[@shotklrshotklr702]

your to heavy for that bike bruh!! thats why its not snappy!!! my 16 year old rides that bike lol

[@mxengineer1]

Ha Ha! Yes I am bit heavy for a 125 but my 2020 YZ125X and the 2019 YZ125 I rode both had a nice snappy initial throttle response - much better than the KTM 125SX/XC. But once over say 5000 rpm the KTM 125XC was much stronger overall. I can only imagine how good the 125XC would feef if I was 50~60 lbs lighter!