First look: 2026 KTM 300 EXC HARDENDURO edition – new forks for the Letti replica

KTM announce updated, 2026 300 EXC Hard Enduro edition for Manuel Lettenbichler wannabes or those simply want something a little more special, sprinkled with Power Parts and tailored for more extreme riding.

2024 was the first time we saw the “Hard Enduro” edition of the KTM 300 EXC. Previously it had taken the Erzbergrodeo as a model name but the with the emergence of the Hard Enduro World Championship, and Manuel Lettenbicher’s domination of it, the HARDENDURO was a better fit for this big-selling KTM machine.

KTM say there are key updates to suspension, cooling, and overall design with the 2026 model. The tech highlights listed below show additional parts fitted to this model which include disc guards, locking wire on the rear brake lever, map selector switch, factory wheel set (black rims, black spokes, orange hubs and orange nipples)

A fresh graphics package, as you’d expect, stands this bike slightly apart from the 2026 KTM Enduro models announced in August this year. White and black colours, an orange frame, and KTM Power Parts scattered around like Christmas decorations it stands out, that’s for sure.

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WP XACT forks and XPLOR shock updated

Just when we thought we were clear which KTM models had which type of WP forks and shock absorber as standard, the ’25 Hard Enduro model lands with a mixture.

KTM say the new model has updates to the 48 mm WP XACT Closed Cartridge forks, including the preload base valve adjusters, while the WP XPLOR PDS rear shock is updated “to keep things in balance”.

It’s good news up front with new damping settings and lighter, shorter springs, as well as a new pressure reservoir adapted to the new geometry of the spring. A new one-piece hydro stop seems simpler by design and mechanically plus there’s an overall weight saving of 200 grams thanks to all the above.

The changes to the shock seems to point to simply balancing out the new performance and feel of the forks, so nothing major here.

Extra parts make the difference

As with the 2026 EXC range, there’s a new protection cap on the CPC fuel connector, which reduces any outside damage causing problems and they say prevents dirt from entering the sides of the connector.

There’s also the new radiator cap with a standard thread for easier opening, ditching the plastic type on previous year models. Plus you get a radiator fan fitted as standard equipment as well as the long list below.