KTM 300 EXC HARDENDURO takes Gold Seal 2025 Off-road Petrol
The Lettenbichler-developed two-stroke takes gold for going straight from the van to the start line.
By ROOST Australia desk · 3 November 2025
KTM’s purpose-built hard enduro weapon has collected some silverware off the track. The 2025 KTM 300 EXC HARDENDURO is the Gold Seal 2025 winner in the Off-road Petrol category. Gold Seal gives a single gold award per category each year, with no second or third place.
Developed by the best
KTM built the HARDENDURO for the world’s toughest extreme enduro events, using input from Manuel Lettenbichler, winner of the 2024 Erzbergrodeo. The idea is simple. Take the already capable 300 EXC and fit at the factory the parts hard enduro racers usually spend a weekend and a credit card adding themselves.
What you get
Up front are closed-cartridge WP XACT 48 mm forks with 300 mm of travel. At the back, a WP XPLOR PDS shock gives 310 mm. The bike also comes with tougher protection and grab straps, which anyone who has had to drag a bike up a rock step will appreciate.
The 293.15cc two-stroke single uses Keihin throttle-body injection with a 39 mm throttle body. That means no rejetting when you move from the coast to the high country or from a cold morning to a hot afternoon. Electric start and a six-speed gearbox complete the package.
Built for the gnarly stuff
KTM quotes 106.1 kg without fuel and 347 mm of ground clearance, figures aimed squarely at rocks, logs and steep climbs. The 963 mm seat height is typical for the class. The fuel tank holds around 9 litres.
Australia has no shortage of terrain for it, from Tasmanian rock gardens to the hard enduro rounds popping up across Victoria and New South Wales. It is easy to see the bike finding plenty of local buyers.
Why it won
The judges liked that the HARDENDURO arrives race-ready. KTM pitches it as a bike that can go straight from the team van to the start line. For buyers, that means race-team specification without a long aftermarket shopping list. In a category full of strong petrol off-roaders, that factory-finished approach got it over the line.
Pricing varies by market, so check with your local KTM dealer.
Key specs
- Engine: 293.15cc two-stroke single, Keihin TBI (39 mm)
- Gearbox: six-speed, electric start
- Weight: 106.1 kg without fuel
- Suspension: WP XACT 48 mm fork (300 mm); WP XPLOR PDS shock (310 mm)
- Seat height: 963 mm; ground clearance: 347 mm
Full specifications, the judges' notes and video are on the KTM 300 EXC HARDENDURO winner page at Gold Seal Awards. The complete list of Gold Seal winners is also published on IMR Awards.
Photo credit: KTM (official press image).
Sources
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