KTM’s Most Focused Enduro Moto Returns with Uncompromising Off-Road ChopsGear PatrolgvandykeUpdatedTue, September 8, 2026 at 5:19 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleThe brand's most dedicated enduro weapon is back for 2027 with a bolder look to match its race-grade components.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreSince the inauguration of the Erzbergrodeo back in 1995, KTM has absolutely dominated. The Austrian brand has taken the top spot in the grueling Hare Scramble 19 times in total, and this year's win caps off five consecutive first-place finishes.AdvertisementAdvertisementMind you, it's a race unforgiving as they come. Of the 500 riders that ultimately line up for the final, rarely more than three percent finish.KTM's 300 XC-W Hardenduro benefits from a bold new look for 2027. - Credit: KTMAs with its Dakar-dominating campaign, then, KTM doesn't use just any bike for the job. While the brand used to sell a model named specifically for the event, in recent years, it's gone by a different designation: the "Hardenduro."KTM's bolder Hardenduro And for 2027, KTM has given the bike a bold new look. Along with swapping the orange of the front fender for black, the brand also ditched the white and mixed up the tail. KTM is liberal with its upgrades, especially when it comes to off-road protection. - Credit: KTMOf course, the most evident change would have to be the larger and, well, hard-to-miss graphics. You'll now find a conspicuous "HARD" with a small, perpendicularly appended "ENDURO" next to it on the tank surrounds.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile I think the scale and visual weight of the words could, frankly, well… use some work, the overall look is an improvement in my book. The black and orange are far more balanced compared to last year's lighter livery, and the dark fork shrouds give the bike a more intimidating vibe.The "HARD" is, well, hard to miss. However, the rest of the livery is pretty sharp. - Credit: KTMGraphics choices aside, KTM makes it a difficult bike to ignore because of its off-road performance chops. Despite the new looks, the model retains everything that has made it such a credible go-anywhere weapon.As before, this means it starts with the proven two-stroke 300 XC-W. Then, to ensure the bike is ready to contest the rigorous obstacles and technical trails of enduro racing, KTM equips it with an array of performance upgrades.KTM pays special attention to the touchpoints. - Credit: KTMThough it's not a treatment that extends to the engine internals, it's nevertheless a robust assortment of parts.AdvertisementAdvertisementAlong with improved touchpoints like a ribbed Diamante Factory seat, KTM also makes provisions for long-haul durability through a skid plate, brake disc guards, a set of frame protectors and a clutch slave cylinder protector, among other touches.The 300 XC-W Hardenduro makes promises competition-grade backcountry chops. - Credit: KTMIn keeping with its competition-ready qualities, the Hardenduro also boasts performance upgrades like a radiator fan for added cooling and a map-select switch.Moreover, KTM has dressed the bike with desirable hardware, as it promises a generous mix of black and orange anodized components, a set of WP Xact closed-cartridge front forks and matching Excel rims.The saddle is just one of many upgrades that comes with the Hardenduro treatment. - Credit: KTMAvailability and pricingAccording to KTM's announcement, the 300 XC-W Hardenduro will be available soon. When the bike goes on sale, it'll be priced from $13,699.KTM 2027 300 XC-W Hardenduro Starts at $13,700 AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.