Next-gen 2025 KTM SX-E models – we’re jealous

KTM announces a new generation of 2025 KTM SX-E minicross motorcycles – the SX-E 5 and SX-E 3 with better battery life, stronger frames and water cooling, but emphasizes that “these bikes are not not toys.”

Making the seamless transition from kids’ e-bikes to motorcycles is so much easier these days, isn’t it? We don’t want to get into that old routine of “children don’t know they were born”, but it’s true!

Occupying a natural place on the evolving ladder of off-road kids, KTM’s mini electric motorcycles, the SX-E 5 and SX-E 3, are strong candidates for a “these ones are too good for you” line of from any parent who grew up with crappy motorcycles and got used to shifting gears, gas spilling everywhere from a crappy carburetor, and less power than a dog fart. We’re just jealous.

Transmission development

For 2025, the KTM SX-E 5 is equipped with a new fully electric water-cooled permanent magnet motor that offers 30% more riding time compared to the previous version and a maximum power of 5.0 kW.

The drive unit is dust and waterproof for low wear and a maintenance-free life.

The control unit (ECU) provides controllable power to match confident, racing kids, but also adjustable as they learn what a throttle means to make it a real alternative to the 50cc gasoline engine, they say.

The KTM SX-E 3 model, on the other hand, has an air-cooled motor producing a more manageable 3.8 kW, but is ideal for smaller riders.

On both bikes, a multifunctional instrument display shows battery status and charge level as well as one of six different riding maps to use depending on how hard and fast you want to transmit power through the throttle.

“Go as you grow”

One of the features that KTM boasts about on the SX-Es is the adjustable dimensions of the bike. The subframe is made from fiberglass reinforced plastic that can be mounted in different positions to accommodate the changing size of the rider.

The window measures 634-682mm, raised or lowered by easy changes to the seat and body. An even lower saddle height is possible by lowering the forks in the triple clamps and also changing the mounting position of the rear shock.

The frame itself is high-strength forged chrome-moly steel with changes from the ’25 model for “strength, handling and a stronger rear shock mounting point,” KTM says.

Versatile charging system

The charging time of the new KTM SX-E 5 has been reduced, with 0-80% capacity achievable in 45 minutes and 0-100% in 70 minutes. The global external charger providing up to 900W can be connected to any 110 or 230 volt outlet.

The new KTM SX-E 3 is a bit slower and charges from 0-20% in 20 minutes, 20-80% in 100 minutes, and 100% in 140 minutes.

Both bikes feature a rollover sensor that cuts power in the event of a fall, while a wrist strap cutoff key stops the motor if things get a little out of control. Driving modes can be locked and saved with a dongle under the seat.

WP pendant light

KTM talks about ‘adult bike pedigree’ with suspension and for the KTM SX-E 5 that means it features a fully adjustable 35mm inverted WP XACT air fork and 205mm of travel. The air-spring left fork leg can be adjusted to the rider’s weight using an air pump. The WP XACT shock absorber is also adjustable for preload, rebound and compression at high and low speeds) and connected using the PDS system directly to the cast swingarm with 193 mm of travel.

The KTM SX-E 3 is slightly simpler with the non-adjustable WP XACT 35mm inverted fork with 144mm of travel) while the shock has 129mm.

Parts List

The SX-E comes with a multitude of parts equivalent to the entire KTM SX range: NEKEN conical aluminum alloy handlebars, ODI lockable grips designed for the motorcycle, black anodized aluminum rims (10″ for the KTM SX-E 3 and 12″ for the KTM SX-E 5) and common parts like hydraulic brake calipers, wave discs front and rear, and the latest molded graphics.

The new 2025 KTM SX-Es will roll off the Austrian production lines in November and will be available from authorized KTM dealers from December 2024. Prices not known.

More information: www.KTM.com