The international EXC versions have a small headlight, speedometer, tail-light and somewhat softer linkless (PDS) rear suspension.
Most notably however, it now featured the latest Keihin engine management system with electronic fuel injection, which now had the ability to compensate for altitude and temperature changes.
A newly designed crankshaft featured a new ultra-light Pankl connecting rod, in combination with the lighter piston, helped keep vibration at a minimum.
The engine case was now 1.8 kg lighter than the outgoing XC4 motor, due in part to its more compact design, and the fact that it was now die-cast as opposed to being sand-cast as seen on previous models.
A newly developed DDS (damped diaphragm steel) clutch featured a billet steel basket with cushioning dampers, and made use of a 250 Nm Belleville spring washer for the first time instead of the customary conical springs, greatly reducing clutch operation force.
The frame was completely revamped, with a noted 30% increase in lateral stiffness, as well as a reduction in size afforded by the new more compact motor, which in turn also provided better ground clearance.
The wheelset featured black Giant rims with CNC machined hubs, mounted with Metzler Six Days Extreme tyres front and rear.
Specially developed for KTM by MAXXIS, new tyres with increased longevity were fitted, alongside newly styled graphics for the bodywork.
A new headlight and its surround were the result of four years of R&D, featuring greater light output from a smaller bulb, which enabled tidier and more crash-resistant wiring behind.
Firmer, yet thicker seat foam developed in conjunction with footwear giant Adidas provided a much-needed improvement in comfort for longer rides.
The 2014 model also saw the introduction of a new wheelset, featuring new Takasago EXCEL AL7 rims, CNC machined alloy hubs, zinc/nickel coated spokes and lightweight aluminium nipples, reducing the overall weight of each wheel by 200g.