2018 KTM 250 XC-W TPI FULL Review | KTMs First Major Production EFI 2 Stroke Model in USA

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Here is my review of the 2018 KTM 250 XC-W TPI. As you will find out in the video, I’m a big fan of this bike. I wasn’t sure how much I’d like the EFI since the carbureted versions of these bikes are pretty much spot on. To my surprise though, the EFI versions don’t give up anything that I miss and they add something that is hard to do without. They just run so very clean and crisp. It’s going to be very eye opening to many riders who will get their first taste of a properly running 2 stroke.
From the great brakes and clutch, to the really good forks and PDS suspension, this bike is a force to be reckoned with. Gone are the days of mixing oil in your gas since the bike will do that for you. Gone are the days of wondering what jets to run in your carburetor to make it run cleanly. Tthe bike is going to adjust that for you. Gone are the days of vibration since it has a counter balanced motor.
The bottom line is that these bikes are tough to beat in so many ways. Yes, it’s about 7lbs heavier than my 2018 250 XC (with out EFI), but it feels every bit as light, if not lighter when you ride them back to back. When KTM brings the 300 version of this bike over to the states, they will sell out in an instant. The thing that is exciting to me is that they hit a home run, in my opinion, on their first try. It can only get better from here. That is pretty cool.
Special thanks to my $10/month patrons on / dirtbikechannel
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[@jessegarrett7215]

Another good thing about the efi not mixing gas is you can share gas with your 4 stroke buddies and vice versa if someone didn’t bring enough gas for the weekend. After giving them a hard time for not being prepared of course

[@v4sdude191]

OK Dirt Rider you telling me they don't bring a 10 gallon of gas?

[@sendit1158]

U explain everything so great, been watching vids 5 mins after waking up every morning cause i cant get enough

[@maximusmurua4437]

Hi Kyle, can't thank you enough for what you do I'm glad that I'll finally be able to contribute to your work by buying parts...been watching your videos and others for over 2 years and with al that researched finally bought the 2018 KTM XCW TPI Thank you

[@arturocharles7107]

Kyle You should sell dirtbike channel decals for patreon subscribers, just a thought.

[@jeffswank9665]

I just bought a 2018 ktm xcw 250 tpi used with 40 hours and love it. I have been riding a 02 crf 450 which was a beast but I wanted a change. I bought it for 7200 with a full rekluse clutch along with a rear brake leverBelow the existing clutch. It also came with a two setting mapping switch one choose is mild the other is wild lol.I’m not gonna lie it took a little getting used to a crashed four times the first time out which I’ve never done in my life. But I absolutely love this bike I went back to my old riding style of not using the rear brake lever for a little while till I get used to it but this thing is a blast.

[@sarahdell4042]

2 strokes sound so lovely! ❤️

[@alltruckeredout]

I just bought a 2019 xc-w 250 TPI Saturday! Largely based on your reviews. Thank you very much. You helped me make a very informed decision, and I am very very excited to live with this bike for years to come 🤘

[@andrewsprason1223]

Hi, I just got a EXC 300 TPI. OMG, Absolutley love this channel. Great work more vids please

[@Rich2wheels]

Andrew Sprason how r YOU finding it? Any issues or suprises?

[@RichLaffertyRacing]

Kyle, Just rode my Popps EFI other day in box stock trim, I agree “ freakin awesome”! Best stock motorcycle I have ever rode, ready to race! While 300 is my choice over 250... I can only imagine what 300 EFI is gonna feel like.👍🏻

[@rnewman350]

Hi Kyle here in the UK first thing we do is put a 51t rear sprocket on . Pulls 3rd gear better in the tight stuff. Tks for your videos really enjoy them. All the best .

[@v4sdude191]

R Newman eww Uk

[@quentinrance8974]

Kyle, thanks for doing this review. I think I am going to this model in the fall. I am old-school two-stroke 'mixer' so I am looking forward to an easier prep so I can focus on the ride. I also completely agree with KTM keeping the kick-start option when weather is cold and it taxes the battery. I just had a partial knee replacement, so an e-start model will be my new 'adaptive' bike. At some point, can you do a video on setting the sag on the KTM's (if you've already done this please disregard)?

[@jpp2422]

Man, This channel is just great. How did I not know about it!

[@dirtbikesicehockey4788]

I'm guessing you liked this bike...LOL. Excellent review. Thanks for all the time you put into Dirt Bike Channel

[@jophoto934]

The wide range transmission is awesome for technical, difficult terrain riding

[@eliasjansson9375]

More videos with att ids please!!! They are so great

[@booie2t271]

If it is lacking in bottom end you could go up a tooth or two in the rear sprocket

[@leroywilliams7210]

Great reviews! It would be nice to add why you replaced it with a non EFI version when you say that it’s great and would totally ride it for the next 3-4 years.

[@jacobmiller6664]

I think mainly he likes the low end more on the carb bikes, and the fact that they run cooler. but also he buys a few bikes a year, so he got a 2018 bike and that's his main ride. In a few months when the 2019s come out I'm sure he will buy one and sell the 2018.

[@gbagz69]

He said it in a previous video.. he thought it would be cool to give away the newer more rare TPI bike.

[@hay829]

Your review is awesome. I’m switching my 2016 250 xcw for a 2019 300 six days

[@stoned_snake8763]

Bmwhail Headdd i’ve put one of those together at the shop. Insane bikes

[@kronik2020]

Maxxis Desert IT is still the top dog of all the tires I've ran on my KTM 200 XC-W. Dunlop and Michelin Both wear too fast and are not as good at low psi with the Tubliss system. Cant wait for the 300 XC-W EFI to get to dealers here.

[@mattgreen9323]

Hey man awesome videos keep it up

[@SK-if9rf]

I have a 250TPI, put a S3 head (from Slavens), JD jetting tuner and rip it! (also cures any hard starting issues) Still thinking about going up 1 on the rear..

[@breckboy654]

I’m lucky enough to be getting one of these beautiful bikes

[@chico280]

Headlight is a must for me.

[@RusSasO]

They took the kick-start...

[@benchimenti1720]

you really need to try the dunlop gummy tire you would love it, it doesn't lasdt the best though just like you said earlier about the other tire

[@rexdadpapa]

Great review as usual man! Ride on!

[@ReagenMcKenzie]

What about all those modified Utes that blow out heaps of smoke?

[@Toldea34]

Excellent Video Kyle, Like button 'smashed'. BTW - I wont stop at 'Well, it had a really good sound and I could dance to it' as my reason for liking the video. Your evaluation of each area on the bike is exactly what someone who may be looking to get a bike needs to hear. I am a detail geek and would actually love to hear more, such as what sag you used, compression and rebound settings for various types and speeds of riding you went on, More detail about the gearing, but, that is just me. The detail you provide is really good enough to identify why you liked each area, and how you felt it ran on the trail under actual use. And, would be very helpful to someone looking to decide what bike is right for them. Professional, like maybe you have been doing this a lot or something. For my own experience, I had bought a motocross 250 4 stroke and proceeded to try to make it a single track bike, only to find out, its a motocross bike. While it is a good motocross bike, I have settled on setting it up more for open desert riding. I love the way it rides for that purpose and is better suited for the manufacturers design. It Flows. Since then, I have bought a Husky TE 300. Now, I have the best of both worlds. If I would have had a video like this available to me before buying the 250 4 stroke, I would have jumped straight to the 2 stroke and had the 250 vs 300 dilemma, which you have another video for ;-) . Long story short, 'Dude, I liked your video, it was cool!'

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Thank you.

[@user-mq9ds9tz5i]

This bike is sweet. The compression and rebound is a bit confusing though.How is one side compression and the other side rebound? Both have compression and rebound, so confused..

[@Toldea34]

It is all internal. The one side manages the valves controlling the compression, while the other side does the rebound. Old school forks have both functions within each fork. It is simply where the increase or decrease in resistance to the fork movement is being applied. I think I had it explained to me (my TE300 has XPlor) as essentially the same valving in each fork, but one is set opposite of the other. So, Each fork controls one aspect - Compression, or rebound. I may have the dumbed down version, but that is how I understand it. And, it does work very well. I have made changes and noticed the differences as it should. More compression does make the wheel compress more slowly - seems stiffer. More rebound allows the wheel to extend at a slower pace, less allows the wheel to extend faster, less resistance to the movement. Hope that helps

[@user-mq9ds9tz5i]

This is helpful thank you. I haven’t fallowed up on new dirt bikes much.I have some homework to do.hydro clutches, electric start 2 strokes, fuel injection! It just gets better and better.My wife thinks I’m a weirdo talking about a fuel injected electric start 2 stroke and a kick start. Thanks for the update safe travels..

[@benhawke7231]

I wish they would bring the 300 here.

[@TEKKYTWO]

Have you ever had CCP sensor issues? I’ve just got a 2023 ktm 250 TPI and it’s bogging bad

[@mxfreak212]

So have you made 20 grand in tshirt sales yet?

[@darringoodbrand6603]

Cracking looking bike you would think other bike company's would take back fuel injection 2 stroke bikes ?

[@mixalis6168]

Funny, you state fuel economy isn’t that different to a carb bike, yet graham Jarvis mechanic states the husky 300 tpi has a huge advantage over the 17 carb husky !

[@Zgembo121]

please do a compare of 2 stroke vs motocross 4 strokes

[@WMN99]

actually planned to buy the 2019 ktm exc250tpi when released later

[@bikeandfarm2940]

Did you get it

[@hoodpapa1181]

The wife has given me the golden ticket to go buy that bike but I just can’t pull the trigger. Just don’t want to take any payments on right now but that is exactly what I want.

[@AaBb-zj2ld]

they need to get that cold start fixed. my 80s90s cars started fine every winter.

[@noirxplorer3185]

This bike is perfect. Beautiful too.

[@storken756]

Does the ktm exc 125 2004 have a counter balance?

[@kylepez604]

no mixing gas where the fun in that

[@sgaard7701]

im sad about its only in USA you can win the bike btw nice vid. :D

[@paahtopro3950]

its not only in us

[@desertrider325]

I just want to know if you would prefer the 18 250XC or the 18 250XC-W? As far as the suspension is concerned.

[@stevematuro8384]

Kyle you should get a Honda crf450 rx and do a review

[@v4sdude191]

steve maturo it's meh, simply a motocross bike with some mods for trail riding

[@jakepoe1247]

Nice video kyle i liked it.

[@bikeninja956]

do these EFI bikes need to be adjusted for temperature and such or is it just set and forget? if the EFI system goes, is it DIY friendly or is it a visit to the shop?

[@nickatkinson9124]

You should try the Dunlop gummy tire.

[@grecoconduris6716]

I hope it saves 2 strokes, but I still think its only delaying the inevitable. But lets live it up whilst it lasts.

[@aussiebriza6170]

Can u explain which is the best ECU for 2019 ktm 250 xc w 2-stroke fuel injected

[@izanami2186]

am thinking about getting one of these bikes from a kx250f im changing because the kx250f has too much power for me im wondering if this bike would have more power than a kx250f or if it would be less power which i want

[@brandonmorgan3363]

Thank you Kyle!!

[@greghummer607]

Bought one and love it !!

[@gavinb6300]

Greg Hummer how is it holding up

[@joemcneil4409]

I have a 2015 te125, I was wondering to shed some weight would I be able to remove my battery, head light, tail light, and speedometer. And get normal fender and number plate or does the bike need the battery and other accessories plugged in to start and run.

[@jdnagel7121]

Whats up Kyle It seems like you know ur way around so i got a question i live in South africa and work in USA for about 8 to 9 months a year my bike is sitting for long periods of time any tips to save it ? My bike has got 15 hours 2022 KTM 250 xc-w Tpi? I have a 2020 Ktm 350 in the US as well. It came to my attention that the 350 refuses to start until i run with it a little then it starts and runs but should i get worried when it comes to the piston not driving it often?

[@mrdedlund8354]

So good videos👍 thanks🇸🇪

[@westvirginiasworstangler2126]

What oil are you supposed to use since it mixes the fuel itself basically.

[@TheFrog767]

Man 3:30 l thought if you go over there 🤯🤯 7:57 wow what a place to get to.

[@averageblokenbikes5013]

Carburetor model i will be buying

[@tself77]

Are hats going to be back in stock before the drawing ends?

[@KaneTerry]

So from I see you don't need rego on the bikes riding in that area

[@b2ridez279]

How does it run compared to a 2st with a lectron?

[@hondaguy425able]

Is this a trail or a motorcross bike? Also is ktm going to make a fuel injected sx250?

[@marte1a256]

How much is ktm paying you?

[@juanitokikiki]

can u ad alittle oil to gas to unlean ??

[@gremlin7599]

Are there any 150 xcws around that anyone has found used? I'm trying to find a trail twostroke 200ccs and under as I'm not that experienced of a rider and was wondering what people have found

[@brd5het]

Can you use Amsoil in the TPI bikes?

[@nuutti69]

15 to 25 decrease cold?? 🤣 Souns like Finnish summer 😎😂

[@johnthompson1978]

Kyle is talking Fahrenheit not Celsius. 32F is freezing.

[@tomballesteros4673]

Great machine,it does not have the CR 250r power band slam. Great smooth acceleration, great soft suspension..great acceleration & power in Arizona sand wash’s & rocky hill climbing. If when you crash,,it does not flood out on fuel & have trouble starting..electric start is so cool!

[@stanleykania7184]

Just bought a new 2018 Yamaha YZ250X.. My first 2 stroke.. Age 47 got learn how to ride it .. Maybe had down this bike to my son when I'm ready to get another one.. Maybe Yamaha will get Fuel injection and counter balance.. My experience with lighter than lead batteries are not good.. I will stick with lead..

[@josephnies685]

Nice video!

[@grunx_1202]

what if the oil pump get fucked up rip engine ?? how much then i have to pay for repair?

[@grunx_1202]

and i have problem as i got to have my first bike i would get xc version but i dont know nothing about jetting .

[@ridingdeep8530]

It’s funny, we got away from two strokes due to lack of useable power and questionable reliability, now we are going back? Personally I would much rather race (I’m not talking about trail riding) most modern four strokes, there we a few times a few years ago where my two-strokes left me enjoying the beauty of nature during a race, I don’t plan on going back anytime soon. That’s just me though.

[@jrhunt414]

I think you’ve sold me. Brotherson is gonna make me broke.

[@patshore8448]

Is their a oil block off kit I’m just that guy would prefer to mix it any info would be appreciated 🤘 rock on man you channel kicks ass🤘

[@brianmorrison9066]

So it doesn't really run any better than a properly jetted keihin but it has cold start problems, issues with overheating, cylinder damage, exc. I think I'll keep my 250x.....for now anyway

[@kaisuhina8024]

But out here where temperature changes by 20F every day you would have to be changing jets everytime you ride

[@brandonnewman1018]

Hey, it's been 3 years

[@MarkBingham511]

Don't try to follow a 450 with one of those geomax dunlop tires.

[@2BrothersRAVEN]

2020 the kickstart is gone lmao

[@elismigel707]

Can someone please tell me what the helmet is at 9:30 I NEED it.

[@LoffeSvensson]

Awsome. Going to get my first bike this summer. Im 17. I'm thinking about getting a used yz125 to start of. But then im probably going to get a ktm xc due to that im only going to ride enduro because i live in the forest👌 keep it up man. Cheers from sweden👍

[@LoffeSvensson]

fredman1085 Yeah i have all sorts of terrain here so i think im going to have a great time learning the yz 125 and then hopefully advance to a more powerfull ktm xc w later☺

[@LoffeSvensson]

fredman1085 sounds great and even better when i have both steep and flat trails that i can choose between👍 the 125 ktm is probably not a choice though because you almost never see a used ktm 125 for sale here in sweden👎

[@topdec3209]

Hey bro nice vid. I do some riding in Australia, Perth and have made a KZbin channel, just wondering how u got people to view your videos initially. Cheers

[@scottbrits3915]

Top Dec sub to your channel

[@DirtBikeChannel]

I got 0 views in the beginning. It took me years to build it up to where I could get 500 views on a video. Building a following here has been one of the hardest things I've ever done.

[@topdec3209]

Wow didn’t realise it was so hard, cheers for that. Keep up the good vids

[@vq37vhr12]

25 hour top ends on these?

[@carlatamanczyk9199]

I have to believe that top end rebuilds will be more frequent.

[@carlatamanczyk9199]

EFI = lean = less piston and ring life. Law of physics says you can not run a 2 stroke lean and get very long engine life.

[@AussieDazza]

You should try Golden-tyre Tyres mate.

[@slimshady3169]

But why is there a husky in ur garage

[@ethanbible5264]

If that TBI is so good why give it away why did you not keep it and give away the XC

[@philipp4109]

Ethan Bible TPI *

[@applezockerlb]

This or a 250exc-f to start riding? 😁

[@DirtBikeChannel]

Neither. I just did a video on this topic. Check my feed.

[@tl5108]

I see some nitro moose bibs in the background. Hopefully we'll be getting a little review here soon

[@brianh8484]

diablo speedzl1 I’ve been using nitro bibs this year. If you ride a lot of rocks they’re the only way to go. Doubt I’ll ever go back to tubes. I don’t have carry spare tubes or pumps.

[@brianh8484]

I think it’s more in your mind almost. When you’re not worried about punctures you can ride rocks with out fear of a flatty but I have since replaced that fear with a fear of smashing my rim. I’ve already put a small flat spot on my front rim from hitting a square edge too fast. I find the traction is not compromised at all and I know guys I ride with who have gotten multiple sets of tires out of a set of bibs. For me that’s probably 2 years of trail riding. Nothing’s perfect but again, I can’t see myself going back to tubes. I also have a brand new set of tubliss hanging in my garage that I no longer have any desire to install and try out.

[@tl5108]

I'm gonna have to try them. I ride a lot in PA coal country n its nothing but rocks. I haven't had any flats but it would be very nice not to have to worry about it. The price is the only draw back for me. Pretty much paying for another set of tires

[@toryhillmotocross6342]

My 2004 ktm sx runs properly.... like too properly

[@nick4506]

100000 subs nice

[@jimmiller3594]

i get 50 mpg out of mine 250 tpi

[@scowler92]

KTM is missing a big opportunity to compete with Honda by not making a street-legal variant of this.

[@Rich2wheels]

Scowler its called the exc f.... its been around for a long time. R u being sarcastic?

[@bradleymachado8381]

Update. The kickstart is gone

[@r563]

He would be happy to ride it but gave It away because he new it would wear out quickly

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

Me too kinda

[@chrisferguson4991]

Ktm please dont take away the kick start. 2020 ktm no kicker 😂

[@charlesmiller7139]

Oh but for around 4-5 hundred you can have the shop install a kit that ktm offers. Go figure. 11 k isn't enough. Lol

[@Captain250FX]

🙌🏿

[@robertforsberg6192]

so the bottomline is its kind of god as long as you only compare it to stuff that sucks...

[@reinhardtjansen7289]

2020 kick start is now gone

[@vinuezaer]

Sounds like it had yz250x behavior .

[@r563]

Dirt Bike Channel Poor lubrication increased engine wear less power. no power valve adjustment unable to alter Ignition timeing exhaust or compression because fuel mixture is not adjustable. This bike is only a good choice if it is the only way you can legally own a new 2stroke. Still able to purchase new carb bike In CA. At the minimum your looking at a programmable ecu with injectors moved to the reed valve to make this a serious machine , this helps cool the crank and rod bearings. The bike is all ready way over priced and you will have to spend another grand to get it right. All your vids sound like commercials for the free stuff you get .

[@dick8997]

Thing looks slow