2018 KTM 250 XC-W TPI | Ride Review

KTM 250 TPI Test - We finally got our hands on the NEW KTM 250 XC-W TPI (Transfer Port Injection) Fuel Injected two-stroke Dirt Bike. Justin gets to ride the New KTM 250XC-W TPI side by side with a 2017 KTM 250xc to compare and run it through its paces. Watch the video to see the new KTM TPI Dirt Bike go head to head with a 2017 KTM250XC.
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[@BlackBoneAMX]

Nice review. I have 8.3 miles on my 2018 TE250i. It was 28 degrees with 3" of snow. I loved it.

[@ethanhaskins6634]

Top speed

[@westvirginiasworstangler2126]

It felt like I was watching the dirt bike channel

[@DirtBikeChannel]

GarrettTheFisherman they did a great job on this video!

[@utahdesertrider1806]

I liked it cuz it was like the normal dude trail riding review. When a pro reviews a bike his views are 100% respect but I’m not a pro, I don’t ride like a pro. So his interpretation prob wouldn’t jive with mine. Perfect video. Thx

[@victorgold3566]

Great video, guys, as always. Keep them coming!

[@DmitriyAdv]

Great review! It’s awesome to see fuel injection finally making its way to two strokes, ensuring their continued availability.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

I'd rather have a carb.

[@alejandropayro4676]

Great review! I agree with your conclusion that KTM got it right with this bike. I've been super happy with mine after 20+ hours on it!! Definitely the best bike ever!!

[@brettshelton6114]

I'm glad you did some Drag-races, I love those....if only more guys would talk about the acceleration comparison between bikes. Great.

[@204052971]

I just picked my TPI on Wednesday, riding tomorrow.

[@thumperbangin2000]

trouble maker how u like it??

[@tosh726]

Informative review. Nice job, thanks!

[@jeromec4419]

Great review!

[@dnrg62]

Good no nonsense review cheers d

[@googleuser1522]

Great review!! Good stuff. You already got someone lined up to buy the 2018 TPi when you’re done testing it? Or will you list it on KSL?

[@dsdub74]

Great review good stuff.

[@allenhuling598]

Great ride review, Justin....really nice bikes!

[@rmatvmc]

thanks a lot!

[@utahdesertrider1806]

Great review.

[@user-fv4mv9ne3u]

Nice review!!

[@onzalimeyphillips3662]

Solid review 👍

[@thanedavis1273]

As you said at the end, it looks like KTM spent some time making sure EFI bike performed as well as the carb bike. They could have pushed the EFI into production while they were still fine tuning the system.

[@user-qx1zt8mq4q]

Nice job !

[@RideTheTrack]

this was a great review, thank you. Would love a 300 vs 250 comparison in future if you guys could manage it

[@rmatvmc]

Glad you liked it! That would be an awesome comparison video. Thanks for watching!

[@ool3062]

Ride The Track I have had a 2015 300 six days and now a 2019 250 xcw but you can’t compare the 300 to this. The 250 actually feels like it has the same power, the 300 has more torque though. 250 feels a lot lighter and alot more fun to ride. I can really feel how much faster I ride on 250! I test drove all Husqvarna enduros too and the 250 was my favorite from all 150-500cc.

[@TwistandShout257]

So gosh dang smooth!

[@smol_yote]

I’m very interested in a fuel injected 2 stroke, the fact they eliminate the need to premix makes it so much more friendly for duel sport purposes and riding to the trails on the bike.

[@noirxplorer3185]

Best bike I've ever ridden.

[@ktm-bc1dw]

great honest review, i love my 250 over hear in the uk. could have changed to a 300 several times, can truthfully say having ridden 300 2t itms for 15 years this 250 is a better package. I rode my mates 300 last sunday on real tech decent with steep climb, my 250 was easier.

[@rmatvmc]

I think the transition into the powerband is smoother on the 250. I loved my 300, but this 250 is better in some ways for sure.....Justin

[@billybobbubbawubba9457]

I have heard that said, multiple times, even by a 230 lb. riding buddy, who is a good rider.

[@andreiiulianmoraru1515]

I'm not a 2 wheel guy but Bikes are growing on me , i think it's nice , bikes are nice.

[@rmatvmc]

they are nice! you should try one!

[@utahdesertrider1806]

I’d like your opinion on Beta 300 “Race” version vs KTM or husky. I have a Beta. I like it I think husky luggs more but it would be cool to see

[@sonoma314]

The TPI version also shouldn't load up with oil on those descents, or when tooling along at low rpm, because the oil injection is metered down, or up, based on rpm and throttle opening. I've read the ratio is sometimes down to 80/1

[@ddbrocato]

What camera/stabilization are you using for this video? The best I’ve seen.

[@rmatvmc]

sony action cam. by far the best stabilization! Justin

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I hope this makes its way to the 150. That would be sweet.

[@rmatvmc]

We hear you loud and clear *LostlnPA!* We hope so too.

[@Ziga1405]

LostInPA myu

[@devanspencer1187]

LostInPA your wish came true

[@kichaa13]

@@devanspencer1187 Really? Where? I can't see that on ktm's website

[@slyrbaby]

@@kichaa13 From what I've heard, the 2020 150 will have TPI.

[@jorgplatzmuller2860]

Just some facts! KTM is working on the TPI bikes for more than 13Years to save the 2 stroke. They had to match the Euro4 emission regulations for the street legal bikes. Fuel consumption is dropped to the 4 stroke level. And finally keep in mind the Guys at KTM in Austria ride the Bikes themselves… Let´s see how the Bikes perform at 2018 Erzberg hare scramble and other bigger events.

[@BarnStangz]

Looks like a nice bike. I think as time marches on we'll see more 2t's with TPI and it'll just keep getting better. Having said that, there is still nothing wrong with a good dialed in carb... The TPI will be sweet if you change elevations a lot as well. I'm thinking about getting a Beta 300RR and I know that it is still rocking the carb which is fine with me. I'd want to wait at least a full model year before getting the TPI bikes, but I'm sure that they'll be good and reliable. Oh, and thanks for the power shifting drag race! Love hearing a 2t wide open banging gears.

[@rmatvmc]

You are welcome! I agree, there aren't enough advantages to the TPI to totally be done with a carb. For MX guys, a finely tuned carb is hard to beat. I am excited to get this bike up in the mountains to see the gains. my 2017 with the carb didn't like the big elevation changes in the mountains......Jusitn

[@RWWRENTAL]

i hope they make a 200cc 2 stroke of this version one day. ive heard the tpi 250 crawls up like a 4 stroke on low RPMs is this true? tryingt o decide between the KTM or GPX ... mostly the price difference lol or spend a bit more for the KTM

[@quikcolin]

I own a 2017 KTM 250 XC-W, and it's great to hear that there isn't a major difference between the two... I'm also happy to hear that the injection is dialled in these new TPI's straight out of the crate. The 17's had some growing pains... The Mikuni that came in the carburetor versions of the 17' and 18' are hit and miss. Mine wasn't terrible (I ride ASL) but purchased a JD Jetting Keihin AirStryker 36mm to solve the minor issues I was having. I also had to replaced my reeds with VForce... as the gaps were comical. I truly believe 2 stroke TPI is the future... saying that, there's something to be said for the simplistically of a standard carb'd 2 stroke. I'm in no hurry whatsoever in replacing my 17'.... heck, I love my bike. She's going to be with me for many years to come. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these KTM or Husky 2 strokes... carb'd or TPI.

[@rmatvmc]

You are right on. No rush to get rid of the 17. I loved my 17 TX300. Like you, it took a minute to get that carb set, but it was pretty sweet once it was. I was just real happy the first production TPI is as good as it is. I am most excited to get it in the mountains. My TX wouldn't run on top when I climbed a few thousand feet. it will be interesting to see what this does.....Justin

[@bhula40250]

Love how the anti tech crowd has to say the sky is falling all the time, however this is a brand new bike lets see how the electronics hold up in year 2 and 3 to pass judgment

[@rmatvmc]

I agree!!

[@georgeboswell4620]

Keihin A/S with STIC metering block outperforms fuel Injection; making more horsepower and greater acceleration

[@mj_aussie_coaster_travels8310]

So two years on, how have they gone for longevity? Topend rebuilds more often than a carded two stroke?

[@TheKendr]

Interesting, thx

[@jeanguion3223]

how bout the tech side of the injection system? can you adjust the fuel ratio, oil ratio, idle etc? i'd be looking for less power and better mpg for long rides.. i mean the ignitions on these are mappable rite? just makes sense to be able to map the injection system too.. and i'm kinda with the na sayers on here...i don't think i could ever really trust a non-mechanical oil injection pump...a bottom end job is no small undertaking..

[@BlackBoneAMX]

Rocky Mountain ATV MC, I have 10.5 hours on my TE 250i. You folks are who I will be looking forward to hearing from very soon. It will be time for creek crossings and pulling the bike out of upside down situations. My Husky has a programer that I need to plug in when it runs out of oil.Hopefully I never need that. What will we do to save these EFI KTM's and Husqvarna's? Lets say tipped upside down in a ravine for 20 minutes or tipped down stream in a creek? I am totally enjoying my TE 250i. Looking forward to riding an EFI 300 2 stroke. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks BlackBoneAMX. The modern 4-strokes have the same issues in a water situation like that. hopefully you keep water out of the fuel system. otherwise, I think you just have to pull the plug, get it upside down, and clean out the airbox like you would on a carburated bike. Hopefully neither one of us have to find out! - Justin

[@arthuralmeida4153]

Hi friend, I would like to know if it is possible to adapt the fuel tank of the ktm sxf 250 7L on this bike?

[@SunnyVR652]

What do you think about the 18 model now that the 2020 and 2021 model is out.

[@sgtthor7830]

How are the TPI exc bikes with reliability and maintenance intervals?

[@therealryan55]

Where did y'all go for this test ride? Looks like a lot of fun!

[@rmatvmc]

Cherry Creek Area - near the Little Sahara sand dunes (Utah)

[@rvh77]

One concern I'd have is that since there's a reservoir for the 2 stroke oil, you don't have any say on mix ratios. It just is what it is. So you'd be a little more restricted on which oils you can use.

[@rmatvmc]

The manual calls for a synthetic oil from a "reputable maker". that kind of surprised me. It isn't asking for any special injector type of oil. So any synthetic 2-stroke oil will work fine.

[@danielwaits3681]

Going to pick one up when the income taxes roll in, what is the name of that intro song?

[@JazzyG331]

What are the chances of a group ride with you guys?

[@Ahhtheserenity]

Hi thanks for the good video,do you know the stats on fuel mileage compared with the carby version?

[@6GEARPINNED]

lol now your consider getting one did some readin up on it did yah lol

[@rmatvmc]

on our test, it did a little better. Nothing crazy. check out my other video. thanks - Justin

[@KTMguy]

I assume both bikes had stock gearing (13:50) Is that correct? Most folks notice the 2nd to 3rd gearing gap of the XCW as compared to the XC semi-wide box. I find that going to 13:52 helps to overcome that gap.

[@rmatvmc]

stock gearing. I really haven't had an issue with the gearing. seems pretty good. - Justin

[@user-bv5ms6td4j]

I have said it before fuel injection is great honestly. But my issue is with the oil mixing system if the oil pump or gravity feed or injector for the oil fail you are spending a pretty penny. No oil mix no lubrication and the bike is blown. I'll stick with my carburator unless they come out with a fuel injection two stroke that you can put premixed gas in to

[@rmatvmc]

oil pump is electronic. interestingly, the manual says to replace it every 80 hours (same as a top-end). So it sounds like it can wear out. they cost around $100. - Justin

[@chrisporter8829]

Bad ass bike I will trade my 2017 crf250r for that ktm 250 2stroke

[@06springfield]

Was there a noticable difference in fuel consumption? The only reason I would want a tpi is if there really is a increase in mpg.

[@thesickhorseranch1930]

I go from sea level one weekend to over 4k feet the next. Having a bike run perfectly everywhere would be so nice. A boost in mpg wouldn't hurt but not changing jets would be awesome.

[@ffarmchicken]

That is what I would want injection for, not having to rejet when I change elevation or temp. Although, my 2010 300xc never really changed enough to notice when riding sea level to 5000ft. Which is where I do most of my riding.

[@DiDoSvK]

What is the maximum rpm of these TPI bikes ? And how's the fuel consumption compared to carburetor?

[@rmatvmc]

Great questions - regarding RPM, I am not sure, but it didn't seem any different than the carb model. I will do some better testing on the MPG soon, but so far I am not seeing anyting significant. I have had the bike out 2 times now and didn't notice anything real amazing on fuel consumption. I need to to better testing with better controls to give a solid answer....Justin

[@ethanhaskins6634]

What do u think the top speed os

[@chriscardoza9714]

Do you have to mix the gas or not just wandering..

[@quikcolin]

Nope, there is a separate oil tank that feeds automatically into the cylinder

[@heidiemmett8364]

I think the starting thing is huge for offroad racing and dead engine starts.

[@samuelyeet6006]

Half a second in a 4 or 5 hour race?

[@nstv23]

Where is this place ?

[@FunVenturesBTR]

Do you overall prefer this bike or your tx300? Thanks

[@rmatvmc]

Man, tough call. I liked the TX300 AER fork and linkage shock better, but I liked the power curve better on the 250. I don't think it was necessarily because of the TPI, but 250s rev out better. At the same time, I missed the bottom end grunt on the 300 when log hopping. All in all, I loved both bikes. I think for me I would want the 250 TPI with the XC suspension. - Justin

[@FunVenturesBTR]

Rocky Mountain ATV MC thanks Justin! I appreciate your input and response!

[@The2006200]

are you sure its an air fork? Ktm says it has springs in both legs.

[@rmatvmc]

the 17 XC we compared it to has the AER fork. The XC-W on both years has the XPLOR spring fork.... Justin

[@natemcgowan9922]

So does it still have a powerband and have that kick that a carb does or no

[@rmatvmc]

yes, but the transition is smooth. It doesn't hit like the SX model because you want smoother power off-road.

[@natemcgowan9922]

Rocky Mountain ATV MC ok, thank you

[@SeanSmith76]

It would be really cool to compare a race bike carburetor model and a race bike fuel injected model and see how much of a difference it really makes!

[@hurrle_3600]

whats the difference between the xc and the xc-w?

[@rmatvmc]

*Harold Hurrle* There are some good reads on the internet about these two bikes. "There is more than what meets the eye" with these two bikes. The stand out feature that the XC-W has that the XC doesn't is the headlight. But that's not all the changes that went into the XC-W. Suspension and other pieces were changed. Give these two bikes a google search, interesting what KTM did. Thanks for watching our videos!

[@WHITEHEADTJ71]

if I wanted smooth and tractable I would just buy a 4 stroke just sayin. the hit is half the fun of a 2 stroke imo

[@rikkilee9409]

a start lag is a huge deal in hare scrambles

[@rmatvmc]

*Rikki lee* Once your bike is warmed up, it's better.

[@rikkilee9409]

im told when its cold they dont fire fast. the dirtbike ch. kyle said 4get the elec start on cold days

[@rmatvmc]

*Rikki lee* Yea, we experienced the same thing. Lags a little bit on first start ups and in the cold. Once the bike has been warmed up, it performs much better.

[@michaelgraham4510]

Who wouldn’t start motocross hole shot unless ya start in second gear I never use first gear

[@Sanguine_Addiction]

Any idea how this bike would perform on a MX vet track? Just small doubles, table tops, no triples or anything like that. I'm 38 and looking into a new 2 stroke, just debating between the YZ250X and either this bike or the Husky TE250i. I know the KTM/Husky is primarily off-road, but I'm just curious if it can handle both off-road & MX tracks, just like the YZ250X does.Read more Show less

[@rmatvmc]

No doubt it would do fine. suspension is soft, so obviously the big hits would be tough. I plan on hitting a few tracks this year.

[@joshlewis5065]

What type of gas did you use? will it run with ethanol gas?

[@v4sdude191]

Josh Lewis yes

[@sassafraswakeboyz4121]

Josh Lewis vp fuel is the only way to go...

[@kenramirezchs]

Is there a difference in the gas mileage with the injected bike?

[@rmatvmc]

video coming soon. watch for it in a few days....Justin

[@rmatvmc]

after more testing. very little. Justin

[@michaelsteven1090]

No jetting..Its about time..

[@SlardybardfastUSA]

Anyone know where this ride took place?

[@rmatvmc]

This is down near Cheery Creek, Utah. Close to Little Sahara sand dunes.

[@SlardybardfastUSA]

thanks

[@mixalis6168]

Contemplating KTM or Husky ????

[@jeffreid3341]

mixalis I love my 2017 husky te300 and it comes with a few things that the ktm doesnt

[@mixalis6168]

Mate has the same bike as you, loves it too..

[@PieManOwnes69]

Play this at 1.5x speed

[@noirxplorer3185]

5 to 6lbs is a lot.

[@thumperbangin2000]

I want

[@rmatvmc]

*Dude Manbro* No, you need. :)

[@thumperbangin2000]

Heres my deal man. Owned xr200, drz400, and lastly crf250R, im looking for a dualsport now. Im 31 yo, 6ft 185 lb. neighbor has a 11 ktm XCF 250 with rekluse clutch he would sell me. I like the bike, just not sure if i want another 250f. I dont want a high maintenance bike. Im kicking around a bunch of options, including trying to find a 18 250 tpi, but then id have another loan. I want the bike for running around town, backroads, a bit of pavement, and rocky slow technical trails.. i live in NH. Im torn on what to do. Only good used one ive found thats not crazy priced is the xcf250.

[@rmatvmc]

*Dude Manbro* 31? That's young. The "XC" line of bikes from KTM are solid options. Have you road a 2-stroke? These things are sweet and pretty low maintenance for the most part, less moving parts. Looks like you're on the right track. The DRZ400 is a sweet bike as well for commuting and offroad adventure riding. Keep in mind the weight of the bike coming in around 319 lbs. It is one of the heavier options you're considering. Thanks for watching. Let us know what you end up with!

[@thumperbangin2000]

Rocky Mountain ATV MC i tried a ktm 200 before i bought my drz. I want a lighter bike now. Seriously thinking on a new KTM off showroom floor if i dont buy that xcf250. Thanks for the replies, appreciate it.

[@rmatvmc]

*Dude Manbro* I see. Have you rode your neighbors XC-F with the rekluse? I would say try it out and see how it compares and if you like it?

[@Ahhtheserenity]

tpi version sounds like another 'Keep Taking Money' thing replace pump for injectors every 80 hours for $100, no thanks

[@Ahhtheserenity]

Love the technology though, save the planet blah blah