2021 KTM 250XC TPI Review

Quick ride on a 2021 KTM 250XC TPI (Thanks Mark!). I have not ridden a 250TPI bike in a long time and this '21 KTM 250XC exceeded my expectations. The engine has excellent low to mid torque feel with the usual 250 surge mid to top and literally zero vibration. The woods focused suspension was plush and compliant - even the air fork was absorbing the little chop and felt good. The 250XC has an agile and playful lightweight overall feel and is simply fun to ride. I wonder if the all new 2023 250XC with throttle body injection (TBI) will be even better? I need to ride more 250's!

[@johnkling3537]

Outstanding wheelies 🚀

[@mxengineer1]

Always!

[@leonardriddick]

Good review. We were hoping we would run into you at Briarcliff on Saturday. Thanks for recommending it, we had a blast riding there.

[@mxengineer1]

Glad you enjoyed Briarcliff - top notch riding facility! Just as I pulled into BC my buddy texted and invited me to ride at his place so I rode trails and got to spend time on a 21 KTM 250XC. Anytime you are at Briarcliff look for me - I ride there a lot! There will be a lot of open rides this fall at BC!

[@2t_mxrider]

@mxengineer1, hey I got a question for you. I’m setting up my ‘22 300xc for mx track and got a Pro Circuit R304 exhaust for better mid to high rpm and overrev. In your opinion, with the pro circuit r304, is it worth adding FMF Fatty for further enhancing the powerband or the pro circuit will cancel out benefits of larger than stock FMF fatty pipe? Thanks!

[@mxengineer1]

I have no experience with the PC or FMF pipes on the '21 250XC TPI bikes. I have ridden FMF Fatty on my carb 22 KTM 125XC and it gave the bike a little more response in the mid to upper - not more power but quicker throttle response (which can feel like more power). I will say the stock KTM pipes work very well and it is normally hard to really beat them overall but some pipes can make for a little different feel low to mid or mid to top. I don't recall any PC of FMF pipe making the overall power better.

[@tmlpony]

Yep those Xc's are nice,you'll see alot of them up here in New England,,my buddy and his son have 22 250xc and 300xc,both A riders and love em..

[@mxengineer1]

I had not ridden a recent 250TPI. I've ridden 300's for many years now and it was fun to jump back on the 250 TPI. I have heard from a few dealer friends that attended the KTM dealer show that the 2023 KTM 250XC TBI was the sleeper bike - way better than expected and very fun to ride. I hope my '23 300XC TBI shows up next month!

[@tmlpony]

@@mxengineer1 yes look forward to that big time!