2023 Husky TX300 vs 2023 KTM 250XCW Back to Back

2023 Husky TX300 vs 2023 KTM 250XCW ridden back to back on the AMA Vintage Days motocross track at Mid Ohio (Thanks Honda Marysville Powersports for the fun family ride day!). Back to back rides are a great way to get a feel for the characteristics of different bikes.
The new for 23 300 TBI engines set the bar for partial throttle linear torque response and big power, especially in the green map. Big power and WP Pro Components suspension dialed by Brad at RideWorx...great combination!
The 250XCW TPI engine runs clean with fuel and oil injection and broad linear and super smooth power and almost zero engine vibration. A very fun bike to ride!

[@SketchyXC]

I have the '22 250xc tpi and i love it. I am curious about the '24 250xc-w and if the suspension upgrade is worth it for hairscrambles/woods racing or just keep my XC and have suspension done

[@mxengineer1]

I rode a '21 250XC (basically same as 22 250XC). That is a very good bike - nice smooth power that is easy to ride. The 250XC seems to have a little more lively throttle response compared to the 250XCW I just rode. For most riders the linkage chassis has a bigger operating window - easy to get set up and work well. The PDS has a move lively feel to the chassis with more fore/aft pitch under braking and acceleration. Really comes down to what you like...the 23/24 250/300 TBI engines in the SX/XC are quite a bit different with a more old school 2-stroke carb meaty feel. Nice to have choices!

[@thomastjg53]

I was interested in the 250 w , but every one said that it is to pipe’y and the 300 is better for woods ? If the 250 is not to on off I would think that it would be good for woods maybe better. I don’t need a really fast bike , would you say a 250 f , and the 250 w are close in power?

[@mxengineer1]

250XCW is not pipey - smooth power. However it is less linear than a 300 in terms of partial throttle torque response. The 300 will have more linear partial throttle roll on torque response which can make woods riding easier. Peak power the 250F and 250XCW are not so far apart but the 250 2-stroke makes power every rotation of the engine so it makes more torque than a 250F. 250F make power over a very wide RPM range so easy to ride.

[@dankruger2890]

I like the 250 tpi

[@mxengineer1]

Easy to like a 250 TPI engine👌

[@whiskeytango854]

Does the 250 feel lighter than a 300 even though they are the same weight? Or less fatiguing for long trail rides? Was thinking about a 250xcw instead of a 300xcw next time around for a woods bike.

[@mxengineer1]

Some riders swear by the 250 feeling lighter than the 300 - for sure the piston is smaller so the inertia is lower, especially at higher engine RPM so on paper it should feel a little more agile. For me it is not so noticeable and I prefer the more linear partial throttle torque response of the 300. Nice that KTM makes both!

[@Pint76]

Try and get ahold of a 23 250 Race Edition

[@mxengineer1]

I rode Mike Witkowski's 250 Race Edition practice bike a few years ago - that was the old chassis. 250 smokers are fun! I don't currently know anyone with a 250 Race Edition

[@Pint76]

@@mxengineer1 i absolutely love mine.

[@mxengineer1]

@@Pint76 I am sure it is very similar to a 300 Race Edition - excellent bikes!

[@davidgrunklee8407]

FIRST! Now grab a 24w and do the shootout ...😊

[@mxengineer1]

I am trying to find a local 24 300XCW to ride! Really interested to see how that re-tuned engine and all new PDS chassis works!