Cannot Beat the KTM 250 XC

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The longer I ride and the more bikes that I buy, ride and review, the more clear this truth becomes. It might not be the truth for you, but it is for me. There is no more capable all around dirt bike than the KTM 250 XC. It’s like a jack of all trades. It's incredible. For now, it’s my favorite and I’m not making any apologies.
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[@marcusm.3486]

Needed to add one thing, the 250 XC is perfect for people who weigh 180 lbs or less. 300 XC for the rest of us at 200+ lbs and yes you will need to re spring it. Speaking from experience here.

[@Fmontes]

Oooookayyyy, Marcus.

[@last-life]

Thanks buddy I'm doing deep dive research and im 200+

[@FLSTF87]

I guess this relates to older models as well. I bought a 2010 250 XC-W. I'm 200 lbs and didn't give that any thought

[@PHXGlock]

Kyle is really spot on with this bike. The transmission ratios are perfect , The Geometry is great, the 2020 up tpis are really dialed, I don't see myself buying a Tuner it runs fantastic out of the box. It only needs a skid plate, disc guards and a case saver at the tip of the pipe. Running tubliss with the stock tires which have been really good but still in the first 10hrs, I'm ordering the proper rear spring from Slavins racing for my weight. Out of the Box, this bike don't need much IMHO Very Strange , I'm 6ft tall and the bars and pegs are in a perfect place for me. I know thats luck but the first time i rode the bike it felt like i was already used to it .

[@turtleinwhalmart8114]

Saving my dirt bike purchases until after October 15. Good luck everyone. Great ride and great content as always.

[@brandonnewman1018]

Haven't watched the video yet but why?

[@dmcdevitt8]

Not a whole lot in the dealerships at the moment. Its been crazy

[@beastgirl43]

The camera quality in this vid outstanding

[@theunamericansportsman4726]

I have an 09 250 XC with an FMF Gnarly pipe and Powercore silencer, Smartcarb and Factory Connection suspension. I put a dual sport kit on it and it is plated and insured and road legal! I only use roads for very short sections to go from trail to trail. Totally incredible bike.

[@mxgryan]

Maybe in the open flowy stuff out west. Back east we have so much vegetation and things are tighter. 300 xcw all day.

[@7thirtyseven]

250 XC/XC-W way better in the tight stuff, granted new 300 TPI has a more appropriate bottom to mid, but the 250 will take you to the limits of traction making the 300 redundant. The handling is in different leagues in the tight stuff... 250 wins all day long.

[@mxgryan]

@@7thirtyseven absolutely not.

[@jeff40]

@@mxgryan I agree with you 100% and then some! The 300xc isn't much faster but it does have more usable torque & I wouldn't trade that extra torque for nothing.

[@mfmonthefmf]

Gorgeous terrain. always impressed how you can ride at this level and still speak intelligently at the same time! Great stuff bro. Keep it coming!

[@Abstract180]

I love my 2013 250 XC. Can’t wait to get my 2021 with all the updates. It is hands down my favorite hard enduro bike. So light and flickable, good ratios, awesome machine.

[@WASemiHardEnduro]

I was hesitant about going with an XC/TX for enduro riding, but I’m in love with the 2021 AER forks. Amazing. I went 300 for the extra grunt, which I’m super happy I did.

[@gamer2350]

That bike sounds like a trials bike especially when off the gas

[@TonyCampCamppartyof4]

You hit the nail on the head. That's my favorite bike and your description was spot on!

[@MontageRock]

Hi Kyle, i’ve currently got an old 2004 WR250F, and just want some advice on an upgrade as I move on from the learner phase. Would I better off to go for a new WR or YZ250FX, or a bike like this 250 XC? I trail ride mainly, wider open tracks with not a huge amount of technical stuff. Interested to hear your thoughts! Cheers, Ryan.

[@backwoodsbassin1870]

250fx

[@jimmygritz9714]

Whatever you can get the better deal on.. If your in Florida the best deal is the leftover 2020 300 XC.. bout 10 flat out the door taxes included... all Yamahas going for like 9.2.. n that’s there cheaper 2 stroke that’s 18 years old

[@legowolf22]

I got a deal on a '19 TC250 (MX Husky version of the KTM 250SX). My neighbor picked up the YZ250x (2 stroke) After swapping with him, I'm glad I went Austrian. The 250xc has trail suspension and e start which my bike doesn't have. I can't imagine how good of a bike the XC is with proper trail suspension/trans/e start If you like 4 strokes get the yamy fx, if you like 2 strokes (and more power) get the XC

[@PHXGlock]

If you are not in CA get a two stroke. I strongly considered the YZ250x went with the KTM 250, Total Bummer I will not be able to take my 2 stroke to Pismo, however were headed to Coral Pink Sand Dunes in Utah.

[@jdhart111]

you have an amazing giant killing bike in its day...it is getting old tho...i would seriously try the new wrf 250 (21)then the 450f(21) first.then try euro..i had the wr450f new from 03-07 then the wr250f from 07-13....they did not update them and they lost me to the euro brands....(husaberg and ktm)loved my yammies!the euros have the future sown up....but....have a demo day coming up and i am looking forward to riding the new yammies!!!!

[@joshuawagstaff3727]

my ktm 200 has something very different to say

[@baccy81]

I am an absolute off road beginner and I just started riding a 2022 exc TPI 250 two days ago. I am small, skinny and weak and yet I feel like I have been riding this bike for 10 years. I lowered the sag and now it fits like a glove. 6 star bike

[@matiasmaldonado510]

How tall are you and how much do you weight, I'm asking you this because I'm thinking to buy a 250 xc but I'm a small guy, I'm 5'4" and weight 135 pounds without gear and I think the suspension is gonna be too stiff for me, I would like to know your experience on your bike, thanks.

[@baccy81]

@@matiasmaldonado510 looks like you are shorter than me, you are going to need to lower the sag as much as you can and replace the seat with a lowered one. I got around the problem this way, as I am about 1,73 (m) and I was feeling insecure in the trails where you need to work with your feet. In terms of weight I am very skinny, underweight honestly, and the bike doesn't squat at all when I sit on it. If you are heavier than me, that is going to help you touch the ground more easily. If you feel height is a big issue, get yourself a Beta, much lower and easy to handle

[@matiasmaldonado510]

@baccy81 thank you for replying back to me, I have a 2021 250fx which is a very tall bike, all I did was installed a lowering linkage which has lowered the bike just 1 inch and that's ok for me because now I can tip toe on just one side and I can ride without any issues like that, my main concern was about how stiff would the stock suspension feel for a 135 rider without gear.

[@baccy81]

@@matiasmaldonado510 I don't think the KTM is particularly stiff. In any case that is a very easy fix, just change the spring in the mono, although then you're going to have trouble with balance in high speed transfers, if you ride on bitumen

[@richardhartley7094]

You are on a high today buddy awesome 👍🇬🇧

[@IsaacShermanRacing]

Awesome! I can’t wait to get back on the trail again, I’m recovering from a hip injury.

[@mxgryan]

Get well soon

[@mixalis6168]

Have you ever ridden the Beta 350 rr, would love to see how it is against the 390

[@andyk4688]

I bought the 2021 XC 250 a month after this video was posted. I have rode pretty much everything and nothing comes close. The power valve can be adjusted to tour exact riding style.

[@commanderroddi7742]

Ended getting 250 XC-W TPI.... awesome bike, wish I had gearbos of XC, but I also wanted PDS suspension and having breaklight/lamp on front is nice for when I have to ride on road to get to trail.

[@5elevenfirewood195]

I know exactly how you felt, I ride a stiff as a board 98 cr250 and I got to ride my buddies 200 xc this weekend and it was unbelievable, I was twice as fast and cornered like I was on a bicycle.

[@thomasturnbull8770]

Didn't expect to see a trail I recognize in this video, I rode that solo on a trip in July on my 2015 500XCW. That same mud hole caught me by surprise then, and I'm sure it's only gotten deeper in recent months! Nice trail though, would have been more fun on my 250XC, but I was riding some long road stretches from camp to the trails so the big girl got the pick on that occasion. You should totally get a 500 in your stable for a season, with some minor mods they're shockingly friendly in technical singletrack. Not as fun as a 250/300, but very capable and much nicer on road connections.

[@ZSharkPH]

I believe the 250 two stroke has all the power you need.. And sips less fuel than a 300.

[@youtubeaccount9058]

At a mile up a 300 is about equivalent to a 250 at sea level.

[@jakesingles8327]

300s drink bad, always looking how much is left after a solid 3-4 hours

[@ian9toes]

A 250 is like an 80hr old 300

[@Freaki91]

My buddys 300 use way less fuel than my 250 exc. And we have allmost the same setup from parts.

[@VanekLarson]

I want to I know if a 250r is to much for a 14 year old?

[@nostalgicbaainaar9751]

Not at all. It's quick but you just take it easy on the throttle till you get used to the power. Enjoy

[@kaisuhina8024]

Id rather start on 125. You learn to use the clutch way better that way.

[@johnwalsh1541]

Bought my daughter a 200xcw for her 14th birthday, she is tiny,cant reach the ground, and she does fine,,,we are woods riders not moto crossers,lots of single track in places like Pennsylvania, upstate NY, and various other places in the northeast area of THE USA this was her 5th bike and had been riding dirtbikes for 7 years, with some seat time he should be fine,if you ride together, stay out front and control the pace until he gets use to

[@tacobellbajablast69]

Exact same situation of me, i have an 05 crf250r as 5’5 125lb and I do fine

[@salty_spuzz_9563]

Hi is there any chance you can review the new 2020 exc 150 thanks

[@mschumaker1]

I have the same bike... I love it. But I don't think it's quite as snappy as Kyle's. I'm prob 40 lbs heavier than him though. :-(

[@couriersix776]

Might just have to do some single track after watching this!

[@danijones8601]

Just got done riding my 2007 model...arm pump for days. I am sooo outta shape. Only ride single track once a month. Currently trying to figure out what height to set my bars too, so I can stand up a bit more comfortably.

[@knolysjohnson7244]

I am entering to win this beast :D Would love to add an orange two stroke to my garage!

[@pkake1319]

I'm a bigger guy and I have had a lot of 250s, and I have always tried to get more bottom out of them. Its never been quite enough. I got out of riding for a while and I'm looking to get back and for sure I'm getting a 300. I guarantee that the 300 still has enough top end to run hard In the easy stuff.

[@Riding-in-Gods-Country]

What’s up … I am looking at getting a SX 250… but I only ride trails… will I need to mod it out or no… it’s a 2016 SX 250…

[@madsoothsayer]

How much better than the yz250x? I'm a Yamaha guy who needs to make a decision 😊

[@EuropeanDreamz]

Have you ever hit the powerband on any of these bikes ? Seem to lug them very hardly

[@jamesking4225]

For real open that sucker up and let it eat!

[@americandude3825]

Do two strokes engines blow easier? I like to cruise trails etc and wraaaaap the throttle.

[@jordancaleb5790]

Couldnt agree more with your list of silly design flaws with those 2020's. Each one of them is head shake and/or Captain Picard face palm Meme worthy. Im glad my 2017 Husky TE300 doesnt have any of those silly design changes. The crazy thing is they actually sat in a room somewhere and decided to do each one of those changes, and they were probably sober even!

[@DomesticAngelsLLC]

I would make a purchase but don’t have the money. One day I will be able to afford a bike like that though. It’s one of my goals. 😂. Thank you for all you do on your channel though

[@nicolasgrachek9709]

Why are there so many trees on the ground? And why do the ones still standing look dead?

[@mikehuffman8208]

What’s the range using stock tank, and would a larger tank necessitate carrying extra oil? Bikes work harder dragging my 200+ lbs around, more like 240 with gear and water...

[@DirtBikeChannel]

65-86 miles depending on terrain

[@americanmade3970]

Years ago when KTM made the 200 wxc I found that I was faster on it than my 250 katoom.

[@jordananker5478]

Hey been trying to decide between a ktm250 xc tpi and a ktm 250xcf. I was wondering what your thoughts on the bikes and what they’re good for?

[@ppc8028]

I would like to see you ride a Beta 250RR

[@musicbox4022]

There’s something special about a 250 2-stroke.. it’s magical. Kyle- you’re gonna have to start testing e-dirtbikes soon...

[@attilatoth9244]

Hi Kyle. You use the gray or black guide plate on the throttle?

[@kennethelenbaas6227]

Great video Kyle

[@johnhamilton9215]

Hey Kyle - I ride near where you in UT. Where are u riding and on which trail? AF canyon?

[@BlueDawnEnduro]

That trail is wiggling all over the place because of uncleared deadfall. I'm curious of opinions whether you think it's good or bad?

[@chrismharthart]

Hi. What rear sag do you ride on the Xc? Now my kid wants that bike

[@EmotionalHotWheels]

I will talk about a new bike like you are doing when I just ride it and then I’ll go race it and realize all of it’s flaws.

[@babadagaa8352]

Most of us don’t race

[@moderndesignsofas29]

Picked up a 17 250 xc today...pre covid quality lol

[@davidbible9110]

Hey Kyle or contributors, i can only afford 1 bike, so which would be better on track, the XC or the XC-W. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[@goon.1]

the best for track is an sx but out of the xc and xcw, the xc is way better on track especially with its gearbox

[@chadkniphfer8054]

I live near Augusta ga. Are there any good trails near me? Just bought a 2021 300 xc looking for some new places to ride

[@johnbolton9483]

Google Highland park

[@52yamahar1]

Would anyone recommend me swapping my 250 exc for this 250xc?

[@JosephL6174]

What’s on your front fender in the bottle?

[@hmongthao3520]

need to change channel name to KTM loverboy 😂

[@declanbuss2049]

Kyle I’ve always wondered why you choose the xc over the exc because isn’t the xc for mx

[@rickspartan]

SX is for motocross. XC is more like an aggressive off-road bike.

[@heazy87]

Hey man, I'm in utah too. anyway i could borrow one of your bikes and ride with you? I've only ridden street.

[@johnnyhelems5296]

Just wish they weren’t so tall they would be great if the had the bata seat height

[@kennethelenbaas6227]

Keep them coming

[@douglasyoung3992]

2021 250 xc-w 2 days ago. Wow! Never felt connected to a bike like this! It's your fault Kyle.

[@obi-wan7067]

Kyle, what tire sizes are you running?

[@7thirtyseven]

Spot on Kyle. Will say that the 250xcf beats the XC though, except at the very slow balance stuff. Great vid

[@GregHartSk8er]

Rrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang tang katang katang tang RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRannnnngggg! I miss Dirt Biking! I think I need another bike.....

[@wilfredoe.zaragozajr.6527]

Can I try your bike? Nice bike sir!

[@jayreynolds57]

What about the te250? A more refined version of the 250xc...

[@PHXGlock]

TE 250 is more like a 250 XC W with linkage suspension. The TX 300 are more like the 250-300XC

[@delinquense]

OMG Kyle said "freaking"!

[@j.h.adventure2748]

Love my 2020 XC ,perfect single track tool!

[@f5tornadeau]

Which 2 stroke oil are you guys running?

[@rickspartan]

Motorex cross power!

[@tannerfisher4892]

I think the KTM 300 XCW is better but that’s just me

[@cadwarrior]

300xc you mean😁

[@tannerfisher4892]

No I definitely mean the xcw. The wide ratio transmission and PDS rear suspension with the Xplor fork is better in my opinion

[@Dboi253]

Ktm 4 life

[@DailyMusicalGrowth]

How about the Husqvarna TE250i? Same engine?

[@mxgryan]

Yes.

[@PHXGlock]

Same engine but a TE 250 is like a XCW with Linkage rear suspension. The Husky TX 300 is more the the KTM XC 250 and 300's. Megan from Megs Brap rides a TX300

[@mxgryan]

@@PHXGlock well said!

[@chiptaxfree]

Strange question but, who cut all those trees down and are they coming back for them?

[@cadwarrior]

Its someone...

[@sarabrown2082]

Fire

[@morylmao5794]

Is it a 2 stroke

[@LizardMane]

what area is this?

[@TheMattboudreau]

You sold me on this bike

[@kungfucommando1642]

250xc? Or beta 200rr?

[@vonsolo2281]

Canada ?

[@jodytucker4474]

Yeah, I love my 250 xcw, so predictable!!

[@neilkaye081]

Enter into a hare scramble Kyle

[@ernieschultz7638]

What happend to all those trees??

[@ryanbaker5104]

They were burned in a forest fire.

[@apostate4apostate494]

300 XC-W beats it :) 300 XCW will do all of this plus more when the trail gets more gnarly

[@snowrider4495]

I've rode that bike and the 2stroke yz250x is much better!

[@adilsonpissinidico]

Later on the KTM will be selling the Best Beast!! 150 Xc!!!!

[@titushutton792]

Getting famous off of comments day 184 just trying to live the dream 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@mxgryan]

Hey

[@titushutton792]

The MX Guru what

[@mxgryan]

@@titushutton792 just saying hi

[@titushutton792]

The MX Guru hi

[@bensmith8125]

KTM 250XC>>>>>>>

[@DiDoSvK]

Only 300 TPI will beat the 250TPI.

[@mxgryan]

Agreed.

[@firemenonbikes]

Some like the playfulness of the 250 better.

[@888TMONEY888]

Up Next: 6 Things that Suck on The 2020 KTM 2 Strokes lol

[@elicosta7981]

Wtf ?

[@jakemoyer2801]

sorry kyle but i think my 04 cr85 is better than that ktm lol

[@mxgryan]

No.

[@jakemoyer2801]

@The MX Guru. it definitely is idk what your talking abt

[@mxgryan]

@@jakemoyer2801 its not better than m KLX110

[@jakemoyer2801]

@The MX Guru. you sure bout that one chief🧐 lol i want a pit bike really bad

[@mxgryan]

@@jakemoyer2801 I gotcha bro

[@5elevenfirewood195]

I know exactly how you felt, I ride a stiff as a board 98 cr250 and I got to ride my buddies 200 xc this weekend and it was unbelievable, I was twice as fast and cornered like I was on a bicycle.

[@declanbuss2049]

Kyle I’ve always wondered why you choose the xc over the exc because isn’t the xc for mx

[@f5tornadeau]

The sx is for motocross, at least in America. I believe the model names are different in Europe.

[@firemenonbikes]

XC - Cross Country. XCW enduro, but some like the XC gearbox ratios better and some like linkage over PDS (2020 xcw is much improved bike overall according to Kyle)

[@declanbuss2049]

Kyle I’ve always wondered why you choose the xc over the exc because isn’t the xc for mx

[@Bsteazy]

XC is Cross Country. SXF is for MX. In his previous videos he says he likes the linkage and gear ratio's on the XC :)

[@declanbuss2049]

Ok thanks, although I wonder why he prefers the linkage if he’s says the normal one slides over logs and rocks better

[@Bsteazy]

@@declanbuss2049 Interestingly I've mostly had KTM exc's here in Aus with the PDS. Have always thought they were best for me. But riding a YZ250FX at the moment and love it. Even though we mostly trail ride and do some tech stuff, I really like going hard in flowy single track and the suspension/linkage on the Yammy makes me feel so much more confident. In fact looking back, the last time I felt so good on a bike through our terrain was on my 2016 Beta 300rr - which ironically also had linkage :)

[@declanbuss2049]

Well I’ve got a 2014 ktm 250 xcf with the wp linkage shock and I’m think of moving to a 2015 ktm 250 exc with the pds shock. I do hard enduro and I’ve heard that a 2 stroke would be more capable so do you think it would be worth it to make the switch?

[@Bsteazy]

@@declanbuss2049 Only you can answer that question my man. Why not try it, worst that will happen is you don't gel with it and go back to the 4t.