2024 KTM 250XCF First Ride Review

[@regg4172]

Thank you for showing people that 4 strokes are good in the mountains. Waaaay too much 300 2T content on KZbin. I’m 240lbs and have always loved 250f in tight and technical terrain. Teaches you how to be aggressive without getting you in trouble.

[@terrywilson1362]

I'm 290 and I ride a 2019 yz250fx, I have learned how to use the clutch and like you said be more aggressive on trails and hill climbs, momentum and commitment has a good deal to do with it too, I love my 4 stroke

[@natefenn]

Love the initial thoughts, can’t wait for a full review!

[@OtisFlint]

Once you get settled, you're going to have a blast on that bike. Cross country small bores are so underrated, they're very capable in the technical stuff and a blast to ring out in the faster stuff. I find myself usually choosing my 250F over my 300 2T, unless it's going to be extremely gnarly terrain.

[@PNWEnduro]

Same here, most rides seem more suited to the 250f lately. Next ride will be the first on some more open fast terrain so I’m really looking forward to that.

[@OtisFlint]

@@PNWEnduro Another nice benefit is range for your longer rides. I've never tested my bikes back to back, but it seems the 4 stroke uses about 1/3 less fuel. On rides where you'd have to pack fuel on the 300, you won't on the 250.

[@luckyenduro]

Very well executed climbs, there are a couple of good ‘gotcha’s’ to get to the ridge! 🎉 Thanks for the timely review, I’m still shopping for a new bike…still don’t know what will replace my 2024 TX300 😮

[@PNWEnduro]

@luckyenduro now is a great time to buy as dealers are blowing out 2024 bikes. This was 2K less than the 2025 model that has minimal changes.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

LOVE my 24 gg ex250f!

[@jasonchapman6058]

Glad that you enjoyed your new bike! I haven't heard one in person yet, but it sounds a bit loud to me in the video. This is something that I have noticed (in person) on 450 XCw's in the past. I'm a big guy (6'-3", 210#), but I have loved the nimbleness, and melow power delivery that the 250's (that I've ridden) offer. I don't, however, like having to keep them wound up. I much prefer using the low end grunt of the larger bores when I'm riding four strokes. I'm sure that you'll get many miles of enjoyment from the new ride!

[@joestrattman715]

Awesome camera work. Great review on the 250f

[@PNWEnduro]

Thanks 👍

[@dougstroudphotography]

Super Impressive, well done!

[@slidewide1999]

Conservation of momentum and good clutch control, the video shows you are a good rider! Flat torque curves and sharp handling are such great traits of the new 4 strokes, I think a lot of riders would be better served with proper riding technique and a bike like this than the ubiquitous 300 2t so many people think they need. And in the open the 4 strokes rule!

[@ramonsuarez1893]

Great review and amazing trail! I have the 23 and coming from a 300 EXC carbureted, my biggest struggle was how snappy the engine is in low speed sections, its like an on off switch. Definitely this is a bike that likes to be ridden hard and that has made me a better rider.

[@PNWEnduro]

Several people have mentioned how they are snappy off idle, so far it hasn't bothered me on this bike.

[@jackieonassis7438]

A Vortex or GET ECU will fix that problem in 2 minutes. A little more stall resistant, a lot less "lurchy", more power.

[@richardhammond2633]

Great first up ride review. I think the limiter kicks in at 14k so you have an incredibly broad powee band. Awesome bike. Thanks for the reviews.

[@VinnieD9469]

New subscriber.. I bought a TE300 Pro last week based upon your reviews and input. I love the bike! Thank you!!!

[@PNWEnduro]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@OdysseyOffroad]

Bike sounds terrific. A stall resistant 4 stroke is definitely good to hear!

[@P4ddyC4ke]

Looks very capable!

[@PNWEnduro]

Certainly is!

[@joaoalexdias]

Great ride, thank you for sharing! I'm looking for a 250 4 stroke enduro model, for all those reasons you've mentioned, light, nimble and playful, but I really like the Beta package so I'm also considering the 350 race edition, but I'm afraid that it might not be as playful as the 250. Since you tested the Beta 350 a while back, I would love to know your thought's about the handling and weight feel between those 2 bikes.

[@PNWEnduro]

@@joaoalexdias the Beta 350 feels heavier and a lot less agile than the Ktm.

[@joaoalexdias]

@@PNWEnduro Thank you!

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I got a 2023 GasGas EX250F last year. Fully modded with MX Tech suspension, GET ECU, all the junk. I have mixed feelings about it. It is fun to ride. It seems to have incredible traction in all situations. It pulls and pulls going up steep hills. I don’t stall too much as long as I remember to ride it like a 4 stroke. I guess where I don’t like it so much is when it’s really hot out and I’m in very tight forest stuff. I feel waves of heat coming off the engine and it feels hotter and more tiring to ride than my 300. I don’t hate it by any means but for me I it seems to take a lot more energy to ride. I dunno. Maybe I should just approach it as a fall/early spring bike.

[@PNWEnduro]

Yeah they do put out a lot of heat. I melted a pair of pants on the Sherco 300SEF. I don't feel the heat nearly as much on this bike and I haven't really noticed it's more tiring than my TE300 but I haven't ridden super slow stuff in the heat with it.

[@Saa45MIV]

Even after all these years and with all the makes and models out there, In the enduro world I think ktm is still on top.

[@PNWEnduro]

I can't argue with that!

[@HailMich]

There on top in every dirt bike world

[@Saa45MIV]

@@HailMich while I do agree I think in mx Yamaha and Honda are right in there too

[@CWB367]

Nice work with the ride! Curious what is the bag that you have on the back side of your handle bars near the fuel tank? I assume it is for your phone, who makes it?

[@PNWEnduro]

Trailbound.

[@lpcmark]

Love the ve33s tires.

[@cathy2128]

Thanks for the review. Do you need to ride the clutch on this more than the TE300?

[@PNWEnduro]

Yes a little bit, it's a bit of a different technique than the 2T. Feels like less clutch work needed compared to the Sherco 300SEF though.

[@Montana_Motorized]

Add a relay setup, like the one from C3. I love having it on my 23 TC to shut the fan off 10 seconds after shutting the bike off.

[@mitchellpursel1718]

Can you keep on posting the ktm250xcf pls

[@PNWEnduro]

Lots more coming!

[@greatsouthernsky]

It'll be interesting to myself and crew if you expose its limitation in the hard enduro terrain. There's a lot of benefits with the 4st characteristic. but possibly some large issues. Thanks!

[@Charlescope]

What fan do you have on the bike . Can’t find a single forum or video where anyone talks about putting a fan on this bike

[@PNWEnduro]

Trail tech. It's the same as the KTM power parts fan but already comes with the wiring, KTM one you have to buy a separate harness.

[@Charlescope]

@ is it the universal one from trail tech ?

[@Outdawrzman]

Is there a reason you don’t want to put a rekluse in the 250? Where do you prefer to ride the 250 than the 300? What bike do you prefer to explore on?

[@PNWEnduro]

I prefer to use the clutch normally and having a Rekluse takes some of that away. It also has drawbacks like rolling backwards if you stall on a hill and running hotter. I prefer the 250 in more open flowy trails but really it's more what bike I'm in the mood for. The 4t is good in everything but the hardest 10% of trails I ride and is much more enjoyable on rides with longer roads or transfer sections. The 2T is great everywhere except long road riding.

[@westcoastfrisco]

Go up for sure a couple teeth on the rear. You can also run a shut off switch to the bars for fan

[@PNWEnduro]

I geared down the Husky and hated it, will not be changing the gearing on this bike. I know a lot of people do but I always prefer the stock gearing.

[@noahbenak7767]

How did this bike do compared to the 350xcf in the tight/slow technical sections?

[@PNWEnduro]

Lighter and easier to handle but less torque.

[@bigboithe8th]

Can you tell me which map is better for more beginner riders?

[@PNWEnduro]

White map.

[@jasont4852]

What type of rider do you think this bike is best suited for? I mean size wise. I don't know how big a guy you are so when I see you pull a hill like that I was wondering do you think a larger guy would be well suited for the smaller 250 or stay with the 350? I know you are a good rider and that does make a difference (as I tell people its the wizard not the wand). Just curious. Im a bigger guy (6'2" - 230#) and will be shopping for a new bike in the next year or so and prefer the 4 strokes. Thanks and thanks for posting.

[@PNWEnduro]

I think anyone 200 lbs or more may find the 250 lacking power, definitely recommend the 350 instead. I’m 150 without gear so the 250 is enough for me.

[@regg4172]

Ive rode all bore 4 strokes in the woods and mountains. I’m exactly same size as you and a vet 30 expert rider. Currently I have the 2018 350 with rekluse and it is unbelievably good. I frequently out climb 300 2t. That being said I absolutely love wringing a 250fs neck. It is soo much more fun, but takes a lot of effort and you can’t be lazy. But if you ride it hard it’s so rewarding.

[@regg4172]

@jasont4852

[@williamasmussen4978]

Did you have issues touching the ground in the technical sections even after shaving the seat down? I bought a 23 CRF250F due to my height disadvantage (5'-6") but I'd like to buy a big boy 4-stroke for trails.

[@PNWEnduro]

Not much problem touching the ground on this bike for me, although having longer legs would make things like pivot turns a lot easier.

[@fattie2550]

350XW-F for the win.

[@maucina12]

if you say it feels lighter than your husqvarna 300 why would you still prefer husqvarna for technical riding?

[@PNWEnduro]

I didn’t say it felt lighter than the Husky. The power delivery of a two stroke is better for more technical riding.

[@franzv3172]

If you could only have your new 300 2s or that 250xcf, for that trail, what would you pick? I know it’s a dumb question, just curious.

[@PNWEnduro]

For this particular trail, probably the 4T.

[@scottphillips445]

How about some advice. I have a 15 tc250. The engine has a replated cylinder w a fresh topend, new clutch side crank bearing, low hours on the rest of the engine/transmission. I am considering keeping it for a slut bike to throw down in the woods! I have a rekluse radius X clutch, the shock has been revalved w a 2.7 clear tank. It needs a grand to get it set up. The forks need revalved and an open chamber conversion and springs......550 for the forks. I have a dialed in 39mm keihin for it. I have brass bar inserts for the vibration. The balancer engine is the shit. I am considering selling the 15 for a left over 2025 ktm 250SX. The 15 currently has a mikuni 38 tmx with a filed slide and a jd jetting kit. 100% motocross track hit. Oh yeah the tc250 has a 10 ounce flywheel weight on it.

[@davidyackell]

But...but i thought you said the Husky by far is your favorite bike in the 50hr review video? 😆

[@PNWEnduro]

I said favorite bike, not "by far" but yes, it still is. I do really like this 250F so far as well.

[@Mostviews111]

What kind of top end do you get on your 300 my 24 300xcw sounds like it's going to blow into pieces past 40mph

[@PNWEnduro]

In the past I've bought the piston kits from Slavens, with the EZ clips.

[@Mostviews111]

@@PNWEnduro it's got 15 hours on it

[@PNWEnduro]

You should not have to do a top end until closer to 150 hours unless you are wringing it out all the time.

[@Mostviews111]

@PNWEnduro I'm not doing a top end I'm saying top end like speed.

[@PNWEnduro]

@Mostviews111 sorry, I misunderstood. I've had the TE300 up to 100km or around 60 mph and it seems fine for me. I don't ever really ride faster than that!

[@rodneystewart4312]

I miss the sound of the two stroke Sherco …sorry

[@PNWEnduro]

I know the majority of people prefer two stroke vids, it's okay. I rode a Sherco back to back with my TE300 recently, I don't miss the Sherco.

[@DNF_enduro]

@@PNWEnduroI made switch to xcw from sherco. Rode my sherco couple weeks ago and wanted back on my xcw quickly. Both great but 24” xcw superior

[@SlipperySalamanders]

I wouldn't worry to much about the fan coming on when the bike is off. I've had a trail tech fan on my 23 XCW since new and for 150 hours it's never once killed the battery on me. On really hot days or hard rides I've had it run for several minutes with the engine off.

[@UnicornMoto]

XCW has a different stator than the XCF.

[@bbarker5766]

6yu7

[@jackieonassis7438]

Need another tooth or two on the rear sprocket.

[@PNWEnduro]

Disagree.

[@jackieonassis7438]

@@PNWEnduro do you prefer the 250xcf or 350xcf?

[@PNWEnduro]

I'll see when I ride them back to back, hopefully the 250 since I bought one!

[@jackieonassis7438]

@@PNWEnduro One really needs a dirt bike quiver. I need at least 4 to have the perfect bike for every venue.

[@williamcrotts7054]

Bump the fan up to 195F.

[@scottphillips445]

How about some advice. I have a 15 tc250. The engine has a replated cylinder w a fresh topend, new clutch side crank bearing, low hours on the rest of the engine/transmission. I am considering keeping it for a slut bike to throw down in the woods! I have a rekluse radius X clutch, the shock has been revalved w a 2.7 clear tank. It needs a grand to get it set up. The forks need revalved and an open chamber conversion and springs......550 for the forks. I have a dialed in 39mm keihin for it. I have brass bar inserts for the vibration. The balancer engine is the shit. I am considering selling the 15 for a left over 2025 ktm 250SX. The 15 currently has a mikuni 38 tmx with a filed slide and a jd jetting kit. 100% motocross track hit. Oh yeah the tc250 has a 10 ounce flywheel weight on it.

[@PNWEnduro]

Are you riding mostly trails? Probably best to get a leftover 24 enduro or cross country model if you can.