250EXC 4-stroke vs KDX-200

[dtsviper]

Howdy! Until today when I saw that KTM is going to have a 250 EXC 4-stroke, I hadn't really considered a KTM. I have been considering a WR250F as a near future bike. Anyone have any clues on the 250EXC? Is it totally new for 2003?

I did see the preliminary pics of the 2003 models on the ktmmotorcycles website. That is when I saw the 250EXC 4-stroke!

Any comments on how the 250 4-stroke would compare to my KDX? My KDX is highly modified in the suspension and engine department, but I am looking for more. I weigh in at ~185. I don't really want to go to a 400/450 EXC but I am interested in going 4-stroke and giving the KDX to my wife.

Any comments/suggestions on the 250EXC 4-stroke????

Thanks in advance for some good feedback.

 

[tigerowner]

The WR 250 and Husky TE 250 both have world enduro titles. All of them are E-start in 2003. Have heard that the KTM is a little porky but what the heck do I know. If I were to buy one here is my preference:

1. TE 2. WR 3. KTM 4. look at 1 through 3 again.

If you want power equal to your KDX with more grunt I would consider the TE 450, KTM 450, Husaberg 400-501, VOR 450?? and WR 450. The 400 class 4-strokes are consistently the fastest times on the world enduro circuit.

 

[01ktmmer]

I would consider steping up to a 400 being you weigh close to 200 lbs with gear probably. I was talking to a dealer the other day about the 250 thumper and he said it weighs just as much as the 400 does. If that is true than i would think that the 250 could be a little under powered for what it is tipping the scales at. Just my 2 cents.

 

[dtsviper]

Well, I guess I have never really considered a 4-stroke as big as a 400 class bike. Always looked at them as being on the heavy side for a tight-woods machine. I am sure I could adapt. I just don't want to have something heavy that will wear me out to quick.

Keep the feedback coming! Maybe I will convert!

 

[Rodzilla]

From what we can tell the "current*" KTM 250 thumper is geared to compete with the XR/TTR 250. Some dealers are billing it as a "starter bike"

It's sitting in the same 400/520 frame so its no lightweight for a 250. Reviews have been mixed but they all pretty much agree that this bike is not going to spank a YZ250f.

* now the word is that the racing 250 from KTM that will go up against the YZ/WRf's and the eventual CR250F will be a "whole new animal. Put in a 125/200 sized frame with a brand new mill. Guess we'll wait and see!

Rod