Ktm 250 Exc / Honda Xr400

[MAXR400]

I am trail riding a stock XR400 in the hills of W.V. My question is, how does the KTM 250EXC compare to the Honda? I must say,I love the Hondas' low end, no hill is a problem. What about the wide-ratio transmission in the KTM ? Will this be a problem for trail riding? Also is the front-end lighter on the KTM when you crack open the throttle? ( I miss those power wheelies !!)
Anyone want to throw in their 2 cents? Thanks to all....

 

[biglou]

From what I hear, the XR400 is a stump-puller. I've got a 250 MXC, and I can tell you that you will LOVE the weight difference. I went from a DRZ400E to the kTm. The lightness, the suspension, everything about it just made me smile. It is a well-built machine that needs next to nothing to be race-ready and bullet-proof. The diff between the MXC and the EXC is in the tranny (and the lights, I don't have'em). The MXC has the close-ratio tranny, which was a bit of a concern for me at first, what with this being my first 2-stroke and all, but I have quckly grown to love it. I am a bit faster in the woods now, and have learned how to work the clutch to my advantage. As far as your original question about the WR tranny, I think that lower first gear will really be a benefit in the tight stuff, especially if you're a beginner or novice, like myself.

Overall, I think it's a tough call. The XR is heavier, but still a very capable machine. The kTm, IMO, is a woods weapon, ready to get it on! I don't think you could go wrong with the 250 EXC.

Again, this is all just one spode's opinion! :)

 

[Patman]

My brother in law had a XR400. Personally I found it a great trail bike but almost ended up over the bars a few times due to the compression braking. I prefered my KTM over it in all situations but that's not really fair because the two bikes are basically 2 ends of the scale. If the XR was lighter and a little more numble it would be a little more difficult to say no to it. Now a XR250 with a big bore kit? That has possibilities.

 

[fragildan]

I'm not picking on the honda but there is no comparing the two. I consider the honda a playbike you can race and the ktm a race bike you can play on. I can race it one day and trail ride with the kids the next. with the right springs you can motocross it. you can definitely pull the front wheel most anytime you want. the wr tranny is a bonus for my riding style. even on natural mx tracks I like it. I have a 99 and an 02. they are both great bikes. the 02 is a refined version of the 99 which I happen to be selling.

 

[bwiers]

You may want to consider the 300 EXC vs. the 250. They are awesome bikes and have just a little more forgiveness if you are in the wrong gear.

 

[Wolf]

I've made a similar switch from a XR4 to a 250SX. Can't compare the two. The Xr was "nice" and very trail worthy. KTM is in a different class all together. Hands down KTM or anything else under 280 pounds!

 

[KDX220rm]

The KTM will be alot easier to start. My friend sold his 2000 XR400 because of hot starting problems and went with a 2000 KTM520exc and loves it.

 

[MAXR400]

Thanks to all for your input. I just don't want to drop alot of money for hop-ups into my XR and still not be excited with the bike. The only problem is my XR is a new 2002 with less than 75 miles on it. If I trade now I will end up getting my butt burnt, but I love the look of those orange bikes. Just wish I would of looked a little closer at the KTMs' before dropping the money. Decisions, Decisions............

 

[FlashBurn]

Did the same thing as you only with a KLX 300.Spent an extra 1000 in mods and still wasn't happy.Traded it in nine months later and lost some money but I'm much happier now.It just so happens that the XR400 is the bike I traded it in for and I love it.It's much easier to make payments on a bike you really like.

 

[CPT Jack]

MAXR400, why don't you advertise for(to) trade and get yourself a nice used 2-smoke rather than going for a new one and taking it the pants. I'm sure it shouldn't be hard to find a fair deal.

 

[MAXR400]

Thanks guys for your input. Originally I wanted a KTM 400EXC, but my wife didn't like the sound of a $6000+ toy. So I ended up with the XR400. I love a 4-stroke but it doesn't rip like my old CR250. I am older now and didn't think I needed that kind of power ( and I don"t need it ) but I sure miss it.
I may just wait and see what comes out in a year or two. The 4-strokes are getting better and better. I like the sound of a KTM 450EXC,or a CRF425, or a KLZ400, who knows what bikes will come out. Until then I will only dream of the perfect do everything bike.

 

[Speedway]

MAXR400,
Like you, I am unfortunately getting older. I had a YZ250, in the younger days, and dreamed for another 2-stroke. Anyway, fifteen years later, I got the KTM EXC 250. It really is the perfect woods machine for me, scary power, nimble handeling, suspension firm and plush, anyway I know its a hard decision, but if you get a chance to ride one then you have already bought the Orange ;)