OK, new thread as requested:
Comparing the 'new' KTM to my last KTM (04 200EXC) probably isn't fair but I have also spent a little time on the 06 KTM 200XC-W so maybe I can make some reasonable comments.
I now have just under 100 miles on the 250XCF-W and 1st off, I'll say that I AM Impressed. I didn't expect it to be as good as it is. Since I am also keeping my 05 YZ 250 (2 stroke) that I really like in the woods - I bought the KTM as a 2nd bike that I plan to street legal title so that I can ride it places the YZ 250 can't legally go (connecting loops, dual sporting the U.P. etc) - I really didn't plan on it as my primary off-road mount but now I can say it could easily be THE off-road choice.
But then I am supposed to be comparing it to the other KTM's aren't I?
here goes. The suspension on the 04 was - well, not the greatest, the 06 is much better, the bike likes to turn whereas the 04 isn't near as natural, feels top heavy, doesn't want to 'lay' into a turn.
The 07 XCF-W is everything the 06 is and more. After riding the YZ, jumping on any stock KTM (except the SX's) felt like "mushy" suspension to me - I prefer the somewhat stiffer YZ hitting stuff at speed.
The new XCF-W fork is very plush for the 1st few inches of travel, you hardly notice the small logs, rocks, roots, etc. (lots better than the YZ or either of the KTM200's) but for bigger hits the new KTM will also handle it without upsetting the suspension like the earlier KTM's (one of my biggest reasons for going to a YZ in the 1st place) the front end turns similar to other KTM's, once you are used to it - no problem but jumping off a YZ, it does feel a bit "lazy" - not bad just different, if you ride a KTM now, you probably won't notice any difference.
Shock/rear suspension: Wow what a difference here - set up exactly like my 04 (114mm race sag-4 clicks softer compression, 2 clicks harder rebound) this thing is sweet - handles the small hits similar to the front end but it's the big hits (like with the front end) that impresses me the most - again this is where I felt the earlier KTM's (stock) had a problem - not any more.
Balance front to rear is excellent - whoops, no problems at speed, neither is the slow technical stuff, this is a very nice handling bike. weight is a non-issue. it feels every bit as light as a 200, weight must be low because I know it does weigh more than the 200, it just does not feel like it.
Motor: what can I say? this thing flat out hauls butt - it does not sound or feel like a 250cc. You can easily run a gear tall, short shift all day long if you want, just keep the rev's up over idle and you'll be fine. Slow speed turns in 3rd gear (like the 200's) no problem - in fact I think it'll pull the taller gear without as much clutch (and RPM's) as the 200 needs under the same circumstances. Riding Long lake with those long (and very sandy right now) uphills - I was upshifting to 3rd and even 4th (I would have been in 3rd with the 200 - or the YZ)
There is enough engine braking to be noticeable, especially when I let Larry try it and I jumped on his RM250 and proceeded to 'blow right thru that 1st corner' - I guess I was already beginning to use the engine braking with the KTM without realizing it. Some guys do not like engine braking with a 4 stroke - personally I think it's one of their advantages if used properly - I like it, the 250XCF-W has enough to notice/use but not enough to bother you or slow you down.
Larry commented that the rear suspension was THE best feeling of any bike he has ever ridden, he liked the fork too but felt the bike turned 'weird' (remember he's been riding RM's for a while now so KTM's will feel different). I'm not sure that I'd call it the best handling bike I have ever ridden (I really do like the YZ, except for the small hits) but it sure is head and shoulders better than any of my old KTM's and I'm sure that you won't be at much (if any) disadvantage anywhere.
Ok, there you have it - Oh ya, the motor likes a few hours on it before it wants to idle real well. Plus I'm told that the real power shows itself after 10 hours or so - it's got plenty right now.
Comparing the 'new' KTM to my last KTM (04 200EXC) probably isn't fair but I have also spent a little time on the 06 KTM 200XC-W so maybe I can make some reasonable comments.
I now have just under 100 miles on the 250XCF-W and 1st off, I'll say that I AM Impressed. I didn't expect it to be as good as it is. Since I am also keeping my 05 YZ 250 (2 stroke) that I really like in the woods - I bought the KTM as a 2nd bike that I plan to street legal title so that I can ride it places the YZ 250 can't legally go (connecting loops, dual sporting the U.P. etc) - I really didn't plan on it as my primary off-road mount but now I can say it could easily be THE off-road choice.
But then I am supposed to be comparing it to the other KTM's aren't I?
here goes. The suspension on the 04 was - well, not the greatest, the 06 is much better, the bike likes to turn whereas the 04 isn't near as natural, feels top heavy, doesn't want to 'lay' into a turn.
The 07 XCF-W is everything the 06 is and more. After riding the YZ, jumping on any stock KTM (except the SX's) felt like "mushy" suspension to me - I prefer the somewhat stiffer YZ hitting stuff at speed.
The new XCF-W fork is very plush for the 1st few inches of travel, you hardly notice the small logs, rocks, roots, etc. (lots better than the YZ or either of the KTM200's) but for bigger hits the new KTM will also handle it without upsetting the suspension like the earlier KTM's (one of my biggest reasons for going to a YZ in the 1st place) the front end turns similar to other KTM's, once you are used to it - no problem but jumping off a YZ, it does feel a bit "lazy" - not bad just different, if you ride a KTM now, you probably won't notice any difference.
Shock/rear suspension: Wow what a difference here - set up exactly like my 04 (114mm race sag-4 clicks softer compression, 2 clicks harder rebound) this thing is sweet - handles the small hits similar to the front end but it's the big hits (like with the front end) that impresses me the most - again this is where I felt the earlier KTM's (stock) had a problem - not any more.
Balance front to rear is excellent - whoops, no problems at speed, neither is the slow technical stuff, this is a very nice handling bike. weight is a non-issue. it feels every bit as light as a 200, weight must be low because I know it does weigh more than the 200, it just does not feel like it.
Motor: what can I say? this thing flat out hauls butt - it does not sound or feel like a 250cc. You can easily run a gear tall, short shift all day long if you want, just keep the rev's up over idle and you'll be fine. Slow speed turns in 3rd gear (like the 200's) no problem - in fact I think it'll pull the taller gear without as much clutch (and RPM's) as the 200 needs under the same circumstances. Riding Long lake with those long (and very sandy right now) uphills - I was upshifting to 3rd and even 4th (I would have been in 3rd with the 200 - or the YZ)
There is enough engine braking to be noticeable, especially when I let Larry try it and I jumped on his RM250 and proceeded to 'blow right thru that 1st corner' - I guess I was already beginning to use the engine braking with the KTM without realizing it. Some guys do not like engine braking with a 4 stroke - personally I think it's one of their advantages if used properly - I like it, the 250XCF-W has enough to notice/use but not enough to bother you or slow you down.
Larry commented that the rear suspension was THE best feeling of any bike he has ever ridden, he liked the fork too but felt the bike turned 'weird' (remember he's been riding RM's for a while now so KTM's will feel different). I'm not sure that I'd call it the best handling bike I have ever ridden (I really do like the YZ, except for the small hits) but it sure is head and shoulders better than any of my old KTM's and I'm sure that you won't be at much (if any) disadvantage anywhere.
Ok, there you have it - Oh ya, the motor likes a few hours on it before it wants to idle real well. Plus I'm told that the real power shows itself after 10 hours or so - it's got plenty right now.