KTM 250 EXC-F motorcycle – a “combat” enduro with an incredible resource

Full-fledged enduro bikes are the same motorcycles that were called motocross bikes in Soviet times. They, as a rule, are devoid of frills such as mirrors and lighting fixtures.


These are full-fledged sports “equipments”, often without access to public roads. They simply don’t need it - after all, motorcycles are able to travel where it is not always possible to get on foot.

For a long time, the hard enduro class was dominated by two-stroke models. Even now they are much more powerful than their more modern four-stroke “comrades”. And these motorcycles are also distinguished by their “evil” character, they literally “tear” from a place and are not recommended for beginners.


But two-stroke models are long outdated. Their main disadvantage in the modern world is high smoke and low environmental friendliness. The oil is mixed with gasoline there.

And hard enduro is coming from sport to the masses. Regular riders need simpler motorcycles. That's exactly what the KTM 250 EXC-F is. Despite the engine capacity of 250 cm3, this is a real Austrian bike. It certainly won't put the manufacturer to shame.

Model features and prices

Many novice endurists do not understand why anyone buys small-capacity Austrian motorcycles. After all, prices for a used KTM 250 EXC-F start at 350 thousand rubles.


For half the amount, you can pick up a lot of interesting things in the same cubic capacity, made in China, and these will be new bikes. For example, the “top” version of the Racer Panther with a 270 cm3 engine will cost 166 thousand rubles from an official dealer.


So why is an Austrian motorcycle better than a Chinese one? Moreover, in some cases the latter will also have access to public roads?

There are many differences:

✅ Build quality and reliability
✅ The engine is approximately twice as powerful as the Chinese one
✅ Suspensions with long strokes
✅ Brembo brakes
✅ Fuel injection
✅ 6-speed manual transmission

In general, a completely different level is clearly visible. This is a full-fledged hard enduro, on which you can hit the track immediately after purchase.

Appearance and fit

The motorcycle looks classic for its class. The construction seems flimsy and the design is garish. Fans of old action movies, where criminals often rode such bikes, will appreciate it.


But this is KTM, so there will be no questions about the reliability of the motorcycle during operation. Perhaps with a used one bought at the bottom of the market. This is a hard enduro, and it’s not customary to feel sorry for such models.

As for the landing, you will have to immediately come to terms with the narrow seat. Carry a passenger? If you try, you will succeed. But it will be very uncomfortable for everyone.

Engine

The KTM 250 EXC-F has a four-stroke engine with a power of 40 hp. By the way, there is a modification with a two-stroke power unit, it is simply called 250 EXC. It's 50% more powerful.

If we compare the motorcycle with the “top” Chinese models, those with the 177th engine, then the KTM is not particularly striking. It's a matter of tuning the engines. The power unit from the Middle Kingdom has traction shifted to low speeds, while the Austrian bike is more of a “saddleback” bike. Therefore, the difference is not very noticeable at the start.


The fact that the engine is fuel-injected is a plus for hard enduro. Such motorcycles often fall over and fuel begins to leak from the joints and carburetor. The injector deprives you of such “pleasure”.


And the engine weighs 30 kg. Not to say that this worries fans of “riding” in the mud, but for athletes, every extra kilogram of weight is a serious disadvantage.

Suspension

Only for the WP XPLOR a motorcycle can be forgiven a lot. This suspension costs more than a new Chinese bike entirely. The settings are more for beginners - WP XPLOR has a shock absorber with a progressive damping system.

Of course, professional racers will say that with real hard enduro you need to fight, endure, overcoming pain. But there are only a few of them, and they can customize any motorcycle to suit themselves. And beginners will like that the KTM 250 EXC-F rides much faster over rough terrain than its Chinese “classmates”, without particularly noticing potholes.


By the way, the Austrian motorcycle can pass medium-sized fallen trees without stopping.

As for the weight of the bike, it is light for its volume - 103 kg. But that's not even the point - it feels like a bicycle. On the most difficult sections of the route, the bike can be easily guided by hand. And if you really need it, you can even move it.

Who definitely shouldn't buy the KTM 250 EXC-F

Motorcycles from the Austrian brand come with time. Beginners should not spend money on it, especially if they have not yet decided what type of trip they are interested in.

The KTM 250 EXC-F is still a sports bike. It is not very suitable for quiet trips through forests and fields, much less for tourism. The first minus is that the bike is uncomfortable. After an hour of driving, the “fifth point” begins to go numb, and you have to crawl around in the seat, trying to find a comfortable position. It won’t help – I’ve personally verified it many times. The only thing that saves you is to stop and warm up.


The second disadvantage is that the piston in the KTM 250 EXC-F engine needs to be changed after 100 hours of riding. The norm for sports motorcycles, but for the average owner this feature may come as a shock.


No, you can, of course, ignore the instruction manual and drive all the way. But then you will have to change the CPG, and not just the piston. By the way, the latter costs an average of 25 rubles. For example, the CPG assembly for the Chinese 000 engine, which is the best in the line, is offered 177 thousand cheaper.

But enduros from the Middle Kingdom last 300 hours on one piston, even with harsh operation and improper maintenance. You'll have to come to terms with this. You have to pay for the technology of an Austrian motorcycle and its characteristics. The good news is that spare parts are always in stock.

Who will do?

The first thing to note is that the KTM 250 EXC-F is only recommended for those who plan to use it in hard enduro. If this is not in the first place, it is better to choose something else.

The same new Chinese motorcycle for 150-170 thousand rubles will give you much more positive emotions. And if you want to save money, you can pick up a used bike for 30% cheaper. And in some cases it will be better. After all, many eliminate factory defects by investing money in it. They change steering wheels, chains, sprockets, tires. The pendulums are being modified and the fastenings are being strengthened.


If you want KTM specifically for tourism, then you should take a closer look at other models of the Austrian brand. For example, the same 500 EXC F has a much longer piston life, and it drives much more fun. True, this bike weighs decently, but these are nuances.

And if you want to travel more, then KTM has dual-purpose motorcycles - 690 cm3 or more. They differ in service life, which, by the way, is not calculated in engine hours.

At the same time, the KTM 250 EXC-F is still ideal for hard enduro. Power, efficiency and lightness are its trump cards. And you have to come to terms with your shortcomings - who doesn’t have them?