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Ktm 250 exc-f

ctrvl

ctrvl

New member
Joined
Dec 9, 2013
Location
San Francisco
Moto(s)
1991 Honda NC29, 2008 WR250X, 2017 350 EXC-F(SM)
Name
Chris
Didn't seem like such fanfare for this one, but KTM USA posted a teaser on their FB page: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153442318822587&substory_index=0&id=81981162586

And earlier today there was this added to their site:

http://www.ktm.com/us/news/int/a-new-generation-of-ktm-enduro-machines-is-here/

Looks like updated versions of the 500, 450 (new), 350, and 250 (new) EXC-F lines, and you can get a six days version of each.

I already put a down payment on a 250 at Scuderia and was #1 in line lol. Yes it will be motarded straight away.
 
I held off on buying a street legal 350 or 500 this year because I knew the 17 was getting a big makeover. The current generation is so good, I only hope the new ones are as good or a little better. I may wait for full reviews and maybe even 18 till all is known about long term reliability.
Ktm has been owning the dualsport market for so long.
 
Yeah, I also held off on buying a street legal 350 because I wanted to see what 2017 was going to look like; I was really hoping for a SMC-style "factory" street-focused supermoto like the 690 but in a 400-450cc (duke 390 engine anyone?) format, but I'm also happy to get two bikes for the price of one in this case. Intrigued at the decision to go with 250, maybe to edge out the WRR or...? Just hoping the price is right; internet is saying anywhere from USD9599 to USD12599, which is kinda high >.<
 
Hmmm, reading all the info on the new 17 exc. It is getting some all new shock and fork called the xplor I know nothing about, not getting the awesome air fork. I am disappoint.
Other than that it looks good (assuming new engine, frame, etc is a positive evolution)
 
Yeah, the 250 is a bit odd as the 350 is a reasonable "little"dual sport.
My buddy just got his wife a plated 16 husky 350 to replace her 04 wr250. It is so light and nimble, and plenty quick. I haven't had it on a long ride yet to test the power on any big hills but it feels like a great singletrack weapon.
 
2017 350 EXC-F:
Dry Weight => 104kg (229 lbs)
MSRP (sek to dollar conversion) => USD10,782

2017 250 EXC-F:
Dry Weight => 103kg (227 lbs)
MSRP (sek to dollar conversion) => USD10,542

I used the sek to dollar conversion because the US KTM site does not list MSRP but the Swedish one does. I'm sure YMMV.

Looks like you get a *slightly* lighter bike, pay a tiny bit less. I'm sure the power difference will be noticeable, which is actually fine by me as I'm still pretty new to riding.

Some sites are purporting horsepower to be comparable to a stock DRZ400SM, which is still pretty amazing when you consider that the DRZ is ~80 lbs heavier.
 
ctrvl said:
2017 350 EXC-F:
Dry Weight => 104kg (229 lbs)
MSRP (sek to dollar conversion) => USD10,782

2017 250 EXC-F:
Dry Weight => 103kg (227 lbs)
MSRP (sek to dollar conversion) => USD10,542

I used the sek to dollar conversion because the US KTM site does not list MSRP but the Swedish one does. I'm sure YMMV.

Looks like you get a *slightly* lighter bike, pay a tiny bit less. I'm sure the power difference will be noticeable, which is actually fine by me as I'm still pretty new to riding.

Some sites are purporting horsepower to be comparable to a stock DRZ400SM, which is still pretty amazing when you consider that the DRZ is ~80 lbs heavier.
Click to expand...
Not much incentive to get a 250 versus the 350.
Also not sure there's much incentive to spend 10+ large on a dirtbike...The Husky 701 is only 11K (doh!)
 
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Plus, sumo is tough on motors and a 250 4t sumo seems like the fastest path to tears. Regardless, congrats on the bike!
 
Be sure to get a cush drive rear wheel to lessen the torture. Regardless, any hard raced/tracked sumo will require lots of love. Fast don't come cheap.

And the comparison of the 250/350 to a DRZ is laughable. HP numbers aside, the 350 Husky that I rode feels like a 2t MX mike in agility, the DRZ feels like an xr400.
 
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A 250 will always be nimbler than a 350 even if they weight the same because of less rotating inertia in the engine. The same reason 2strokes feel a lot lighter when you ride them even though on paper they can be slightly heavier than a 4stroke.
As a dirtbike the FE250/XCF-W250 is my dream ride but I can't imagine what it would make it a good street legal supermoto!
Unless this new KTM has much higher service intervals than the dirtbike only version and can do at least 75mph top speed.
The 500 would be about the only one I'd consider torturing as a street legal tard. And even that one seems to me to be too high maintenance.
 
I'm kinda thinking that announcement isn't for the US market for plated bikes.. the 250 and 450 EXC-F models already exist in EU/AP (Australia) and aren't the same as the plated 350/500 EXC-Fs we get here, they're just regular 4stroke enduro bikes. Somebody more KTM-knowledgeable correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the 250/450 won't come here as plateable bikes? OP, put your deposit on a 2017 350, you won't be disappointed - it's the perfect hybrid of 250/450 power & weight, and makes a great SuMo.
 
True, I was thrown off by the mention of the 450excf.

for Corb, my buddies wife said she was did 80 on her 350 husky the other day. Don't know for how long or how much more it had to give but I believe it with the tall stock gearing it is possible. Not that the bike will be happy there for long....
 
augustiron said:
True, I was thrown off by the mention of the 450excf.

for Corb, my buddies wife said she was did 80 on her 350 husky the other day. Don't know for how long or how much more it had to give but I believe it with the tall stock gearing it is possible. Not that the bike will be happy there for long....
Click to expand...

I'm sure the 350EXC will do 80mph. Maybe even the 350 XCF. But as far as I know, the 250 with stock gearing tops out at 55mph. Plenty fast for what the bike was meant to do, mostly tight single track.
Anyway I wouldn't make the 250 a street legal tard but very jelly on OP for getting one. As I said before, it is my dream dirtbike!
 
To anyone put off by the service interval on these bikes; my advice is don't be. It's not hard, it doesn't take long, and for anyone who really loves bikes it's actually pretty fun.

If you're anything like me and you stop to just stare at your bike for a minute every time you walk by, then performing the service is just a good time. I've had my 2016 350 EXC for just about 5 months and I'm already more familiar with it than any other bike I've ever owned. Partially because it's comparatively simple, but also because I routinely go through every nut and bolt. I never did that with other bikes even though I thought they were awesome too.

I'm definitely salivating over the new bikes, but I'm glad I went with the 2016 350 EXC when I did. Six months of having an awesome sumo is worth it to me. But maybe a new 250 smoker. That thing looks bad ass.
 
badjoojoo said:
To anyone put off by the service interval on these bikes; my advice is don't be. It's not hard, it doesn't take long, and for anyone who really loves bikes it's actually pretty fun.

If you're anything like me and you stop to just stare at your bike for a minute every time you walk by, then performing the service is just a good time. I've had my 2016 350 EXC for just about 5 months and I'm already more familiar with it than any other bike I've ever owned. Partially because it's comparatively simple, but also because I routinely go through every nut and bolt. I never did that with other bikes even though I thought they were awesome too.

I'm definitely salivating over the new bikes, but I'm glad I went with the 2016 350 EXC when I did. Six months of having an awesome sumo is worth it to me. But maybe a new 250 smoker. That thing looks bad ass.
Click to expand...

I love my Duke, but detest changing the oil (you LC4 and probably every other KTM owner will understand) and never look forward to checking/adjusting the valves (in fact I think I am due to check the valves). The valves on my bike aren't even the shim type, although considering access, not sure I am saving that much time with the screw type adjusters. :wow

Singles, especially high strung ones just require the extra TLC. Know it, understand it, but I will be damned before I enjoy it.
:laughing
 
I will say that *if* I were to buy a 250 4t for sumo, it would either be a Yamaha or KTM. Anytime I see an RMZ250 setup for sumo I just cringe.
vjra1Zb.gif
 
Blurrrps, apologies for the confusion on the 450 EXC-F, I saw it on the SE site and assumed it was also coming to the US. Bad choice on my part.

For those recommending switching my down payment to a 350 EXC-F, I hear ya loud and clear - that was going to be the path I was going to take initially, but I feel like the lower power of the 250 would suit my skill level better. However, if it's going to be super slow on the freeway that may be a no-go due to me occasionally hitting the freeway for commute (yes I plan to urban commute this thing).

We'll see I guess, wonder if Scuderia will let me compare them in a test ride lol
 
ctrvl said:
Blurrrps, apologies for the confusion on the 450 EXC-F, I saw it on the SE site and assumed it was also coming to the US. Bad choice on my part.

For those recommending switching my down payment to a 350 EXC-F, I hear ya loud and clear - that was going to be the path I was going to take initially, but I feel like the lower power of the 250 would suit my skill level better. However, if it's going to be super slow on the freeway that may be a no-go due to me occasionally hitting the freeway for commute (yes I plan to urban commute this thing).

We'll see I guess, wonder if Scuderia will let me compare them in a test ride lol
Click to expand...

I honestly do not want to sound patronizing at all, but I have to ask. You are aware that service intervals on the 250 [at least] are measured in hours of engine running time, not in miles?
I can not imagine a poorer choice to a bike to commute on. The 250 EXC-F is a very focused dirt racer. Nothing like your WR which has valve adjustments every 20k miles or so.

On my CRF250X I would change the oil every three or four rides and did 5 valve adjustments in 2 and 1/2 years. The KTM has similar maintenance.
 
Corb said:
I honestly do not want to sound patronizing at all, but I have to ask. You are aware that service intervals on the 250 [at least] are measured in hours of engine running time, not in miles?
I can not imagine a poorer choice to a bike to commute on. The 250 EXC-F is a very focused dirt racer. Nothing like your WR which has valve adjustments every 20k miles or so.

On my CRF250X I would change the oil every three or four rides and did 5 valve adjustments in 2 and 1/2 years. The KTM has similar maintenance.
Click to expand...

No worries, doesn't sound patronizing at all - it's a valid question. Truth be told my "commute" is literally 8-10 minutes in duration and mostly urban. There's another couple of EXC-Fs (one 350 and one 500) that park nearby with similar commute times and by their telling it's not super hard on the engine - still higher maintenance than typical streetable supermotos (drz, wr, smc) but totally doable.

I'm not shy to do maintenance on dirt bikes; I'm still pretty new to it but have been getting better over time and the garage is almost fully kitted out with everything I need :)
 
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