KTM 250 EXC-F experience

[That Guy]

Hi all - I've finally sold my Monster so on the lookout for a 250 EXC-F (or maybe 200EXC).

I've not had a lot to with with KTM four strokes, how reliable are they? I note from the web that it seems they need a new crank every 80 hours....seems quite high compared to a jap bike? Anybody lived with one before and able to offer comments?

Have had a 200EXC about 8 years ago and loved that....but Ì'm getting older and love the idea of a leccy leg...

thanks

[kezzafish]

i've heard all those single cam ones are particularly gutless but've never ridden a 250 one

[FlangMasterJ]

i've heard all those single cam ones are particularly gutless but've never ridden a 250 one

Aren't they the same engine as the SX-F?

You may be thinking of the EXC-R.

The EXC-F should have a bit of poke.

[takitimu]

The 09 kicks pretty well, earlier than that & you might want to look at a muffler.
Sweet bike, get's headshake when moving a bit faster & needs the exhaust opened up pre-09.
They go through pistons & rings ( 80-100 ), but never heard of a crank.
I know of a '09 coming up for sale soon, 90 odd hours, beautifully maintained.

[vazza]

There's a 2504t review in the latest dirtrider downunder.( or the one before ) 250EXC-F got a pretty good review.

[noobi]

the dirtrider downunder review gave it a 2nd place, behind the yamaha. only because it didnt have much bottom end. it seems to be more race ready out of the box and needs to be ridden hard to get the best out of it. the honda and the yamaha were slightly more user friendly than the ktm.

the older ktm 4 stroke motors, the single cam ones, are practically bulletproof. wheras the newer twin cam versions seem to be higher stressed motors, they make the most power though...

[IIIRII]

Ive got an 05 250 exc f with a factory 350 kit it in, its never broken down , needed rear wheel bearings / brake pads / just did chain and sprockets .
Its the old (o5 ?)single cam engine , anyone who calls this gutless needs a rethink, it pulls the front up under power easy in 3rd.
In fact im pretty sure nooby gets the front off the ground DOWN the hill at the superbowl
Its done 185 hrs and never had a thing done to the engine / gets oil and filters every 10 hours.
Still starts first flick cold or hot. :P
XXX recon these will do in excess of 300 hrs without a rebiuld ...
I would love to know what one weighs ? if anyone actually knows ... no speculation please only facts.
Id give it 10/10 for the bikes I have owned

If I talk myself into buying a 300 2 smoke after riding KTM boys, this will be for sale.

[FlangMasterJ]

The single cam 250EXC-R was pretty damn gutless from the factory that's why KTM released the 350 kit. That woke them up. I know, I had one.

[kezzafish]

The single cam 250EXC-R was pretty damn gutless from the factory that's why KTM released the 350 kit. That woke them up. I know, I had one.

what's the diff between an r and an f? is one a motard? yeah ditto on the 350 kit... that'll give it some more grunt. But it's not a 250 anymore is it.

I have a mate who had an 04 400EXC and even that was a bit tame compared to an equally cc'd DRZ (but drz's are twin cam). This is not to say that it'd be slow though as it was a great ride and waaaay less taxing on the body than something with more arm pulling torque. It had really linear pull that built with revs (read: weak bottom end torque)

You could ride something like that really quick in enduro type conditions

[Reckless]

If I talk myself into buying a 300 2 smoke after riding KTM boys, this will be for sale.

Haha there's your answer? Buy the 2smoker! the EXC, More power, Starts everytime hot or cold, Adjustable power valve and dual curve ignition, Cheaper to maintain and recon! but I am a bit bias!

[Shorty_925]

Haha there's your answer? Buy the 2smoker! the EXC, More power, Starts everytime hot or cold, Adjustable power valve and dual curve ignition, Cheaper to maintain and recon! but I am a bit bias!

Seen the 300 at Lester & Yates and looks bloody good. Anyone ridden one of these after being on a 450 to compare them?

[IIIRII]

I've not had a lot to with with KTM four strokes, how reliable are they?

oh it needs to be at least 10 characters
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[FlangMasterJ]

what's the diff between an r and an f? is one a motard?

The EXC-R was the same engine design as the 400 single cam you speak of. The EXC-F is the new generation twin cam model.