KTM 250 XC-F Overview

5/5

The throttle response is fast and makes riding more fun.

Introduction

KTM 250 XC-F is a quarter-liter capacity four-stroke class cross-country motorcycle showcased in KTM’s off-road racing motorcycle lineup. It’s a delicately designed cross-country racing machine in the KTM’s XC-F series that reaches into the competition with a highly capable 250cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine and features a compatible setup of frame, wheel, brake, and suspension system. Beholding cross-country tag, the motorcycle features a dedicated frame design and comprehensive suspension tuning to better comply with varied cross-country scenarios.

Moreover, featuring a wide-ratio transmission system, the 250 XC-F’s DOHC 4-valve engine is also tuned to deliver midrange thrust and top-end power together to make longer races on varied terrains more comfortable and easier. Meanwhile, the KTM 250 XC-F also shines with its lightweight characteristics and nimble handling along with a compact body layout. Consequently, it is now more agile with its super-sharp exterior profile and keenly aerodynamic plastics. Therefore, the renowned Austrian motorcycle manufacturer, KTM proudly showcases this quarter-liter cross-country machine as a race-ready beast to hit versatile off-road racing terrains.

  

KTM 250 XC-F – Physical Attributes:

KTM 250 XC-F is a Ready-To-Race off-road racing machine in KTM’s cross-country motorcycle series. The motorcycle is a very practically designed quarter-liter and four-stroke class motorcycle designed for cross-country racers and learners. The motorcycle is significantly lightweight in construction along with lightweight frame design, tight-packed high-performance engine, and very compact body profile. Therefore, as it can serve serious off-road races also can comply with beginners’ requirements.

In the overall design, KTM 250 XC-F copies the pure motocross racing profile but it is tuned and tweaked to fit with versatile riding scenarios of varied cross-country terrains. The motorcycle features a very compact and minimal exterior profile that is dedicatedly designed to ensure nimble handling, easy running through, and easy access to the essential maintenance parts even on the race.

In the exterior, KTM 250 XC-F features a very sleek, sharp, and compact construction that includes race-dedicated 21/18 wheels, long-travel suspension, uplifted engine position, up-raised exhaust setup, and a strengthened seat. This compact construction ensures significant ground clearance of the motorcycle and nimble riding and controlling behavior on varied off-road terrains. As a solid racing machine, it only has a few body panels that are absolutely compact, whereas the cutting-edge design meaningfully enhances the aerodynamics of the motorcycle.

Therefore, it features a sharply designed higher front fender, long-sleeve plastic protection on the front USD barrels and has a number board on the front of the triple clamp. The triple clamp holds a 28mm pipe handlebar that features the most basic control switches in an easy-to-access position. Then the fuel tank a bit larger in fuel capacity and the straightened race-ready seat is purposefully aligned with the sharp tail fender.

However, the fuel tank is purposefully matted under the straightened seat and ensures a single curve line to allow the rider to move forward easily in the sharp corners and relaxed sit back on the throttle open up on wider terrains. Meanwhile, the plastic fins ensure superior aerodynamics and also direct airflow toward the cooling radiator and engine. Then, the side covers protect the air-box and other vulnerable parts. Hence, the KTM 250 XC-F is very maturely designed that better comply with versatile racing scenarios.


KTM 250 XC-F – Frame, Wheel, Brake, & Suspension System:

KTM 250 XC-F is a race-ready cross-country racing machine that features lightweight frame and highly capable wheel, brake, and suspension system that is dedicatedly designed and featured for extreme cross-country racing. Here, the frame is a central double-cradle-type 25CRM04 steel frame, and the swingarm is an aluminum-reinforced polyamide swingarm that is lightweight and offers both stiffness and flexibility to better deal with varied situations of longer cross-country rides. 

In the wheels, KTM 250 XC-F features lightweight wired-spoke aluminum rims and tube-fitted knobby tires ensuring track racing measures. The tires are 90/90-21 size in the front and at the rear it’s 110/100-18. The braking system of the motorcycle features hydraulic disc braking systems on both wheels, holding 260mm disc in the front and 220mm disc at the rear. 

In the suspension system, the KTM 250 XC-F features a cross-country racing suspension setup tweaked by the KTM Factory Racing Team. In the front, it features a 48mm WP XACT USD fork suspension and at the rear, it has WP XACT linkage-type mono suspension setup featuring 300mm travel in the front and 300mm travel at the rear. Both suspensions offer a wider range of adjustability along with tool-free easy adjustment by bare-hand, even just on the track.


KTM 250 XC-F – Engine Performance & Features:

KTM 250 XC-F is a race-ready, premium cross-country machine from KTM in the quarter-liter four-stroke range. The motorcycle comes with the latest generation 249.9cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine featuring KEIHIN EFI with 44mm throttle body and a DOHC 4-valve system. The engine features a bore and stroke of 76.0mm X 55.0mm and a compression ratio of 14.4:1. 

Here, the clutch system is a wet multi-plate clutch system and the transmission comprises wider ratio 6-speed gears arranged in the pattern of 1-N-2-3-4-5-6. In addition, the gear shift and power drive are assisted by Quickshifter and traction control systems, where traction control is instantly switchable with a dedicated switch. Meanwhile, the engine starting features an electric start system only.

In terms of power and performance, the KTM 250 XC-F’s lightweight, race-tuned engine has been optimized for smooth power delivery, excellent performance, and efficiency. To comply with demanding cross-country riding situations, the engine features two different ECU mappings. Here, map-1 provides more liner power curve and map-2 allows the rider to punch with aggressive throttle response and explosive power delivery. Thus, it can ensure a distinctive advantage in real racing situations.


KTM 250 XC-F – Target Customer:

KTM 250 XC-F is a feature-packed cross-country racing machine in KTM’s four-stroke quarter-liter class motorcycle lineup. This race-ready motorcycle is dedicatedly designed for extended cross-country racing and serious practice sessions. The motorcycle is a full-size off-road racing machine that features a high-performance 250cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine and also features a highly capable wheel, brake, and KTM Factory Racing Team tweaked suspension setup. Therefore, it is a desiccated racing machine exclusively designed for serious cross-country racers and racing newbies.


KTM 250 XC-F – Rivals in the market:

Yamaha YZ250R

Kawasaki KX250F

Suzuki RM-Z250

Honda CRF250F

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • KTM 250 XC-F features a dedicated off-road racing design and agile riding ergonomics uplifted with a very sharp and compact body profile

Cons

  • Stock engine baseplate is missing
  • Adjustable control lever would have been better
  • Hydraulic clutch system may malfunction in some extreme racing conditions

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