Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1183666
2020 K TM 250 XC TPI RIDE REVIEW P72 their official explanation is that the R&D team was looking for, "…even faster altitude compen- sation." This is likely in response to reports of slower altitude compensating where riders are covering severe vertical feet non- stop in big trail days. There is no mention of it improving bottom end or introducing some pep to the performance on the bikes. However, we raced the afore- mentioned 250 XC-W TPI at the Ohio National Enduro, and that bike felt significantly different. We highly recommend asking your dealer for the update. The final big question mark in TPI tuning (before going with aftermarket exhaust and other engine mods) comes down to the almighty power-valve. For over a decade, the adjustable power- valve on KTM's two-strokes has been an effective tuning tool to manipulate power delivery. From fire-breathing snap monsters to creeping and crawling grunt machines, the power-valve (and sometimes necessary jetting changes) can drastically affect the output as desired. For now, KTM is hesitant to comment on the effectiveness of power-valve adjustments on the TPI models. We're not that hesitant. We've made power-valve adjustments on almost every TPI bike we've tested, and we've felt it makes a difference. We're not entirely sure how the TPI system reacts to make this change as effective as possible like jetting a carb would do, but we've done it, and the changes were noticeable—most recently during our enduro test. If it sounds like I'm a little harsh on the XC TPI, it's probably be- cause I'm personally attached to this model. I've been in a de- cade-long personal relationship with KTM 250 XCs. We even moved in together. It started during my time at Dirt Rider Magazine, with Jimmy Lewis re-introducing me to the two- stroke goods and the beauty of the do-it-all XC platform. I had left two-strokes in the dust as I chased motocross laps aboard thumpers. One day, on Lewis' suggestion, I grabbed the 250 XC, and my eyes were opened once again. Man- ageable-yet-strong power from a 250cc two-stroke doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but that's what the XC is all about. It has the goods and delivers them with man- ners as you tune. From that day forward, I com- mandeered many a 250 XC ride, stealing our in-house test mule for a rowdy road trip through Idaho's backcountry and into a national enduro in my home state of Montana. After leaving the motorcycle media world for a while, the first thing I did was purchase a 2010 KTM 250 XC and use it as a trail-slaying tool across Idaho's best terrain. That bike lived in my apartment's living room for a couple months. I was totally cool with that. While I've moved on from cohabiting with motorcycles, I am still looking to get back into an adult relationship with a two- stroke. And as soon as TPI starts really delivering the goods I know it can with the XC, I'll probably be ready to commit. CN S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2020 KTM 250 XC TPI Engine Type: ...................... Liquid-cooled, 2-Stroke, single Displacement: ..................................249cc Bore / Stroke: ..................... 66.4 x 72mm Starter: ...... Electric Starter / 12.8V, 2Ah Transmission: ...............................6-speed Fuel System: ...................... TPI, Dell'Orto, 39mm throttle Lubrication: ...... Electronically Regulated Oil Pump Primary Ratio: ..................................26:73 Final Drive: .........................................13:51 Clutch: .........Wet, multi-disc DDS-Clutch, Brembo hydraulics Ignition:.......................... Continental EMS Frame: ..........Central double-cradle Type 25CrMo4 steel Sub Frame: ...............................Aluminum Handlebar: ...Neken, aluminum 28/22mm Front Suspension: ........... WP XACT USD fork, 48mm Rear Suspension: ..................... WP XACT monoshock w/linkage Front-wheel travel: ....................... 12.2 in. Rear-wheel travel: ....................... 11.81 in. Front brake: ............. Single 260mm disc Rear brake: Single 220mm disc Front-wheel: 1.60 x 21 in. Rear-wheel: ...........................2.15 x 18 in. Front tire: .. 80/100 x 21 in. Dunlop AT81 Rear tire: .. 110/100 x 18 in. Dunlop AT81 Rake: ................................................... 26.1º Triple Clamp Offset: .........................2mm Wheelbase: .........................58.5 ± 0.4 in. Ground clearance:......................... 14.6 in. Seat height: ................................... 37.4 in. Fuel capacity: ..........................8 2.25 gal. Weight (dry, claimed): ............. 223.3 lbs.