2017 KTM 250 XC
FULL TEST
P106
Speaking of the engine, the
2017 KTM (and sibling Husqvar-
na) two-stroke engines are in-
credible. KTM added a counter-
balancer to all of the two-stoke
models and the reduced vibra-
tion is immediately noticeable
at every contact point with the
bike (handlebars, footpegs and
seat). The power delivery is still
tunable via a power-valve spring
tension adjuster and anybody
should have no problem finding
the setting they like. With power-
valve adjustments, you can make
it crawl like a trials bike or rip like
a motocrosser. Although the XC
power is a lot mellower than the
SX (motocross model), it will still
out accelerate a 250cc four-
stroke motocross bike and hang
pretty close with a 450 in the
open terrain.
Two more important points
on the KTM 250 (and 300 XC)
engine, it comes standard with
an electric start, which is really
a benefit for technical riding and
a nice convenience otherwise.
The 250 XC also includes a
six-speed transmission. So the
gear spacing is just right for any
speed and it will blast down a
road or sand wash without look-
ing for another gear.
The one gripe, as you might
have predicted, we have with the
2017 XC engines is the switch
from a Keihin to a Mikuni carbu-
retor. The Keihins needed very
little adjustment and worked well
in a range of conditions includ-
ing big changes in altitude.
The Mikuni is more finicky. But
we did manage to find a pretty
decent setting. The bike is pretty
rich stock and will load up and
get worse with extended riding
in slow, technical conditions. We
Forks, electric starter, cylinder,
frame, exhaust system, triple
clamps, rear brake pedal and a lot
more are all new or revamped on
the 2017 KTM 250 XC two-stroke.
