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/821592
2017 KTM 250, 350 AND 500 EXC-F FIRST RIDE P118 EXC-F; or any single-cylinder 250 for that matter. However, there isn't another 250cc dual- sport that could even keep the 250 EXC-F in sight for more than 10-seconds. For a small, light or beginning rider, the 250 EXC-F is a dream come true. For aggressive off-road riders who like riding 250Fs and know what a 250F engine is all about, the 250 EXC-F will happily provide impressive upper-rpm power while putting a large smile on your face. The suspension and handling of the 250 EXC-F mimics that of the 350 EXC-F, but doesn't feel quite as plush. This is due to a microscopic weight difference and less horsepower through the chassis. The ultra-plush settings compliment the softer power output and combine to create a super-fun bike to ride. It is very quick-turning and a blast to flick through tight, twisting single-track. The biggest limiting factor on all of the EXC-Fs comes down to the TKC 80 tires. Finding an aggressive, knobby DOT tire, like Dunlop's 606s, will greatly enhance the off-road experience on any of the EXCs. SEPARATED BY DISPLACEMENT As we mentioned, these three bikes share almost everything, besides displacement. The brakes on all three EXCs work amazingly well, and the overall fit and finish is excellent. Gas tanks might hold only 2.2 gallons, but we were still able to get 80-90 miles in normal trail-riding condi- tions. Somewhat surprising was that each bike seems to burn at about the same rate. There isn't a kickstarter on these bikes, but there is an option to install one if you want. We did not have any reliability problems or issues with the electric starting system, and overall starting is effortless. The lithium battery that the EXCs use is light and provides plenty of power while saving weight when compared to a typical lead-acid battery. The hydraulic Brembo clutch works smoothly, always providing a consistent feel to the clutch, which has a lot to do with KTM's DDS design that uses only one big, central spring instead of multiple springs. To help eliminate any over- heating issues, even in tight and slow riding situations, all three bikes have an electric fan. KTM put a lot of work and thought into the 2017 EXC-F so you don't have to do any modi- fications before hitting the trails for the first time. They run pretty darned good as is! Of course, a dirt biker's natural tendency is to modify, but we suggest you take the time to ride them stock for a bit and figure out what you really need to change. You just might find that you don't need to change a thing. The ECUs are locked up tight but work very well as is. As soon as you start messing with the engine— anything that is related to emis- sions—it suddenly takes them out of EPA compliance, and they probably won't run any better, ei- ther; instead, most likely worse, because the tamperproof ECU unit can't be re-mapped, which you would normally have to do following any modification to any- thing that has to do with air flow into and/or out of the engine, such as installing a different muf- fler or exhaust system. ORANGE CHOICES So, which EXC-F is best for you? Depends on what kind of riding you do, your ability and The 250 EXC-F, new to the KTM dual- sport lineup, is way fun. Just hold it open and go!