2023 KTM 250 XC Ride Impressions Part 2 

Thanks for asking. I knew that it had the potential to come across wrong in the video. He and I had a good chat at the end of the race and he was fine, but we both felt bad that it happened.

Ahhh....so you watched it to the end ;)

Thank you. I'm glad you find them enjoyable.

Thank you. Glad you found some value and enjoyment in it.

Glad to hear you're enjoying the new KTM. Those are sweet bikes too! My son Josh rode a '22 Kailub Russell edition bike at this same race in the Pro class and loved it. Although it wasn't the new chassis, the 350 XCF is still one of the best platforms.

I just bought a 23 ktm 250xc and a 23 350 xcf. Suspension is to stiff. I had moto Suspension go through my 250xc and what a difference. Now all the small chop from hitting roots and small rocks are gone. Front and rear was around 1000. Well worth it.

Would love to hear your first impressions of the bike. I will likely change out the springs as well.

You can't go wrong with either the 250 or 300. I've owned both, but have been riding a 250XC for the past 7 years. Even though I still really like the 300, I've never wished I had a 300 during that time. 250 is a little more playful and just as fast, but 300 is a little more torquey in the low end. Pick either and enjoy!

Good for you! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine. Interesting that you say what you do about suspension, because when these bikes first came out everyone complained about how stiff they were. A lot of that is the frame, but I've also stiffened up my suspension with a different rear spring and slightly stiffer valving. As for Skid Plates and Braces, I'm using the Tusk skidplate and radiator braces. The braces have been awesome. The skidplate was a prototype so I'm not sure if they're available to the public.

That's just a regular Acerbis Quick Fill System with the stock tank. I don't have a dry break system on this bike so the Acerbis works pretty good. It's the next best thing to an IMS Dry Break system. slavensracing.com/shop/quick-fill-system-by-acerbis/

Go to Minute 1:13:30 of this video and you can see how fast it can really be. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yDwlwdu2lZM.html

@@ridewithmike962 Thanks Mike, that is exactly what I am looking for. If you ever want to come ride Downieville, Ca or NV desert, hit me up.

I specifically wanted another 250 or 300 xc. But, that doesn't mean the 350xcf isn't an awesome bike. I have 3 sons that are way better riders than me. They have ridden and raced a 350xcf on occasion, and for racing and the desert, my oldest son said that is the bike he would ride. But for trail riding, I prefer the two strokes. Here's a video of my son riding a '22 350xcf a few months ago in a local race. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-iBc5PttcMLE.html

@@ridewithmike962 those trails look awesome

@@ridewithmike962 Is mixing fuel a pain in the ass? Or it’s not an issue? My only concern.

@@RC.56 Only if you are concerned about taking a couple of minutes to mix 5 gallons of gas. For me it's a non issue but perhaps that is because I've mixed gas for me and my boys for 30 years. I also have a 500 EXCf so I ride and can appreciate a four stroke.

@@ridewithmike962 they say with the 4t you can just pull up to a pump and fill….. but that doesn’t sound feasible, as when you go out cross country or single track there is no gas station, so you’re bringing gas anyways. Ok thanks. I also hear the 300 XC does not travel as far on one tank than the XEF? How much difference is there?

Hi Scott. I'm 185 without gear so closer to your weight with gear on. The 250 has no issues hauling me around.

I'm 230lbs and picked up the 250xc myself. I don't see the need for more power than the 250 puts out stock.

A 250 will launch a 350 pound man don't kid urself

Manual calls for 60:1, but I've been running 50:1 Lucas Oil.

@@ridewithmike962 okay thank you for getting back.

Fair question. He's doing great and he and I had some fun battles just this past weekend again at the Rhino Rally (see my most recent video)....he's the guy on the YZ just in front of me.