Hello, currently I have a 2008 CRF250R, I love feel of the bike, but I race in Hare scrambles all over Pennsylvania and in some GNCC. So I am looking to get something a little more trail oriented and it must have an electric start, but it still has to perform pretty well on a motocross track because almost every place I race includes sections of a motocross track in the course. I have been looking to get either a KTM 250 XC-F or XCF-W. But after reading 2009 Torture Test What is the best do it all bike in your June issue I was interested in the Pro Circuit 2009 Honda CRF250X. And I was wondering how the Honda stacked up against the stock KTMs, since they are pretty much the same price stock to the modified Honda. I would be putting a Scott steering stabilizer on any of the bikes. I would like to know which of the three bikes would suit my races the best or do you suggest a different 250F. I am 16 and an upper level C class rider soon to be B. Any advice would be appreciated. I love the magazine, lots of great stuff. Thanks for your help.
Austin Palumbo
Reynoldsville, PA
My choice would be the KTM XC-F, since the XCW-F has suspension that is a little soft for the track use you are talking about. But the final answer depends on what sort of power you like. The KTM is a rocket through the upper mid-range and top. No 250F really stays with it. Right off idle the bike is good for technical, slippery sections. The KTM doesn't have a lot of response down low, though. You just need to hit the clutch a little to get the engine up into the good part. The CRF-X has much better roll-on, but is close to 10 pounds heavier. So if you like a lot of tractable torque, the X is a good bet. It won't necessarily feel that much like your current Honda, though. Piston life is much greater on the KTM, and valve life as well. On the other hand, the KTM's parts are more expensive when you do need them. -Karel Kramer