KTM 250EXC-F - Agent Orange
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KTM 250EXC-F - Agent Orange

By Shannons - 09 February 2007
Words and pics: Barry Ashenhurst

KTM was something of a latecomer to the 250cc four-stroke dirt bike party, but it's more than made up for lost time with the recent introduction of its 250EXC-F. They've done a nice job with it too, though it has to be said that resemblance between this trail version and the 250SX-F race machine are minor. They share the same engine and that's it, the race bike having a more advanced chassis and a twin-cartridge fork.

There are no surprises when it comes to its engine. This is a small engine and small engines need revs to make them fast. That doesn't mean you can't loaf along on the KTM - you can - but it does mean that serious riding will require serious engine speed. Like most small engines this one has very little bottom-end, though once you have the required revs the mid-range and top-end are quite impressive.

Like small capacity two-strokes, with any '250F' you have to be in the right gear for the revs you're running or the little donk will simply cough in its rompers and die. You can ride quietly if you like, but this thing works best when you hammer it.

KTM has an advantage over its Japanese competitors with its six-speed gearbox, and the smaller the bike the more conspicuous the advantage becomes. The 250F will keep up with bigger bikes on road sections without screaming its lungs out, yet it is still well geared for most dirt situations.

For the trails this bike has brilliant suspension. WP has this thing dialled really well. The setup's probably too soft for fast guys, but the fork and shock have terrific bottoming resistance and still absorb most of the impacts you'll encounter during the average Sunday GP. They also provide a cushy ride over a long day in the saddle, which means you're not too shagged to pour yourself a beer at the end of it.

The bike steers nicely too, goes where you point it, tips effortlessly, and has enough travel to make hill climbing on snotty stuff less worrying than it might otherwise be. This bike is very capable on testing terrain, first because it has even power, and second because you can literally loft the front wheel with the throttle and get over any obstacle attempting to block your path - even when you're stationary - so it's an easy bike to manhandle in difficult situations, and that's a big plus for beginners.

There's not a lot to dislike in most modern bikes and, frankly, we're scratching to find faults with this one. We mentioned during the 200EXC test that we don't like the new quick-release fuel cap KTM is now using. We still don't. It's quick-release alright, but it quick-releases when it's not supposed to, like when it's clouted by a fence post or tree. The carby's overflow pipe also seems to leak at the slightest opportunity and angle.

But yes, we do like this bike, and we won't be surprised if it sells up a storm. It has a nice engine, great suspension, a powerful front brake with plenty of feedback, a reasonably comfortable seat and very nice controls and ergonomics. You always feel comfortable and confident on this little banger, and that goes a long way to making it a desirable commodity.

KTM 250EXC-F

Engine: 249.5cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve, single cylinder

Bore and stroke: 76 x 55mm

Compression: 12.8:1

Fuel system: 39mm Keihin MX FCR

Power: N/A

Torque: N/A

Transmission: six-speed

Frame: chromoly central double cradle

Front brake: single 260mm disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper

Rear brake: single 220mm disc with single-piston Brembo caliper

Front suspension: 48mm WP forks, fully adjustable

Rear suspension: WP PDS monoshock, fully adjustable

Wheels: spoked alloy

Tyres: Pirelli Scorpion; 90/90 21 front, 120/90 18 rear

Seat height: 925mm

Wheelbase: 1475mm

Claimed dry weight: 107kg

Fuel tank: 8.5L

Price: $11,995 plus ORC

Colours: orange

Warranty: six months parts and labour

Web: www.ktm.com.au

Protect your KTM. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.