The 2024 KTM 250 EXC is not just a slower, less torquey version of the 300 EXC, it’s a totally different beast. Here's what we thought.
KTM have tried to increase the gap between the 250 EXC and 300 EXC by fiddling with the engine and with the Throttle Body Injection (TBI) system, which is new for 2024, and makes engine characteristic changes even easier. The all-new 2024 KTM 250 EXC motor is even more responsive and revvy than before. The TBI system is electronically controlled which gave their engineers the flexibility to make small changes to drastically change the way the engine produces power from the comfort of their office space.
It still runs the tried and tested Keihin 39mm throttle body which is a cracker. The new TBI system combined with the Keihin throttle body meant KTM could specifically get the ECU tuned by Vitesco works to deliver a better air-fuel mixture by constantly analysing water temperature, air temperature, and ambient pressure, along with the pressure within the crankcase, rpm, and throttle position. Being able to customise so many aspects of fuel delivery means the throttle output options are endless.
The power is incredibly punchy. Where the 300 EXC feels like a lugger and even makes a different note, the 250 EXC sounds like it stings with sharp throttle application. It still has torque and can grovel if you’re under 90kg but it feels best when revving it. The motor is pretty linear and continues to pull through the rev range but it doesn’t have that full arm-stretching power the 300 EXC has. So if you’re bashing fire roads or grappling up steep hills, the 300 EXC might be better. But if you’re spinning laps on a grasstrack the snap and power delivery of the 250 EXC would be better.
The motor also got newly designed injectors which are meant to be more efficient. That was hard to tell because we were riding above 2000 metres all day. The reed valve case got a newly added plastic flap on the outside for better sealing of the entire intake tract. This new design negates over-fuelling in extreme up- or downhill sections with no bogging down or running rich. This was really obvious. We ascended and descended all day for over 120km and I didn’t ever feel like the 250 EXC ran too rich or too lean. It was fuelled so well and the little plastic flap must be given credit for that.
POWER WHERE YOU WANT IT
With the introduction of TBI or essentially EFI, the power valve is controlled according to the throttle position and engine RPMs. Being auto-calibrating, there’s no need to manually adjust the power valve. The EMS does all the quick maths and calculates the ideal position automatically. Not only does this mean you can have truly different engine maps but it ensures the meaty power hit is always where you left it regardless of temperature, altitude or any other factors that affect power delivery.
On the 2024 KTM 250 EXC, the meat of the power is about a quarter of a turn into the throttle pull and was a constant delight. Every corner I punched out of, the power came on exactly the same. It was aggressive and strong just at the right time. Having the ability to change the power to come on earlier or later more accurately is also a bonus because it means the 2024 motor is more usable for different riders.
BONES AND SUSPENDERS
The new hydro-formed, laser-cut, and robot-welded frame is all-new and while feeling more rigid than ever which was great for improving how stable the bike felt, it was the narrower chassis that stood out the most. It feels more agile than the previous 250 EXC and easier to throw around and grip onto.
The new 48mm WP XACT Closed Cartridge fork is an absolute winner. It’s firmer than last year without being harsh and more stable and easier to smash into objects without worrying about beating you up or deflecting you into a tree. The fork feels more racey than it has in the past and does not dive like the previous generation open cartridge fork could. It will feel a little stiffer at the start while you get used to it but it’s worth the wait. Once it beds in, it’s awesome.
The WP XPLOR PDS shock is also new (surprise!) and it’s incredible. It stayed true to the line I was trying to hold and if I smashed a log in third or fourth gear with the front wheel lofted, it didn’t buck sideways or spit me over the ‘bars. It works in conjunction with the new frame and subframe which KTM claim is designed to squat less coming out of corners. With less squat from the rear-end, the front-end stayed more planted and there was less awkward rebound and cumbersome wallowing on the exit of corners when under hard throttle.
WORKS A TREAT
The 2024 KTM 250 EXC has had a host of other upgrades, most of which we’ve mentioned in our launch reports and other 2024 model tests. It’s impressive that KTM actually listened to what the general riding public wanted and developed a bike that is more responsive and a little stronger in the power output while also feeling firmer up front and more agile through the middle.
These characteristics lend themselves to making the 250 EXC a standout winner with the all-new platform. If you wanted a slow lugger with soft suspension for crawling hills all day I’d probably tell you to look at the previous generation or the 300 EXC. But if you want a racey two-stroke with more punch, response and sharper handing then the 2024 KTM 250 EXC should be loaded in your holster.
For the full feature, Check out issue #531 of ADB
WORDS | MITCH LEES
PHOTOS | SEBAS ROMERO