FULL THROTTLE OK !
This KTM EXC 250 4T a great new -entry; suited to both the professional and novice, to enter the magical world of Enduro.
Text by Andrea Di Marcantonio.

It is widely known that KTM, is a brand name which has become synonymous with Enduro bike racing to such an extent that it in fact has become its cult brand. When I decided to test the new 250 EXC RACING 4T I did not imagine that it would prove a truly "magical experience", and completely unexpected given the limited cubic volume of the Austrian quarter litre.
This 4T surprised me to such an extent that I am pleased to give it top marks, both in view of its intrinsic nature and also thanks to the degree of fun which it promises the novice as well as the professional; the professional user could only want perhaps for a slightly greater HP. It is a versatile and intuitive bike, light and very easy to handle, and is capable of much greater things than one would image looking at the power rating, and demolishing the myth that limited power rating gives only limited performance.
Like all the KTM bikes, its look is minimalist and Spartan, there being a distinct lack of finishing touches, yet the substance is both sturdy and efficient. The bike has a characteristic "mean" look, which makes it resemble the larger 400 and 520 cc versions, from which it has inherited almost everything.
In terms of technical data. The fork is a WP Multi-Adjuster with 43 overturned stems, the rear features the tried and tested PDS system which does not envisage any transmission between the mono-shock absorber and fork; the fork, is a WP with a stroke of equivalent to 320 mm, directly mounted on the oscillating element.
The chassis boasts a combined tubular/quadrangular structure made of chrome-molybdenum; the braking system features rear and front Bremo elements with discs of 260/220 mm, with a slightly convex form on the external radius for maximum performance levels even in the harshest conditions.
The EXC 250 4T propeller system features a set up which has already been thoroughly tried and tested by KTM. The vital statistics being 75x56.5 mm, with four-valve distribution controlled by a cam shaft at the head by means of roller equalizer, the most outstanding feature being its overall compactness.
The presence of a double oil pump is fundamental (this system making it possible to travel even long distances without any lubrication problems); each pump features a filtering element to facilitate access for ordinary maintenance.
The riding position is also very natural: all the controls are intelligently positioned and a correct distance is maintained between the various elements such as the saddle, tank and conveyors. These conveyor elements are compact and therefore all the saddle movements are facilitated, during even the most toughest rides.
The excellent features of the 4T KTM unit are obvious right from the start; delivery at lowest speed was not of the "purest" type, even though once that certain degree of throttle opening is exceeded things change radically. The driving momentum is always consistent and dynamic, and it is often possible to travel for long stretches with the fuel throttle totally open, without any dips in power levels or any "uncertainty", not even in the presence of steep sloping sections.
Obviously in gentler conditions of use it becomes much easier than any other types of 2 or 4T of greater cubic volume. In fact it is possible to get a greater performance out of this "two and a half" than out of a 250 2T.
I also tested the "small" KTM with its new LeoVince exhaust system, consisting of a doubled "control box" with an oval can, added technical detail which makes the Austrian single-cylinder even more aggressive.
The best delivery flows is in the fuel zone at between ¾ and fully open, so as to ensure more linear reaction as the hand grip is turned. The speed curve is homogenous throughout the entire field of use (it is possible to insist a little more on the gears), and that slight carburetion uncertainty almost disappears. The noise emitted from the can, adds an extra dynamic "sound", which the rider will love.
Back to the saddle:……., the excellent road performance of the EXC 250 4T on bends goes without saying; the bike follows its route without any difficult and never ever losing road grip. Its capacity for coming out of bends is not bad providing that the throttle opening is anticipated in advance, and providing the rider acts on the accelerator control swiftly and decisively. Otherwise, the bike tends to remain slightly "stranded" in the middle of the bend, obviously penalizing the lap times.
Last, but not least is that this EXC 250 4T is truly a great bike ! A bike on which to discover all scenic delights of off-road riding.
Why not try for yourself ……… '?

KTM EXC 250 RACING TECHNICAL FACT SHEET

Technical configuration: 4-stroke single-cylinder
Distribution : single-shaft "four-valve"
Racing bore: 75 x 56.5 mm
Piston displacement : 249.6 cc
Power and torque: ND
Compression ratio : ND
Power: Keihin MX FCR 35 mm carburettor
Cooling :liquid
Lubrication: with double Eaton oil pump (1.2 kg=
Ignition: Kohusan digital 4K-3B
Clutch : oil bath type
Gearing : 6-ratio
Starter: electronic /kick starter
Chassis: tubular in molybdenum chrome
Inter-axis : 1481 mm
Front suspension : WP MULTI ADJUSTER fork of 43 mm - adjustable
Rear suspension: PDS system with WP adjustable single shock absorber
Front Brake system : 260 mm disc
Rear brake system : 220 mm disc
Exhaust system: LeoVince
Tank capacity : 8.5 litre
Declared dry weight : 109 kg.