KTM 250 XC specifications
KTM · Cross-country
Total Motorcycle says the 250 XC keeps the same low engine weight of 52.6 lb (23.9 kg) as the motocross version and describes precision-tuned suspension, a refined chassis and an optimized airbox. It lists two selectable engine maps for better rideability, engine control and adjustability. Its 2025 review adds engine mounts with cut-outs that reduce weight by about 300 g while improving cornering, and a new fuel tank roll.
KTM 250 XC
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2027 |
| Displacement | 249cc |
| Bore x stroke | 66.4x72 mm |
| Front suspension | WP XACT Closed Cartridge Ø 48 mm |
| Ground clearance | 354 mm (13.94 in) |
| Weight without fuel | 101.8 kg |
| Starting MSRP | $11,549 |
| Class | Cross-country |
| Engine | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine |
| Fuel system | Vitesco Technologies EMS |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Final drive | 520 X-Ring |
| Front suspension travel | 300 mm |
| Rear suspension | WP XACT Monoshock with linkage |
| Rear suspension travel | 300 mm |
| Front brake | Disc brake |
| Seat height | 954 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 2.38 gal |
| Frame | Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel |
| Destination charge | $690 |
Dirt Bike Magazine describes the electronic exhaust port manager that replaces spring power-valve adjustments and alters port timing according to engine rpm and throttle opening.
Compared with the KTM 250 SX, the XC has a six-speed gearbox in place of five and a closed-cartridge WP XACT fork with 300 mm (11.81 in) of travel instead of 310 mm. It carries 2.38 gal of fuel against 1.9 gal, weighs 2.4 kg more (101.8 kg against 99.4 kg) and sits 4 mm lower at 954 mm. It costs $1,900 more.
Against the 300 XC
The 250 XC costs $11,549 and the 300 XC $11,849, a $300 gap for 44 cc more displacement. Both have the same suspension, seat and 101.8 kg weight. Pick the 250 for a lighter feel in tight woods, and the 300 for torque on climbs.
Upkeep on a competition two-stroke
A cross-country two-stroke is cheaper to rebuild than a four-stroke, and Total Motorcycle stresses low maintenance cost as the reason riders keep choosing one. The trade is frequency: a top end, a piston and premix all come around sooner than on a four-stroke, and hard riders should keep a log of hours.
Confirm the 250 XC’s supplied lighting, exhaust certification and vehicle classification before arranging trail access. Competition equipment does not itself establish public-road eligibility.
The 250 XC is for a rider who races or rides hard in the woods or desert and is comfortable mixing premix. The larger tank and six-speed box make it more useful than the SX for a loop. But it is still a competition bike and has no lights or registration.
250 XC against the 300 XC and 250 SX
The 300 XC shares the chassis, and the KTM 250 SX is the motocross version of the same engine.
KTM 250 XC — specification referenceKTM · Cross-country
The 250 XC is the woods and desert version of KTM's 250 two-stroke, with a six-speed gearbox and a larger tank than the motocross bike. It has two selectable engine maps, and KTM asks $11,549 before destination.
Where the 250 XC and the 300 XC differ, from the two KTM listings
- Model-year range
- 2024–2027
- Compared editions
- 4
- Specification entries
- 21
- Entries that differ
- 5
- Frame design
- Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel; Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel.
- Front suspension
- WP XACT Closed Cartridge Ø 48 mm; WP XACT Closed Cartridge Ø 48 mm.
2027 KTM 250 XC questions
How is the KTM 250 XC different from the 250 SX?
The XC has a six-speed gearbox, a 2.38 gal tank and a closed-cartridge fork, where the SX has five speeds, a 1.9 gal tank and an air fork. It weighs 2.4 kg more.
Does the KTM 250 XC have engine maps?
Total Motorcycle lists two selectable engine maps that change rideability, engine control and adjustability of the engine characteristics.
How much does the KTM 250 XC cost?
KTM lists $11,549 plus a $690 destination charge, which is $300 less than the 300 XC and $1,900 more than the motocross 250 SX.
A cross-country two-stroke is cheaper to rebuild than a four-stroke, and Total Motorcycle stresses low maintenance cost as the reason riders keep choosing one. The trade is frequency: a top end, a piston and premix all come around sooner than on a four-stroke, and hard riders should keep a log of hours.
The 250 XC is also sold without lights, a plate or a spark arrester in most cases, so a rider who wants to reach a trail on public roads should read the local rules before buying.
Other models in this reference: KTM 300 SX, KTM 300 XC.