250 EXC SIX DAYS (MY2023)

This is the ISDE-flavored version of KTM's 250 two-stroke enduro, and the extras are the ones that matter in the woods rather than in the showroom. The chromoly steel frame keeps it light on its feet, the 249 cc liquid-cooled single revs hard for its 49 hp, and the WP XPLOR suspension adjusts tool-free at the trailhead with 11.8 in (300 mm) up front and 12.2 in (310 mm) at the rear. A floating front disc, solid rear disc and a factory skid plate come as part of the package. There is no rider-aid electronics layer here. It's a competition bike.

In the terrain it was built for, this thing is close to untouchable: 14.6 in (370 mm) of ground clearance, a 21-inch front wheel, and a chassis that stays calm when the ground stops making sense. The 35 lb-ft arrives with real punch once the revs come up, so smooth throttle work pays you back and lazy throttle work bites. Who it is for: riders who already have the skills and want a bike that never runs out of ability. The caveat is plain. A 37.8 in (960 mm) seat, a 2.4 gal (9.2 L) tank, and race-bike service intervals mean this is a weekend and race machine, not something you commute on.