By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supermoto vs Enduro
Yamaha WR 250X (MY2012) vs KTM 250 EXC (MY2011)
Yamaha WR 250X vs KTM 250 EXC: two kinds of bike, and who each one is for.
On a tight, twisting road, the Yamaha WR 250X flicks from one lean into the next and doesn't fight you. Between bends, the KTM 250 EXC's two-stroke hits hard up top.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the WR 250X if…
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Better bet: WR 250X
If you're new to this, the WR 250X forgives the mistakes every new rider makes. Put it down to more comfort and easier controls. It's clearly the kinder teacher.
The WR 250X has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: WR 250X
The WR 250X is a touch more fun when the road starts bending. Thank more feel through the bars for that.
What makes each one tick
WR 250X
Light on its wheels, the WR 250X darts through city traffic. The throttle wakes a single drawn from Yamaha's motocross line, and there's only modest pull behind it. The bar barely needs a push.
250 EXC
The 250 EXC's light chassis threads technical singletrack with real precision. A rocky bump disappears into the WP suspension, and the front wheel keeps tracking where it's aimed. Its engine stays tractable through the middle, then there's an explosive rush as the revs climb. The throttle answers instantly.
Nils rode the 250 EXC in 2012, and in Sardinia in 2013 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The WR 250X has the lower seat: 35.2 in (894 mm) vs 38.8 in (985 mm).
- The 250 EXC makes more peak power: 49 hp (36 kW) vs 31 hp (23 kW).
- The 250 EXC makes more peak torque: 31 lb-ft (42 Nm) vs 17 lb-ft (24 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Keeping running costs low
Not its job: WR 250X
Upkeep on the WR 250X works by different rules, so it isn't rated here.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
WR 250X
What owners say
Strengths
- Excellent reliability when maintained
- Lightweight and agile handling
250 EXC
What owners say
Strengths
- Peppy and thrilling two-stroke engine
What they share
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
Where the spec sheets split
| WR 250X | 250 EXC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 35.2 in (894 mm) | 38.8 in (985 mm) |
| WR 250X | 250 EXC | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 250 cc | 249 cc |
| Power | 31 hp (23 kW) | 49 hp (36 kW) |
| Torque | 17 lb-ft (24 Nm) | 31 lb-ft (42 Nm) |
| WR 250X | 250 EXC | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 2.0 US gal (7.6 L) | 2.5 US gal (9.5 L) |
| WR 250X | 250 EXC | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 110/70-17 | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 140/70-17 | 140/80-18 |
| Ground clearance | 10.2 in (260 mm) | 15.0 in (380 mm) |
| Front travel | 10.6 in (269 mm) | 11.8 in (300 mm) |
| Rear travel | 10.4 in (264 mm) | 13.2 in (335 mm) |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
