2012 Ktm250 Xcf-W
2012 KTM250 XCF-W
ROUNDUP
QUICKRIDE
Woods Weapon
KTM IS SERIOUS ABOUT its slogan "Ready to Race," and the new 250 XCF-W makes the case at a national level. CW's first ride on the 250 was during the Inyan Kara National Enduro in Upton, Wyoming, where KTM held its 2012 XC-W press launch. There were several models to choose from, but I quickly gravitated to the 250cc XCF-W for its light handling and playful engine character-just what I needed to navigate the tight, twisty, tree-lined race course.
It was a true race test: Evaluation began on the starting line, row 17 to be exact. Thankfully, a transfer section right off the bat al lowed me to get familiar with the many changes. A completely redesigned frame has higher torsional rigidity and decreased longitu dinal stiffness to help maintain steering precision but with enough front-to-back flex to avoid harshness and keep it comfortable. The swingarm is 0.7 pounds lighter, while the more-centralized WP PDS shock is 7mm longer. The fork has new SKF-brand dust and oil seals, along with new Teflon-coated bushings that improve smoothness of re sponse and durability. Perhaps the most noticeable change at the front is the switch from billet triple-clamps back to cast; say what you will, but this allows more front-end flex for a smoother ride and softens harsh feedback to the rider's arms. All-new bodywork is sleek and shared/transferable be tween XCF models. Fuel capacity is increased from 2.4 to 2.5 gallons with a new translucent tank, while a re vised headand taillight get energy from a more-powerful 196-watt stator. A redesigned airbox with increased volumc retains tool-free filter access. Beyond that-or under, rather-is a new intake boot designed specifically for the 250 XCF-W. Big news is a switch from a carburetor to Keihin EFI with a 42mm throttle body on a new cylin der head. There is even a new electric starter (a kick lever remains). As the race progressed, I became quite satisfied with the 250 XCF-W The ergonomics are all-day comfortable. Suspension and handling are excellent, although if you weigh more than 180 pounds, it is likely to be a little soft overall. At 175 lb., I found no need for adjustments, and the fork and shock impressed on all accounts: over downed trees, rocks, roots and even the minimal whoops on the course. There was no harsh bottoming on g-outs, either. The XCF offers a great com• bination of agility in corners and high-speed stability. Sure, there is less power on tap than with the new 35( or 450 XC-Ws, but the 250's enduro tuning and new EFI give it torque without a big snap in power while keeping it really quick-revving and responsive. So, it's easy to stay in the meat of the powel Because of that, I never felt underpowered or disadvan taged. In fact, the 250 was good enough for 12th overal Ready to Race? You bet.
Ryan Dudek
