2012 CRFF250X vs KTM 250 XCF

Paul1000RR

Paul1000RR

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Don't know a whole lot about dirt bikes so id like to get the input of others who do.

So far ive read the following:

Honda
PROS: 1 year warranty, honda reliability
CONS: carbs, valves,

Ktm
PROS: fuel injected, some say much better quality
CONS: price of parts (dunno if this is true anymore) 1 month warranty


Is the above true and what else can you add? Also which one would you get if you were getting one or the other? :D
 
1 month warranty? Really? I would be embarassed to offer a product with a warranty that short, hell even a chitty walmart blender gives you 3 months.

I can't really help with your problem, I am just amazed that KTM thinks 1 month is a good idea. I would much prefer no explicit warranty and a good special assistance program to help you out if you had a problem.

Carbs aren't a big deal (especially for a dirt bike, you will be operating it primarily at one altitude and temperature). If you start changing altitude by thousands of feet or temperature by 50 degrees, FI can help. Again, others may know better, but for me, I don't really care how the fuel gets into the motor.
 
GreyGhost said:
1 month warranty? Really? I would be embarassed to offer a product with a warranty that short, hell even a chitty walmart blender gives you 3 months.

I can't really help with your problem, I am just amazed that KTM thinks 1 month is a good idea. I would much prefer no explicit warranty and a good special assistance program to help you out if you had a problem.

Carbs aren't a big deal (especially for a dirt bike, you will be operating it primarily at one altitude and temperature). If you start changing altitude by thousands of feet or temperature by 50 degrees, FI can help. Again, others may know better, but for me, I don't really care how the fuel gets into the motor.
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Get the KTM the Hondas are notoriously unreliable. I have the CRF250X if buying new it would not even be a question I would get the KTM.
 
GreyGhost said:
1 month warranty? Really? I would be embarassed to offer a product with a warranty that short, hell even a chitty walmart blender gives you 3 months.

I can't really help with your problem, I am just amazed that KTM thinks 1 month is a good idea. I would much prefer no explicit warranty and a good special assistance program to help you out if you had a problem.

Carbs aren't a big deal (especially for a dirt bike, you will be operating it primarily at one altitude and temperature). If you start changing altitude by thousands of feet or temperature by 50 degrees, FI can help. Again, others may know better, but for me, I don't really care how the fuel gets into the motor.
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I probably should look into that warranty thing, heard it from someone but on second thought that doesn't seem right.
 
The warranty thing seems right to me. Look at any competition motocross bike, 1 month warranty.

You pro of Honda reliability directly contradicts your Honda cons. I have to agree with Steve.
 
Scuba Steve said:
Get the KTM the Hondas are notoriously unreliable. I have the CRF250X if buying new it would not even be a question I would get the KTM.
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really? other than the valves what other problems does it have?

also ive heard several times that ktms are expensive to maintain, how much truth is behind this?
 
doozerdave said:
The warranty thing seems right to me. Look at any competition motocross bike, 1 month warranty.

You pro of Honda reliability directly contradicts your Honda cons. I have to agree with Steve.
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i was under the impression that they're reliable minus the valves
 
Paul1000RR said:
really? other than the valves what other problems does it have?

also ive heard several times that ktms are expensive to maintain, how much truth is behind this?
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Valves are the main problem but the piston needs replaced regularly as well. The valves mean a new head every so often as the seats are bad as well. The Honda is seriously old tech almost unchanged from 04, KTM is a current design. Once the valves start to go the bike will not want to start. Get a Yamaha if you want reliable and cheap to maintain.
 
Not considering 2 stroke?

I was a honda guy who went KTM for a 4 stroke for all the reasons your hearing. I only wish my ktm shifted like a honda.
 
KTM parts are way cheaper than parts for any Honda I have owned.

CBR 600 front rim- $780
KTM 950 front rim (made by Brembo no less)-$587
CBR 600 mirror- $89
KTM 950 Supermoto mirror- $28


KTM clutch lever, right hand side mirror, 2 oil filters, and a 3 piece headlight adjuster bracketry kit.....$98 all together.
....and I wait a week to a month for Honda parts. I wat less than 24 hrs for KTM parts that are out of the country in the giant warehouse in Ohio. I call Apex Cycle and place KTM order on a Thuirsday afternoon. They call me Friday at noon saying parts in hand.
 
I finally switched to KTM after being a long time japanese bike rider,to me there is no comparison.To me KTM is ahead of japanese bikes in many ways especially enduro xc w,hyd. clutch,one bolt seat removal,easy filter change.....with two wrenches you can pretty much take the whole bike appart.As for parts,they are always availiable and prices are comparable sometimes even cheaper.Dont believe anyone who says different.
 
01cbr said:
Not considering 2 stroke?

I was a honda guy who went KTM for a 4 stroke for all the reasons your hearing. I only wish my ktm shifted like a honda.
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never been a fan

i like 4 stroke
want FI and electric start. used to have an rmz250 and hated kicking that thing over in weird spots whenever id stall


so scratch the honda, yamaha or ktm? :)
 
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No question, hands down the KTM is a better bike.

As others have said the 1 month warranty is normal with a competition motorcycle. Parts aren't going to be anymore experience (I know this first hand as I just went from a CR250 to KTM 250XC) and I am very had on my rides but very good with maintenance.

The KTM is head and shoulders above the jap bikes in build quality and parts used. BTW just so you know you really aren't comparing apples to apples, while Honda will have you believe that the CRF250X is a serious trails/croos country bike it doesn't compare to the race built 250xcf from KTM.

One last bit of info, the KTM 2 stroke XC bikes have e-start and are WAY cheaper to maintain. There's nothing wrong with the 4 strokes, they are just always going to require more costly maintenance then a 2-stroke.
 
I sold crf250x because it is to heavy and access to carb and shock blocked with wiring harness and tubing. taking subframe and servicing it becomes a real time waster. now looking for crf250rfi. try ktm on demo rides. 2t should be a sweet bike. personally I'd stay away from e-start on dirt bike due to weight and maintenance
 
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Since you're not looking for one you can license, why not the 250 or 300XC 2 strokes? They're a little cheaper, a bit lighter, have e-start and the power and delivery is intoxicating. The 300 in particular can absolutely rip. Of course it can also be lugged in higher gear in tight trails. It is really an awesome off road engine.

Of course mixing oil and gas in a PITA but it's worth it.

The KTM 2 strokes have an excellent reliability record and as others have stated the support from dealers is very good. Parts costs and availability (and delivery times) are superior to the Japanese, perhaps in part because many parts are common to multiple models and years. Back in 2000 (+/-) I needed a part (can't remember what it was) that was slow to arrive and the dealer removed one from a bike on the showroom floor. They don't have to do that anymore, but it does illistrate the dealers level of committment to their customer.
 
While I can't speak for off road Honda's, I do own a KTM 250SXF and its been awesome. All parts I have bought have been inexpensive (haven't had to buy anything major).
 
I've owner Suzuki, KTM, hands, and Kawi - KTM parts were sooo much cheaper. Side cover gasket for my kx450 was 38$ for my ktm525 the same side gasket was 11$
 
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