There is no need to worry
about head shake when
barrelling down high-
speed straights, which is
due to the greater steering
head angle compared to
the enduro model
have always had trouble understanding
the XC range that KTM produces, it’s a
bit like they’re struggling with personality
problems. What are they, motocross bikes or
enduro bikes? Basically, they have the engine
and chassis that’s nearly identical to SX range,
but with a six-speed gearbox, larger fuel tank,
18-inch rear wheel and a side-stand. On paper
it looks like a winner, with good handling and
MX power plus the features that make it good
for enduro conditions. So, getting to test Jake
Whitaker’s 250 XC-F was a good chance to find
out if this is the complete package that’s the
best of both worlds.
With the chassis being based on the SX MX
model handling is a real strong point of this
bike. There is no need to worry about head
shake when barrelling down high-speed
straights, which is due to the greater steering
head angle compared to the enduro model.
This, paired with the linkage in the rear that
sits lower, and a longer wheel base, gives an
exceptionally good handling bike at high speed.
For the forks WP supplies the AER 48 air fork,
which is very similar to the fork the SX range
uses. On large impacts I think they work well as
they are quite firm. But I did feel that on small
braking bumps and roots they were harsh. I
think this is due them being set-up quite firm,
which is quite a contrast to the spring forks in
the EXC enduro range. The EXC forks are plush
on the initial stroke, handling these kinds of
smaller impacts well. Having said that, these
forks would be ideal for a very rough, open
cross-country where big impacts are aplenty.
KIWI RIDER 39