KTM 250 EXC-F 6 days 2016 — Specifications

Imagine six days of Slovak mud, treacherous rocks, and timed specials enough to make your wrists tremble. That is precisely what this machine was built for. The Six Days version of the 250 EXC-F is not a cosmetic limited edition like those seen too often in catalogues: it is a competition kit disguised as a road-homologated motorcycle, sold at 9,850 euros with a world-class track record that speaks for itself.

The engine is where everything starts. This 249.91 cc single-cylinder bored to 78 x 52.3 mm produces 35 horsepower from a block that shares its DNA with the 350 EXC-F, the well-endowed big sister. The DOHC architecture with four valves per cylinder, featuring DLC-treated rocker arms to minimize friction, runs at a compression ratio of 12.8:1, which leaves no room for poor-quality fuel. The Keihin fuel injection controls a 42 mm throttle body and relies on an oil-cooled 196 W alternator, sufficient to power all electrical components without flinching. The ECU optionally integrates map selection, allowing engine response to be adapted to the terrain rather than enduring a universal compromise. Compared to a Husqvarna FE 250 or a Beta RR 250 4T, the KTM plays the electronic precision card where its rivals lean more heavily on mechanical simplicity.

The six-speed gearbox deserves special mention. Its close-ratio spacing across the first five gears suits enduro riding, where you constantly shift between speeds according to the terrain, while the long sixth gear allows recovery on liaison sections. The Brembo DDS clutch, with its steel diaphragm and rubber damping integrated into the hub, absorbs surges with a directness that not all competitors can match. The rider gets a clean lever feel, neither too stiff nor too vague, and progressive engagement remains intact even after an hour of demanding trail riding.

The chrome-molybdenum steel tubular frame finished in factory orange weighs just 105.5 kg dry, placing this machine among the lightest in its category. The 48 mm WP inverted fork with 4CS technology, offering 300 mm of travel, features compression/rebound adjustment accessible in a few clicks without reaching for tools. The direct-link PDS rear shock maintains behavioral consistency that linkage-based systems can sometimes lose in deep mud. The tall 970 mm seat height demands an appropriate build, and it would be dishonest to claim that an average-sized rider will approach technical terrain with complete confidence at first contact. This is not a design flaw — it is a competitor's motorcycle, and it owns that completely.

The Six Days pack adds what the standard versions lack: 260 mm floating front disc with protective cover, solid 260 mm rear disc for better heat resistance, Supersprox bimetal steel and aluminum rear sprocket, Giant 7050-alloy rims with CNC hubs, Metzeler tires developed specifically with KTM, radiator fan, skid plate, Camel seat for long stages, and a Neken high-strength aluminum handlebar adjustable in four positions. The package makes a compelling case for the asking price, especially since the brand's ISDE sporting record justifies every component chosen. For an intermediate to advanced rider who takes enduro seriously and is looking to improve in timed specials, this machine represents a rare foundation at this level of finish.