Husky vs KTM EFI 250 2 Strokes | Which did I like better?

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I filmed this video just before having to return the Husqvarna TE 250i at the end of January 2017. At the time, I had just returned from a ride/filming day where we rode these two bikes and my 2017 KTM 250 XC back to back all day long. I had also ridden both bikes several times on their own to become comfortable on them. Most of us figured that we’d end up liking the Husky better than the KTM due to it’s linkage rear shock. Much to our surprise though, the KTM’s PDS suspension didn’t let us down, even in the high speed desert where we were doing our riding. It would have been nice to take both of them to the alpine single track, later this summer, but time wouldn’t allow it.

If I were to pick between the two, I’d give the slight favoring to the Husky, but it was splitting hairs for certain. There was just something magical to me about the way the Husky revved through the RPM range while I was riding it. I fell in love with both bikes and was terrible sad to have to return the Husky. As most of you know, I’m also giving the KTM away in a sweepstakes to a lucky viewer since I knew it was going to be a “hot bike”.

I can tell you one other thing too. Riding these bikes back to back with my 2017 KTM 250 XC shook my testimony of the XC because they were just that good. Enjoy the video.

David Keyes, Chris Abel, David Adams, Blair Butler, Robert Van Huss, Brian Falcon, Max Messina, Kelly Roach, Bryson Stafford, Seth Green, Terence Seymour, Sean Williams, David Mariotti, Ryan Woodley, Jon Colson, Flo Motorsports, Nate Winget, Steven Brady, Travis Winston, Steve Yurko, Chad Cooper, Jim Bass, Nathan Weber, Mitchell Forrest, Mark Fleischman, Dion Jaramillo, Ken Paulino, Paul Warner

[turnerrandolph]

I'm not sure how anyone has gave this video a thumbs down when you seem completely unbiased and praised both machines equally. Very good comparison and breakdown of both machines!

[randymarsh-Tegridy]

Couldn’t decide on the 300s, so I got both.
If you tell your wife she can ride one, she won’t get upset.

[maershkinschrabs]

Considring how much little difference they have, I'd choose the Husqvarna simply because of the blue, yellow and white colour scheme 👌

[cecilyt]

I would GLADLY pay $300 more for the superior aesthetics of the Husky.

[Karmadimension]

I feel that the more simple design and less moving parts of the ktm is definitely better for any sort of trail riding. The husky looks cooler but I’ll be looking to get a ktm for its design with less parts.

[Scottstunts]

The linkage on the Husqvarna is the reason I went with my TE 300 over the KTM. Plus the triple clamps are nicer.

[journey]

We need to get Kyle to review a GasGas

[bobthomas]

Two close to call, both are top self. I like linkage only because it's something I can lower with 28" inseam. When I was younger I didn't care if I could touch because I was limber. Age and miles have changed that. I guess you can send in the shock but more money🏁👍🇺🇸

[danielc]

I think the white Husky looks better than the orange KTM. I wish Yamaha would make the YZ 250X EFI with electric start.

[BLDH]

Even tho i am from Sweden, I might prefer the looks of the KTM.

[crforbez]

So the KTM is lighter, cheaper and will require less maintenance (via the exclusion of the rear linkage) but they ride so similar you could not choose a winner.. sounds like a pretty obvious choices to me and it also sounds like KTM is absolutely nailing the concept of a low maintenance 2 stroke trail bike. If I had more time and money I would be all over the KTM 300 TPI. Thanks for the video.

[tezzanewton]

Now you need to do a 250 vs 300 review to help me make up my mind.

[jamiewilson]

Don't mean to be that guy but on a two stroke it is NOT a header pipe. It is an expansion chamber. Good vid.

[hhflyer]

Thanks for doing all those upgrades to my bike Kyle... :-)

[DGfilms]

Hey Kyle, do you still plan on doing that honda cr250 build? I think that would be a fun series to show you don't need the latest to have fun in the sport! Love the videos.

[hhflyer]

I love the drone footage compilation on this video... can you do a more in depth video some day about your setup? What you like and dislike about your drone(s), its range, shooting technique, editing/format challenges?

[ssj]

I would pick the Ktm because I think the orange looks better then white.

[HobbitHomes]

My neighbor's son and his buddy did the Tour if Idaho a couple years ago. One of them was on an old Hodaka Wombat. It's a 125 Fin-Head 2 stroke. The other kid was on a 1974 Yamaha Enduro which I think is a 175. By contrast, I've now seen 4Tour of Idaho videos in which new injected KTMs just quit running

[Jacare]

In your review I think it comes down to the pipe. They will run slightly different with a gnarly over a fatty pipe. Put the same pipe on both & they will run the same.

[quikcolin]

Great job, Kyle! Ton of work, time and effort goes into these videos! Thank you! BTW, the rust on those chains is giving me anxiety lol