2016 Honda CRF 250L vs 2017 KTM 300 EXC

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Honda CRF 250L 2016 Honda CRF 250L

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
17 kW / 23 hp @ 8500 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
320.0 pounds
2017 KTM 300 EXC 2017 KTM 300 EXC

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
220.5 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: CRF250L-
Year2016-
ColoursRed/whiteOrange/white/black
Make ModelHonda CRF 250L-
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)10.0 inches14.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)254 mm355 mm
Seat Height875 mm / 34.7 in960 mm / 37.8 in.
Wheelbase1445 mm / 56.9 in1,482 mm / 58.3 in.
Height1195 mm / 47.0 in-
Length2195 mm / 86.4 in-
Width815 mm / 32.0 in-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)1.80 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.12 quarts-
Dry Weight-100 kg / 220.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity7.7 Litres / 2.0 gal9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons
Wet Weight147 kg / 320 lbs-
Performance
Max Power17 kW / 23 hp @ 8500 rpm-
Max Torque22 Nm / 2.24 kg-m @ 7000 rpm-
Engine
CO274.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, two-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-
Bore x Stroke (in,)-2.8 x 2.8 inches
Displacement (ci)-17.88 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-293.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-72.0 x 72.0 mm
Displacement249 cc / 15.28 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valvesReed intake.
Fuel SystemInjection. PGM-FI, 36mm throttle bodyCarburettor
Bore x Stroke76 ×55 mm-
Compression Ratio10.7:1-
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Fuel Consumption3.22 litres/100 km (31.1 km/l or 73.05 mpg)-
Fuel InductionKeihin 37mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)-
IgnitionFull-transistor battery ignition Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment, type Kokusan
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric & kick
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multiplate with coil springsWet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Final Drive#520 chain; 14T/40TChain
Gear Ratios1st 3.333 2nd 2.117 3rd 1.571 4th 1.304 5th 1.115 6th 0.962-
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Primary Drive#520 chain; 14T/40T14:50 (13:50). Primary drive: 26:72.
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSemi-double cradleChrome-molybdenum steel central-tube
Suspension - Front43mm inverted fork;WP USD ? 48 mm
Suspension - RearPro-Link® single shock with springWP PDS shock absorber
Rake27°26.5°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in-
Wheel Travel - Front221 mm / 8.7 in300 mm / 11.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear239 mm / 9.4 in335 mm / 13.2 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationDigitalLCD display
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.7 inches8.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)10.1 inches10.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)256 mm260 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)220 mm220 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 256mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings
Rims-CNC machined hubs and high-end Giant rims
Tyres - Front3.00-21-
Tyres - Rear120/80-18-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 KTM 300 EXC

The 2017 KTM 300 EXC edges out the 2016 Honda CRF 250L thanks to its lighter kerb weight, greater ground clearance, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2016 Honda CRF 250L - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 875 mm vs 960 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2017 KTM 300 EXC - Advantages

  • Lighter: 100 kg vs 147 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More ground clearance: 355 mm vs 254 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 335 mm vs 239 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 221 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2016 Honda CRF 250L vs 2017 KTM 300 EXC - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Honda CRF 250L and 2017 KTM 300 EXC?
The 2016 Honda CRF 250L uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2017 KTM 300 EXC is powered by Single cylinder, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2016 Honda CRF 250L is a four-stroke engine while the 2017 KTM 300 EXC runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which is lighter, the 2016 Honda CRF 250L or the 2017 KTM 300 EXC?
The 2017 KTM 300 EXC is lighter at 100 kg compared to 147 kg for the 2016 Honda CRF 250L - a difference of 47 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 Honda CRF 250L or the 2017 KTM 300 EXC?
The 2016 Honda CRF 250L has the lower seat at 875 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 KTM 300 EXC sits higher at 960 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Honda CRF 250L or the 2017 KTM 300 EXC?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Honda CRF 250L has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2017 KTM 300 EXC stands out for lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.