2017 KTM 300 EXC vs 2016 Honda CRF 250L

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2017 KTM 300 EXC

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Single cylinder, two-stroke

Power

N/A

Top Speed

N/A

Weight

220.5 pounds

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

Full Specifications

Differs Same

General
Comments	-	Model ID: CRF250L
Year	-	2016
Colours	Orange/white/black	Red/white
Make Model	-	Honda CRF 250L
Warranty	-	One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)	355 mm	254 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)	14.0 inches	10.0 inches
Seat Height	960 mm / 37.8 in.	875 mm / 34.7 in
Wheelbase	1,482 mm / 58.3 in.	1445 mm / 56.9 in
Height	-	1195 mm / 47.0 in
Length	-	2195 mm / 86.4 in
Width	-	815 mm / 32.0 in
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)	-	0.12 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)	-	1.80 litres
Dry Weight	100 kg / 220.5 lbs	-
Fuel Capacity	9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons	7.7 Litres / 2.0 gal
Wet Weight	-	147 kg / 320 lbs
Performance
Max Power	-	17 kW / 23 hp @ 8500 rpm
Max Torque	-	22 Nm / 2.24 kg-m @ 7000 rpm
Engine
CO2	-	74.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)	293.00 cc	-
Bore x Stroke (mm)	72.0 x 72.0 mm	-
Bore x Stroke (in,)	2.8 x 2.8 inches	-
Displacement (ci)	17.88 cubic inches	-
Engine Type	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel Control	-	Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement	-	249 cc / 15.28 cu-in
Engine Detail	Reed intake.	Four stroke single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel System	Carburettor	Injection. PGM-FI, 36mm throttle body
Bore x Stroke	-	76 ×55 mm
Compression Ratio	-	10.7:1
Cooling System	-	Liquid cooled
Fuel Consumption	-	3.22 litres/100 km (31.1 km/l or 73.05 mpg)
Fuel Induction	-	Keihin 37mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition	Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment, type Kokusan	Full-transistor battery ignition
Lubrication	-	Wet sump
Starter	Electric & kick	Electric
Drivetrain
Clutch	Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics	Wet multiplate with coil springs
Final Drive	Chain	#520 chain; 14T/40T
Gear Ratios	-	1st 3.333 2nd 2.117 3rd 1.571 4th 1.304 5th 1.115 6th 0.962
Gearbox	6-speed	6-speed
Primary Drive	14:50 (13:50). Primary drive: 26:72.	#520 chain; 14T/40T
Transmission / Drive	-	6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type	Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube	Semi-double cradle
Suspension - Front	WP USD ? 48 mm	43mm inverted fork;
Suspension - Rear	WP PDS shock absorber	Pro-Link® single shock with spring
Rake	26.5°	27°
Trail	-	112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front	300 mm / 11.8 in.	221 mm / 8.7 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	335 mm / 13.2 in.	239 mm / 9.4 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation	LCD display	Digital
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	220 mm	220 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	10.2 inches	10.1 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	8.7 inches	8.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	260 mm	256 mm
Brakes - Front	Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings	Single 256mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Rear	Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings	Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper
Rims	CNC machined hubs and high-end Giant rims	-
Tyres - Front	-	3.00-21
Tyres - Rear	-	120/80-18

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

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 - 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 vs 2016 Honda CRF 250L - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 KTM 300 EXC and 2016 Honda CRF 250L?

The 2017 KTM 300 EXC uses Single cylinder, two-stroke, while the 2016 Honda CRF 250L is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2017 KTM 300 EXC is a two-stroke engine while the 2016 Honda CRF 250L runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.

Which is lighter, the 2017 KTM 300 EXC or the 2016 Honda CRF 250L?

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 2017 KTM 300 EXC or the 2016 Honda CRF 250L?

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 2017 KTM 300 EXC or the 2016 Honda CRF 250L?

Both are strong choices. The 2017 KTM 300 EXC has the edge in lighter kerb weight and greater ground clearance, while the 2016 Honda CRF 250L stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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