2020 Yamaha YZ250X vs 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | - | 2021 |
| Colours | Team Yamaha Blue | - |
| Make Model | - | KTM 300 XC-W TPI |
| Warranty | 30 Day Limited Factory Warranty | - |
| Dimensions |
| Ground Clearance (in.) | 14.2 inches | - |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 361 mm | - |
| Seat Height | 970 mm / 38.2 in. | 960 mm / 37.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 1486 mm / 58.5 in. | 1482 mm ± 10 mm / 58.3 ± 0.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | - | 370 mm / 14.6 in |
| Height | 1290 mm / 50.8 in. | - |
| Length | 2184 mm / 86.0 in. | - |
| Width | 826 mm / 32.5 in. | - |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | - | 103.9 kg / 229 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.95 litres / 2.10 US gallons | 9 Litres / 2.4 US gal |
| Wet Weight | 103.9 kg / 229.0 lbs | - |
| Engine |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, two-stroke | - |
| Displacement (cc) | 249.0 cc | - |
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 66.0 x 72.0 mm | - |
| Bore x Stroke (in,) | 2.6 x 2.8 inches | - |
| Displacement (ci) | 15.19 cubic inches | - |
| Displacement | - | 293.2 cc / 17.9 cu-in |
| Engine Detail | Reed-valve inducted | Two stroke, single cylinder, with reed intake and exhaust control |
| Fuel System | Injection. Keihin® PWK38S | - |
| Bore x Stroke | - | 72 x 72 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | - |
| Cooling System | - | Liquid cooled |
| Fuel Induction | - | TPI, Dell'Orto 39 mm Throttle Body |
| Ignition | CDI | Continental EMS |
| Lubrication | - | Electronically Regulated Oil Pump |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | Wet multi-disc | Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics |
| Final Drive | Chain (final drive) | X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4 |
| Gearbox | 5-speed | - |
| Primary Drive | O-ring chain | - |
| Transmission / Drive | - | 6 Speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | - | Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel |
| Suspension - Front | KYB® Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork; fully adjustable | 48 mm WP XPLOR-USD |
| Suspension - Rear | KYB® single shock; fully adjustable | WP Xplor PDS shock absorber |
| Rake | 27.7° | - |
| Steering Head Angle | - | 63.5° |
| Trail | 122 mm / 4.8 in. | - |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 300 mm / 11.8 in. | 300 mm / 11.8 in |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 315 mm / 12.4 in. | 310 mm / 12.2 in |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single 260 mm disc, 2 piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear | Single disc. Hydraulic. | Single 220 mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
| Rims | Dunlop® AT81F tyres | - |
| Tyres - Front | 90/90-21 | 90/90-21 |
| Tyres - Rear | - | 110/100-18 |
Verdict
⚖️
Too close to call
The 2020 Yamaha YZ250X and the 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.
Key Differences
2020 Yamaha YZ250X - Advantages
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI - Advantages
- 🌡️Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
2020 Yamaha YZ250X vs 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 2020 Yamaha YZ250X and 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI?
The 2020 Yamaha YZ250X uses Single cylinder, two-stroke, while the 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI is powered by Two stroke, single cylinder, with reed intake and exhaust control. This is a fundamental difference - the 2020 Yamaha YZ250X is a two-stroke engine while the 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI runs a four-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which should I buy, the 2020 Yamaha YZ250X or the 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 Yamaha YZ250X has the edge in fuel injection, while the 2021 KTM 300 XC-W TPI stands out for liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.