So for my opinion on the 2020 KTM EXC-Fs..
I was riding the 250EXC-F, and having had a Honda CRF250X in the past I had a certain expectation on what to expect from a 250cc four stroke, but I was wrong.
This bike wasn’t what I’d expected at all. From the engine, at low revs, when tractoring through the rocky river beds, she just didn’t seem to want to stall. And then at high revs, she was a screamer. The engine braking wasn’t as strong as I’d expected either, and coming from 300 2Ts I felt completely at home on her. From a suspension point of view, my initial impression was that it was a bit soft, it seemed very plush.. maybe too much so? But it handled everything so well. Anything this bike was pointed at it just went over, and it tracked true and didn’t deflect or shake it’s head or complain in any way. It just goes over it smoothly. Then you wind her on and at speed she was still compliant. What a great bike!!
If I had to put it all down into one sentence and sum it all up. The two days I rode, if I’d rode them on my TE300 I’d have been tired afterwards, but after doing it on these 2020 250EXCFs, I was so surprised at how NOT TIRED I was. It was just such an easy and enjoyable bike to ride. Not having to be as disciplined on throttle control probably helped, but I suspect the suspension was the bigger benefit to me. I’ve spent good money having factory suspension revalved and set up for me, and these bikes were smoother out of the box, without having extra work done. I think I might just have to buy one.
Also, worth mentioning… Offroad Orange. Their bikes were prepared flawlessly, including either very good, or new tyres. Most off-road places I’ve been to before had shit tyres that needed to be replaced long ago.
The Irish crew WILL be back :o)