Honda XL 250 S vs KTM SX 250 (2026)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 250 Sstacks up against the KTM SX 250. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda XL 250 SKTM SX 250
Model year19822026
Price$9,649
Engine248 cc249 cc
Horsepower17 hp
Weight99 kg
Seat height958 mm
Fuel capacity2.5 L7.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speedManual, 5 speed, Chain
Front brakesExpanding brakeHydraulic Disc
Rear brakesExpanding brakeHydraulic Disc
Tires3.00-23 / 4.60-18 Dunlop® GEOMAX MX34 80/100 R21 51M / Dunlop® GEOMAX MX34 110/90 R19 62M

Honda XL 250 S vs KTM SX 250 — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda XL 250 S and the KTM SX 250 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 250 S brings 17 hp, while the KTM SX 250 counters with its own power figure at 99 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: