Honda XL 250 S vs KTM XC 250 W (2026)

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

Spec comparison

SpecHonda XL 250 SKTM XC 250 W
Model year19822026
Price$11,549
Engine248 cc249 cc
Horsepower17 hp
Weight104 kg
Seat height963 mm
Fuel capacity2.5 L9.0 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speedManual, 6 speed, Chain
Front brakesExpanding brakeHydraulic Disc
Rear brakesExpanding brakeHydraulic Disc
Tires3.00-23 / 4.60-18 Maxxis® MaxxEnduro 80/100 R21 / Maxxis® MaxxEnduro 110/100 R18 64M

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

Picking between the Honda XL 250 S and the KTM XC 250 W usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 250 S brings 17 hp, while the KTM XC 250 W counters with its own power figure at 104 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: