Honda XL 250 vs KTM XC 250 (2026)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda XL 250stacks up against the KTM XC 250. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | Honda XL 250 | KTM XC 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1978 | 2026 |
| Price | — | $11,549 |
| Engine | 248 cc | 249 cc |
| Horsepower | 17 hp | — |
| Weight | — | 101 kg |
| Seat height | — | 954 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 2.5 L | 9.0 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | 5-speed | Manual, 6 speed, Chain |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake | Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake | Hydraulic Disc |
| Tires | 3.00-21 / 4.00-18 | Dunlop® GEOMAX MX-33F 80/100 R21 51M / Dunlop® GEOMAX AT81 110/90 R18 |
Honda XL 250 vs KTM XC 250 — which should you buy?
Picking between the Honda XL 250 and the KTM XC 250 usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda XL 250 brings 17 hp, while the KTM XC 250 counters with its own power figure at 101 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: