Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/294885
April 2014 37 easy fix would be to add a little fork oil to them. Final thoughts. KTM XC 250 An aggressive motor make the XC a good fit for the amateur/ex- pert racer. Firmer suspension, a close ratio transmission and a 22mm triple clamp offset make this bike a top choice for fast venues and throttle jockeys. The XC is also the most versatile bike in the lot. It's easier to detune a bike than tune it up, and the XC starts at the top. The KTM XC 250 is my top choice as a race bike. Beta 250 RR An off-road chameleon, the Beta does it all really well. As we stated above, Beta bridges the gap between the KTM XC and the other bikes. The motor is smooth and deliberate, easily tuned, and excellent in a variety of settings. The Beta is also agile and carves the corners. The shock is a weakness and in need of a revalve if it is to be ridden in technical terrain. The forks by contrast work well in the technical terrain but need firmer valving for faster venues. KTM XC-W 250 The XC-W boasts a smooth delivery of power that can be made to spell XC when the red power valve spring is installed. Plush suspension and a versatile motor make it a top choice for enduro racing or trail riding. This bike is excellent for begin- ners and experts alike. The shorter first and second gear might annoy some riders, but they'll be beneficial when crawling through slow terrain. For most people, the XC-W is ready to go out of the box. It's my top two- stroke choice for my 2014 Romaniacs adven- ture. Husqvarna TE 250 The TE is a race ready, versatile woods weapon and another pure enduro model with a smooth delivery of power and woods-wor- thy suspension (though slightly firmer than the XC-W's). It's also easy on the eyes. Like the KTM XC-W, the Husqvarna is ready to go out of the box and my next choice for tackling Romaniacs or gnarly terrain. The truth is that none of these bike will be the weak link in the rider/bike relationship. Pick the one that best suits your ability and the conditions you ride. I see so many people riding the KTM XC when they would best served by the XC-W or Husq- varna. And definitely don't be afraid to lay your money down on a Beta - it's a damn fine motorcycle and extremely versatile. It can race in any eastern woods setting effectively. I own one. In fact, it's the only bike I've bought that wasn't a KTM XC. Pick a color, any color - there are no bad bikes anymore. 2014's Are Here NoW! The Husqvarna is race ready for technical terrain right off the showroom floor.