If at any point you begin to wonder how your enduro bikes are letting you down, maybe it's time to find a suitable replacement for it. Maybe a replacement that not only is a significant upgrade, but is also considered one of the best in the market.

In the world of 250cc enduro bikes, the KTM EXC Six Days has the pedigree and wherewithal to be a talked-about bike many years from now. The name "Six Days" attached to it is an ode to the world's largest enduro competition, the "International Six Days Enduro."

Six days in succession, over a thousand offroad kilometers, and 40 hours in the saddle is as grueling a test as there is, not only for the rider but for the bike as well. Fortunately, the 250 EXC Six Days offers a whole package of special high-quality options that makes it fit for the ruthless competition.

The 250 EXC is equipped with the latest WP upside-down fork with wider adjustment ranges and a new setting. The sensitive responsiveness and outstanding damping of the open-cartridge fork with 48 mm (1.89 in) outer tubes are a perfect complement for the 250 EXC's playful handling and precision.

Practically unbeatable in terms of weight and stability, the 250 EXC also comes with new wheels that carry CNC-machined hubs, new black-anodized rims from Giant with black zinc/nickel-coated spokes. They have also reduced the unsprung and gyroscopic masses, hence bolstering the playful handling of the 250 EXC.

The responsiveness of the 250 EXC Six Days' 250cc, high-torque two-stroke machine can be varied in three stages by replacing springs in the TVC exhaust controller, allowing the rider to choose between two different ignition curves by means of a plug or a handlebar switch fitted as standard.

Find out more about the KTM 250 EXC Six Days after the jump.

2012 KTM 250 EXC Six Days

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 KTM 250 EXC Six Days
  • Engine/Motor: Single cylinder, two-stroke
  • Transmission: 6 gear, claw shifted
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

The responsiveness of the high-torque two-stroke machine can be varied in three stages by replacing springs in the TVC exhaust controller. The rider of the 250 EXC can also choose between two different ignition curves by means of a plug or a handlebar switch fitted as standard.

The redesigned airbox on the 250 EXC and the flow-optimized intake flange between the airbox and the carburetor now ensure even better charging with fresh gas. This results in even freer revving and even more power in all rev ranges for the most powerful two-stroke machine in its class.

Chassis and Suspension

The completely revamped frame made from high-quality chrome-molybdenum steel is characterized by even greater lateral stiffness. It is also even better at absorbing jolts introduced by the suspension system, whereby the playful handling and comfort of the 250 EXC have been further optimized.

The 250 EXC's new, lighter, cast aluminum swingarm accommodates the shock absorber more centrally, in order to load the swing arms more evenly. The new, 7 mm (0.28 in) longer PDS shock absorber with adjustable rebound and high/low-speed compression damping, and a new setting is installed more flatly, so providing even more progression.

Bodywork

The 250 EXC's new bodywork with the very slim seat and spoiler lines, plus excellent contact points, perfects the bike's ergonomics, making handling even simpler and more precise. The longer rear fender protects the rider even more effectively from swirled up stones.

Six Days Equipment

-Map select switch on the handlebars for selecting different engine management mappings

-Camel SXS seat for improved long-distance comfort

-Engine guard made of high-strength plastic for protecting engine case and frame down tubes

-Carbon exhaust protector for protecting the exhaust expansion chamber

-CNC-machined, orange-anodized triple clamps for high-precision clamping of the fork tubes in favor of optimum sliding of the telescopic fork

-Knock-out wheel spindle for easier removal of the front wheel

-Full brake disc at the rear for improved heat resistance and therefore reduced pad wear

-Rear brake disc protector for protecting the brake disc from mechanical damage

-Quick-change brake pad securing bolts at the rear for quicker changing of brake pads without tools

-Aluminum rear sprocket with riveted-on steel ring gear for a combination of reduced weight and increased durability

-Wheels with black-anodized, extremely robust Giant rims and spokes with a high-quality, black tin-nickel coating.

-The same design as the KTM factory bikes thanks to Six Days graphics, orange powder-coated frame, orange anodized triple clamps, orange anodized handlebars and anthracite anodized silencer

Specifications

Design

1-cylinder 2-stroke engine, water-cooled, with reed intake and exhaust control

Displacement

249 cm³ (15.19 cu in)

Bore

66.4 mm (2.614 in)

Stroke

72 mm (2.83 in)

Starting aid

Kickstarter and electric starter

Transmission

6 gear, claw shifted

Primary gear

26:72

Final drive

14:50 (13:50)

Clutch

Wet multi-disc clutch / hydraulically operated

Ignition system

Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment, type Kokusan

Frame

Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing

Forks

WP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA PA

Shock absorber

WP Suspension PDS 5018 DCC

Suspension travel Front

300 mm (11.81 in)

Suspension travel Rear

335 mm (13.19 in)

Brake system

Disc brakes, brake calipers on floating bearings

Brake discs - diameter Front

260 mm (10.24 in)

Brake discs - diameter Rear

220 mm (8.66 in)

Chain

5/8 x 1/4"

Steering head angle

63.5°

Wheel base

1,482±10 mm (58.35±0.39 in)

Ground clearance (unloaded)

355 mm (13.98 in)

Seat height (unloaded)

960 mm (37.8 in)

Total fuel tank capacity approx.

9.5 l (2.51 US gal)

Unleaded premium fuel, mixed with 2-stroke engine oil (1:60)

Weight without fuel approx.

104 kg (229 lb.)


Quotes

Total Motorcycle----"The ideal combination of the playful handling of a 125 and the engine power of a 250cc enduro. A special bike that is not built for a specific Enduro World Championship class, but for all those who want to break fee from the competitive class-based society and who are looking for nothing more than fun, rideability, perfect ergonomics and reasonable costs. With even more performance than before and a completely revamped chassis, the 250 EXC Six Days satisfies these requirements even better than ever."