Comparing the 2025 KTM 250 EXC and the 2025 Rieju MR 300 Racing comes down to differing approaches to two-stroke enduro design. One uses modern fuel injection and a linkageless rear end, while the other sticks to a traditional carburetor and linkage suspension.
Who Each Bike Suits
The KTM 250 EXC is for riders looking for throttle-body fuel injection in a 249 cc package. It suits those who prefer the simplicity and ground clearance of a PDS rear shock without a linkage, which helps avoid hanging up on logs and rocks.
The Rieju MR 300 Racing suits riders who want a larger 299.3 cc engine and prefer tuning a traditional carburetor. It is built for riders who favor the feel of a linkage rear suspension and want the backup option of both an electric starter and a kick starter.
Key Differences
- Fuel System and Engine: The KTM uses throttle-body fuel injection on its 249 cc engine, while the Rieju relies on a carburetor to feed its 299.3 cc engine. Neither manufacturer publishes horsepower figures for these bikes, so comparing them relies on engine type and displacement.
- Suspension: The KTM uses a WP XACT 48 mm fork (300 mm travel) and a WP XPLOR shock with PDS (no linkage, 310 mm travel). The Rieju features a KYB 48 mm closed-cartridge fork (300 mm travel) and a KYB rear shock with a traditional linkage.
- Weight: The KTM weighs 104.6 kg without fuel, and the Rieju weighs 105 kg dry. Because these weights are measured differently, they are not directly comparable.
- US Availability and Pricing: In the US, the KTM is sold under the 250 XC-W name with a list price of $11,199. The Rieju is sold in the US, but its 2025 list price is not yet confirmed.
- Fuel Capacity: The Rieju holds slightly more fuel at 9.8 L compared to the KTM's 9 L tank.
Which Should You Buy?
Choosing between these two bikes comes down to your suspension and fuel delivery preferences. If you want the modern convenience of fuel injection and the log-clearing ability of a PDS rear shock, the KTM 250 EXC is the path forward. If you prefer the familiar adjustability of a carburetor, a larger displacement engine, and traditional linkage suspension, the Rieju MR 300 Racing fits the bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these bikes use fuel injection or carburetors?
The 2025 KTM 250 EXC uses throttle-body fuel injection. The 2025 Rieju MR 300 Racing uses a carburetor.
How does the rear suspension differ between the two?
The KTM uses a WP XPLOR shock with a PDS system, meaning it has no linkage. The Rieju uses a KYB rear shock connected to a traditional linkage system.
Are both bikes available in the US?
Yes, but under different circumstances. The KTM is sold in the US as the 250 XC-W for $11,199, while the Rieju MR 300 Racing is sold in the US but its 2025 list price is not yet confirmed.
Which bike is lighter?
The KTM is listed at 104.6 kg without fuel, and the Rieju is listed at 105 kg dry. Because they use different measuring standards, you cannot directly compare these figures to declare one lighter than the other.