2008 Yamaha WR 250F vs 2012 KTM 300 XC-W

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 Yamaha WR 250F 2008 Yamaha WR 250F

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
129.0 kg / 284.4 lbs
2012 KTM 300 XC-W 2012 KTM 300 XC-W

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, two-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
643.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Year2007 - 08-
Colours-Orange/white/black
Make ModelYamaha WR 250F-
Warranty-12 Months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)366 mm355 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)14.4 inches14.0 inches
Seat Height980 mm / 38.6 in960 mm / 37.8 in.
Wheelbase1475 mm / 58.1 in1,482 mm / 58.3 in.
Ground Clearance335 mm / 13.2 in-
Height1275 mm / 50.2 in1,146 mm / 45.1 in.
Length2315 mm / 91.1 in2,065 mm / 81.3 in.
Width826 mm / 32.5 in1,204 mm / 47.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight106 kg / 233.2 lbs102 kg / 224.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity8 Liters / 2.1 gal9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons
Wet Weight129.0 kg / 284.4 lbs292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs
Performance
Mods from previous model-Completely new frame design with PDS that reduces longitudinal stiffness.
Engine
Engine TypeSingle cylinderSingle cylinder, two-stroke
Fuel ControlDOHCSingle Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Displacement (cc)250.00 cc293.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.0 x 2.1 inches2.8 x 2.8 inches
Displacement (ci)15.26 cubic inches17.88 cubic inches
Stroke4-
Bore x Stroke (mm)77.0 x 53.6 mm72.0 x 72.0 mm
Displacement249 cc / 15.2 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 5 valveReed intake and exhaust control. New V-Force reed valve block.
Fuel SystemCarburettorCarburettor. Keihin CVK34
Bore x Stroke77 x 53.6 mm-
Compression Ratio12.5:18.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled,-
Engine Lubrication-Mixture oil 1:60
Fuel InductionKeihin FCR-MX37 flat-slide w/throttle position sensor)-
IgnitionDigital CDI -
LubricationDry sump-
StarterElectric / KickElectric & kick
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple discs, cable operatedMultidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated
Final Drive#520 ChainChain
Gearbox5-speed6-speed
Primary Drive-Primary transmission 26:72. Secondary ratio 13:50. 5/8 x 1/4
Transmission / Drive5 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminium Bilateral BeamCentral tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing
Suspension - Front48mm Fully adjustable inverted forksWPSuspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA PA
Suspension - RearFully adjustable link MonocrossWPSuspension PDS 5018 DCC
Rake27.0°-
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in-
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in300 mm / 11.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear305 mm / 12.0 in335 mm / 13.2 in.
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-30W x 2 halogen
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm220 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm260 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches10.2 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches8.7 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle 250mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings
Brakes - RearSingle 240mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings
Tyres - Front80/100-2125/8-12
Tyres - Rear100/100-18120/90-18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 KTM 300 XC-W

The 2012 KTM 300 XC-W edges out the 2008 Yamaha WR 250F thanks to its lower seat height, greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 Yamaha WR 250F - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2012 KTM 300 XC-W - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 960 mm vs 980 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More ground clearance: 355 mm vs 335 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 335 mm vs 305 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2008 Yamaha WR 250F vs 2012 KTM 300 XC-W - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 Yamaha WR 250F and 2012 KTM 300 XC-W?
The 2008 Yamaha WR 250F uses Single cylinder, while the 2012 KTM 300 XC-W is powered by Single cylinder, two-stroke. This is a fundamental difference - the 2008 Yamaha WR 250F is a four-stroke engine while the 2012 KTM 300 XC-W runs a two-stroke, resulting in very different power delivery, maintenance requirements, and riding character.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 Yamaha WR 250F or the 2012 KTM 300 XC-W?
The 2012 KTM 300 XC-W has the lower seat at 960 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 Yamaha WR 250F sits higher at 980 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 Yamaha WR 250F or the 2012 KTM 300 XC-W?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 Yamaha WR 250F has the edge in liquid cooling, while the 2012 KTM 300 XC-W stands out for lower seat height and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.