Looking for real life performance feedback of 2012 250SX with and without a PC platinum pipe and 304 silencer.  Stock it makes 50 HP at peak but drops quickly after that.  I understand the PC pipe and silencer increase HP by 7 HP post peak.  Would like to understand how this translates to performance on the track.  Pulls longer and harder would seem to be the answer but 7 HP is alot.  Is it truly noticable?  Is it more linear post hit (keeps pulling) or does it just not sign off like a typical 2T and you need to grab the next gear.  Any comparison to 450 4T powerband would also be helpful.

And I'd love to hear some feedback about the PC R304 versus the 304.  I saw the MXA write-up and was wondering if the regular 304 noticeably increases the power like the R304?  I would prefer to keep the noise levels closer to stock and I've heard the R changes the bikes sound output a great deal

I'd like to hear about gains from pipes as well. How about a FMF combo compared to the PC combo. FMF works much more closely with ktm than pc does after all.

moto119 said:

I've ridden it with and without the pipe and silencer mentioned.  

With the stock parts there was a strong hit just about halfway into the powerband that tapered off on top.

The new stuff is night and day different from the mid point on.....there's plenty of over-rev to work with a smoother overall feel.

tsarbar said:

Nice lawn, bike too

What bike were you riding before you bought this one?  Sounds like the PC pipe combo makes a major difference in performance.  Do you feel it also improves traction?  Have you experimented with the iginition maps and and the different powervalve settings?  Appreciate any insight you have.  I am very intersted in this bike but without being able to ride one its difficult to make the decision.

If you've ever ridden a decent 250 two-stroke and enjoyed the bike then this is going to be a great purchase.

However, if you think the KTM is going to make you all of a sudden love 250's then you are very likely mistaken.

I rode an RM250 before purchasing this bike and while the brakes and power are better they in no way make it seem like a whole new riding experience.

moto119 said:

A pipe and silencer will not give you a 7 HP increase. A pipe will move the pwer around but does not give HP increase. Porting and head work with a pipe will increase H.P.

The PC pipe in fact does have 7 more hp right where the stock pipe falls off. It's not 7hp more where the stock pipe is 'still on the pipe'. It's more like 2hp there.

moto119 said:

This one



I have yet to unplug the connector to change the ignition map or swap out the optional powervalve springs.....still trying to get more saddle time before explore those moves.

One of the sweet things KTM does is include all the jets, needles, springs you may need, all in a soft black case. You don't have to be nickel and dimed by you're local dealer.

tsbar

What steering damper? Does it fit on the bike without any modifications?  How do you like it compared to a showa damper like the one on your CR250f?

tsarbar said:

So what pipe and silencer do you have on there...cant tell from the pics?

Finally someone running levers as low as mine! BEAUTIFUL BIKE.

motoxhead said:

I took the showa off the Honda....both bikes run GPR dampers. No mods are needed to install them.

EastBoundAndDown said:

I can't ride with the levers anywhere close to the horizontal position. It fees like my hands are bending backwards if I'm up over the front fender !!

tdrewk said:

It has a Pro Circuit pipe and R304 silencer

Question? why do you want more power? @ 51hp stock.
Can u handle that power as is,these things r detuned for a reason.fully tuning will give u a increase in power,i wouldnt port it,i would purchase a 300sx cylinder from ktm,port that thing and u will know all about it lol.250sx in stock form is to much for most riders and the experience to handle.

moto119 said:

So you're saying that it revs higher so for a moment there is a 7hp increase at total max revs above the stock powerband?

Pretty much all the magazines are saying none of the pipes make that much diff on the recent (last few years) KTM250SX. That it's the silencer that is netting a 1hp increase in power since the stocker is restrictive. I've heard mentions of the infamous "Jeremy KTM Pipe" but then one mag says it's not even the same pipe anymore (that was designed for a 2003 bike as I recall).

Who/where did you see or hear that there was a 7hp increase with the pipe/silencer combo. I'd like to see what stock is at the same RPM as I know it's not a 7hp PEAK increase in power ie: the bike isn't making 57hp with the pipe/silencer. It might just still be making 50hp when the stock motor drops down to 43hp etc...

Very interesting, been looking to find out more about the Katoom pipes. So you heard about this where? I'd love to know more... thx Mike

Current issue MXA test states a 7 hp increase at a particular point in the rpm range.  The hp at that point stock is only 44 hp.  So, with 7 it increases to 51 or so.

Correct.  Current issue of MXA.  So that was my initial question.  Does this pipe/silencer combo allow the bike to pull into the up rev ranges without a major drop off typical of just about any 2T MX bike.  Or do you still need to grab the next gear to keep it in the meat of the powerband.  Says it basically changes nothing from 0 to peak HP but increases HP POST-peak by 7 HP or basically keeps the same HP for a bit longer.  How does this translate into actual performance?

For the previous RM250 rider, thats the 2T I currently own, a 2005 RM250.  So you are saying while this bike is significantly better, it is not going to be a game changer as far as the powerband is concerned.  Correct?