Doesn't the XC come with additional protection? How is a 18 inch rear wheel not important? Also, I may could be completely off base but the gear ratios aren't the same 1-5 on the SX and XC.

Why don't you tell us all what mods you would make with $1,000?

I bought an XC model exclusively for the 6-speed gearbox. Even removed the e-start. I like it because the gearing is always right.

I took my sx and changed the fifth gear with the taller 5th out of an xc-w. I love the close ratio of the sx but needed a little more leg on transfer sections. If you think you need the power delievery of a sx, you will spend the same amount sx-ing an xc as you will xc-ing a sx. Both are great imo... If I was to do it all again, I would buy the xc, put on the sx head, sx cdi and go rip.

Not 100% sure but is the XC not wired for lights,fan and the sx is not? Also you might not think the e start is that importent,but it is handy to have sometimes especially when your bike is off balance and you have to try to kick start.

I just bought a 2012 sx250 and have 4.2 hours on it, the bike is really nice and light the power is unreal, trail riding is super easy and smooth compared to my 2009 yz450, the sx250 you just put it in 2nd gear in the trails and go, the forks are a bit soft for mx but seem really nice in the trails so far its working out really well, I did the first oil change at 2 hours and just put rotella in her and she seems happy!

motothumper, on 07 December 2011 - 03:07 AM, said:

Hi Motothumper, do you know how much it will cost to change the SX into a 6-speed? Would you use the xc or xc-w transmission?

XC. Done. Next....

What are you goin to be doing with the bike? I'm guessing it's not pure MX or else it would be a no brainer.. So what? More MX or more trails? More MX and some trails, SX for sure.. More trails and some MX, XC.. Or throw some $ into the SX and it will be a great trail bike and rip the mx track up. All depends on what you want and ride style.

He said he's going to be racing hare scrambles with it. He never mentioned anything about MX. I know guys that race MX/SX bikes in the woods, but they are few and far between. Not knowing you as a rider, I'm left with playing the odds..... and the odds are, get the XC, and consider the extra money spent to be an investment in knowing you have a bike built for what you intend on doing with it instead of wrenching/comverting another. But bottom line is, either one will take you through the woods. Maybe find a gently used XC.... That's a good compromise!

I rode the 2012 SX and XC yesterday at the KTM demo day. For Hare Scrambles or GNCC I think the SX with the larger tank would be awesome. That SX flat out hauls a$$ and handles really well. The other guys are right either needs revalved suspension. The SX is a little to stiff in the mid stroke on the fork and the XC bottoms easier. Out of corners the SX launches you out while the XC cruises thru with less hit. XC seems better suited for long desert or Enduro IMO. I have to admit I had a big smile on my face riding that 2012 SX. Both are great bikes. I use to race 250SX for hare scrambles but in desert I had to put 45 tooth on the rear to hit 70mph. The 2.7 tank is probably fine for hare scrambles with pit available every lap, but Enduro or desert you better have 3 gallon minimum.

predkid, on 06 February 2012 - 09:34 AM, said:

This is what I would do ... Keep the the Xc engine stock until the first top-end, then bam, more snap.