FE/FC TE310 to FE250 or 350?

Ideas on comparability? My 310 is a great bike. Does the high mountain passes with aplomb. Loves the wide open cow country trails. Makes hill climbing fun. Great ergonomics. Makes me feel like I can ride a dirt bike. Could be lighter but still very manageable.
Are there differences between 2014 and 2015's also? Thx.

In my opinion go for the FE350, more tractable and easier to ride. Similar weight as the 250 but the additional engine torque makes it much nicer to ride. Nothing against the 250 but the additional 100cc makes it a totally different bike.
You never regret choosing the 350!
From what I know besides the panels, no difference between '14 and '15 models.

Depends if your TE had a race set-up?? If you just had a PU on your TE then a FE250 with exhaust will work. However like stated above the 350 has more torque and you will not need to rev it out as much. The 350 will have 10hp more then your TE.

Suspension calibration and graphics are the big changes between the two years.

My '09 310 is pretty much tuned up. Got a Power Commander V w/Autotune, 13.2 fuel ratio, accelerator pump on, G2 quick turn throttle, lots of quick power with a bit more grunt than an Italian TE250. Pretty much stripped down and set up for off road riding. Previous owner did the PU kit. I'm not a racer by any means, just an avid mountain dirt bike rider. I get normally get 1500 -2000 miles a season...
I really like riding the high mountain trails.
The 350 has appeal with the extra 50 cc's. I rode a 2012 KTM 350 for just a quick test ride a few years back. Smooth was my impression. The 300 cc class bikes are a great niche. Lots of power, relatively light weight.
The appeal of the 250 is the reputed handling. My 310 is a great ride. Great tractability. It carries it's weight very well and has superb handling. Always feels planted on the front end. Front forks got reworked and were perfect on my first ride. Confidence inspiring.

By your description I would get the 350. However if you are looking for the "250 reputed handling" get a Sherco 300i because it is exactly what you describe and have a bit more HP then your 310. Well worth a look before you buy. PM for more info.

I am curious to see your decision and your opinion on the bike you choose as I will be in this boat in a couple of years when my 310 gets worn out. My Girlfriend just bought a 2014 KTM 250 XCF-W and she struggled with the decision of 250 vs. 350. The majority of our rider friends kept pushing her towards the 350 and I understand as we all like the added power. I kept urging her to consider the 250 as she is 130 lbs and in the end she found a killer deal on the 2014 model. One of our friends that really helped sway her had both a 250 and 350 as he thought he would ride the 250 for tight enduros and 350 for more wide open hare scrambles. After a few months of the 350 just sitting he realized he preferred the 250 as it had "enough power" and was less tiring. He was faster and could charge harder and longer on the 250. She only has one ride on her new 250 but so far is in love with the flickability of the 250.

I beg to differ on the above decision as far as the FE250 or FE350 goes! I find the 350 easier to ride and there is 2kg (4LBS) difference in between the two. They are the same bike except the engine really.
The 250 needs to be kept on song while the 350 tractors along.
I agree with Weantright and get a Sherco or similar.

I have the 350, but haven't spent any time on the new 250, so I'll limit my response to my impressions of the 350. The bike is ridiculously easy to ride. It handles like a 2stroke 250, but has more bottom end grunt. Together these features make for a bike that doesn't have to be rung out, this creates the illusion that your going slower than you are, making the mental game that much easier. Make no mistake however, if you let the revs come up it pulls like a mid 2000s 450. The bike has that magic dual personality, it can be docile and well mannered, but if you ask it get up and go it'll embarrass lesser riders on 500cc machines. For me the name of the game is useable power and the 350 has this is spades. Im coming off of a 2009 TE510, that bike is a fine machine, but for me it had more power than I could ever use on the single track I like to ride. With that being said I never got the impression the 350 was slow in any regard. With the 350 I believe KTM/Husqvarna found the magic displacement for striking the balance between great handling and acceptable low end grunt.

Sherco? How hard are parts to find for the more exotic brands? I realize the internet helps now days.
I do like the flickability of the 310. East to roll over with the pegs.
I'm going to have to get next to a Husky dealer and try out some rides.

+1 LandofMotards said, I have waited longer for my Beta and both types of Husqvarna for parts. Only thing with the Sherco is not much aftermarket support. However you have plenty of choices for protection, hoses, seats, covers, and exhaust. Also many other brands parts cross reference like pads, gearing, wheels,,,,. There is nothing lighter then a Sherco 4t vs other 4t and I have yet to ride a bike out of the box that felt so good. Think of it as a more refined TE310!


cbreakin - I felt the same when I tested a 350xc-w and really wanted a FE350 but none were around. We now have a FE250 and while not as strong as the 300 class, still a very capable bike for many. I don't feel you need to scream the motor for the woods riding and has plenty of torque for the hills.

the FE350 is stupid good for everything.

Another vote for the FE350, I love mine and it's yet to disappoint. I'm amazed at it's tractor ability for sure.

Well the dream bike is a 350 but at 9k a bit outta' of the price range. That's if you can find one. So I did this... Bill's 250.
It'll be fun.
Now to get rid of the 310. Kinda' sad, it's a great bike. My Red headed Italian mid life crises...

michaelyogi, Now that you have had some time with the FE 250, how do you say it compares to your TE 310?

Well it's really hard to say for sure. Because of my situation, ie. rebuilding a house destroyed in a disaster, I haven't been on it but three times. My initial impressions... wheelie machine, super responsive, makes switchbacks easy. Throttle sucks when just getting off idle, but I'm going to do a PCV/AT this spring.
Compared to the 310? The 310 was tuned really well so a comparison is hard to make. Initially the 310 had more bottom end, felt like a longer wheelbase, had a funky slipping clutch all the time.
I loved riding the 310. The kid who bought the 310 loves it. The 250 will get there I'm sure.
House gets drywall starting this week. I should be able to get back to a normal lifestyle soon. Anticipating lots of "Braaap" this summer...

We have two 2013 TXC310 in our riding group. One is an ex GNCC full race FAR set-up bike which is a dragon to ride. This bike will run down any bike to the corner. Physically and mentally tiring bike to ride in the woods. The other one is completely stock and runs good. This bike compared to our FE250 w/full FMF mega exhaust has a little more bottom, stronger mid and top. (2009 Italian has more low-end then this BMW version). Gearing limits top end speed but in the woods is a tad better. Since both suspensions are stock the TXC is more precise and deflects less then the FE's 4CS/shock. I like CC forks so after a revalve I'm betting the FE will absorb more then the TXC revalved set-up. Handling I still feel the TXC will beat out the FE, chassis is better for this. Weight wise the TXC feels lighter both pushing it around the garage and on the trail. This is the latest BMW build not the heavier 2009 Italian version. Fuel mileage, 250 by at least 1/4-1/2 gallon is same riding. Overall fit, finish and longevity goes to the FE, just better overall refinements. This appears to be the same with either 250, 350 or 501.