KTM EXC 250 and 300 model years: what changed since 2017
The KTM EXC 250 and 300 two-strokes changed in three big steps: model years 2017, 2020 and 2024. Fuel injection arrives in 2018, and in 2024 TPI injection gives way to TBI. Between the big changes KTM makes refreshes: suspension settings, graphics, small parts. The Husqvarna TE 250i and 300i follow the same path, and the GasGas EC joins the family in 2021.
Model years at a glance
| Period | Fuel system | What changes | Guards in our range |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 2016 | carburettor, oil and petrol premixed in the tank | previous generation | separate fits for 2008–2011 and 2012–2016 |
| 2017–2019 | carburettor; TPI injection from 2018 | new engine (2017), first injection models (2018) | one fit for all three years |
| 2020–2023 | TPI injection | new generation: engine, frame, exhaust | one fit |
| 2024–2027 | TBI injection | new frame, suspension and electronics, then refreshes | one fit |
The Husqvarna TE 250i and 300i share the same boundaries: injection from 2018, a new generation in 2020, TBI and a new frame in 2024. The GasGas EC 250 and 300 two-stroke starts in 2021.
Up to 2016: carburettor and premix in the tank
The older EXC 250 and 300 have a carburettor and run on a premix of oil and petrol. In our guard range we split them into two periods: 2008–2011 and 2012–2016.
2017–2019: new engine and first injection
In model year 2017 the EXC 250 and 300 get a new engine, still with a carburettor.
In 2018 KTM introduces the EXC 250 TPI and EXC 300 TPI. In its press release the manufacturer calls them the first production enduro two-strokes with fuel injection. TPI stands for injection into the cylinder's transfer ports. Injectors replace the carburettor and the oil comes from a separate tank, so you no longer mix fuel in the tank. From 2018 Husqvarna offers the TE 250i and TE 300i, also with transfer port injection.
In 2018 and 2019 both versions are on sale, carburettor and injection, and in our range they are not listed separately. The expansion chamber, skid plate and radiator guards are the same across these three years. The difference matters for fan kits: there you need to know whether the bike has a carburettor or injection. The bodywork from 2017–2019 looks different from the other periods and is the same for all three years.
2020–2023: a new generation
Model year 2020 is a new generation of KTM and Husqvarna: new engines, frame, chassis and exhausts. The stock expansion chamber gets a ribbed surface. Husqvarna adds the TE 150i.
The most practical point for an owner is that the expansion chamber changes shape with the generation. A guard from 2017–2019 does not fit a 2020 bike. That is why the period boundaries in our range match the generation boundaries.
From 2020 the KTM 250 and 300 EXC have no kickstarter.
The GasGas EC 250 and 300 two-stroke appears in model year 2021, on the KTM platform. In 2021–2023 the changes are mainly suspension settings, tyres and looks.
2024–2027: TBI and a new design
Model year 2024 brings the biggest change since injection. KTM replaces TPI with TBI. The injector now sits in the throttle body, ahead of the engine. With TPI the fuel went into the cylinder's transfer ports. The oil still comes from a separate tank.
In 2024 KTM presents a new frame, new suspension and electronics with a control module instead of fuses. Husqvarna presents the TE 150, 250 and 300 with a chrome-moly steel frame, TBI injection, new suspension and brakes.
The next three years are refreshes:
- 2025: new look (graphics and a black frame), new shock settings, changes to the swingarm, new switches.
- 2026: fork with new damping and lighter springs, new radiator cap, new fuel connector cover, new graphics.
- 2027: new graphics, technically unchanged.
The engine and exhaust do not change in these years. The expansion chamber from 2024–2027 is the same on the KTM, the Husqvarna and the GasGas. We checked this on the parts themselves. In the manufacturer's parts catalogue the expansion chamber part number changes in 2026, but the shape stays the same.
From model year 2026, in KTM's European range the 250 two-stroke is sold as the 250 XC-W, a competition version without road homologation. The 300 EXC stays as the Euro 5+ road-legal model. The design is the same, so you choose guards for the 2024–2027 EXC in the same way.
What about the 150?
The KTM 150 is the youngest part of the family. It starts in 2017 with the 150 XC-W, a competition-only version sold in the USA, with a carburettor. The road-legal European 150 EXC appears in model year 2020, straight away with TPI injection. In 2024, along with the whole two-stroke range, it gets TBI. Since 2020 the two-stroke oil comes from a separate tank. From model year 2026 KTM no longer lists the 150 EXC in its European range. KTM offers the 150 XC-W competition version in some markets, and the Husqvarna TE 150 is in the 2026 range.
And the four-strokes?
The KTM EXC-F four-strokes, meaning the 250, 350, 450 and 500, changed at the same rhythm: big rebuilds in 2017, 2020 and 2024, with suspension and graphics refreshes in between. The 250 and 350 use engines with two camshafts, the 450 and 500 with one. The 450 and 500 have the same cylinder bore and differ in piston stroke. Since 2020 KTM has not sold a kickstarter kit for the four-strokes. Model year 2024 brings a new frame, suspension and electronics. Model year 2025 leaves the range unchanged, and 2026 and 2027 bring refreshes.
FAQ
Since when has the KTM EXC had fuel injection? Since model year 2018: the EXC 250 TPI and EXC 300 TPI. In 2024 TPI injection is replaced by TBI. In 2018 and 2019 carburettor versions are also on sale.
What is the difference between TPI and TBI? Both abbreviations describe fuel injection on a two-stroke. With TPI (Transfer Port Injection) the fuel goes into the cylinder's transfer ports. With TBI (Throttle Body Injection) the injector works in the throttle body, ahead of the engine. KTM used TPI in 2018–2023 and has used TBI since 2024. Until 2023 Husqvarna wrote simply about "injection" and began using the name TBI in 2024.
Is the Husqvarna TE 300i the same as the KTM EXC 300? They are closely related designs, but not the same bike. Both brands have had injection since 2018, a new generation since 2020 and TBI since 2024. The frame, plastics and suspension differ in details, so choose parts for the specific make and model year.
Is the GasGas EC 300 part of the same family? Yes, from model year 2021. GasGas then built the EC 250 and 300 two-stroke on KTM's proven platform.
Is the KTM 250 EXC still on sale? In the European range from model year 2026 KTM offers the 250 two-stroke as the 250 XC-W, a competition version without homologation. The 300 EXC stays as the Euro 5+ road-legal model.
Does the KTM 150 run on premix? No. Since 2020 the KTM 150 EXC has had a separate two-stroke oil tank. The 150 versions from 2017–2019 had a carburettor and ran on premix. In KTM's current range premix applies only to the 125 XC-W.
Does a guard from one period fit a bike from another? Not if the periods differ. The expansion chamber changes shape with the generation, so each period in the table has its own guard in our range. Within a period the guard fits every year, and in 2017–2019 it fits both the carburettor and the injection versions.
Guards for these bikes
You choose pipe guards for KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas by model year, following the split in the table. Pick the model and year in the pipe guards range.