2009 KTM 400 XC-W Consumer Rating

If you enjoy technical riding in tight single track, this bike is a good match. Its suspension out of the box is great; its far better than KTM's previous versions for boney woods riding, at a fairly quick pace. Performance wise it seems to split the difference between a 450exc and 250xcw 2-s; in that magic middle ground of enough torque, but not enough to jerk you around & wear you out, especially in technical sections. Motor rev's quickly with little engine breaking (for a 4-s), which great for cornering in the woods.

In more open areas; double track, jeeps trails, more open riding (possibly deep sand???) the motor is quick, but doesn't have the same grin inspiring snap as its more power siblings.

If you're looking for a woods/sincle track focused bike, but still want to do some light dualsport, the 400 is my hands down pick for a 4-s. If you do less technical riding, the bigger bikes may put a bigger grin on your face.