VOL. 56 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 8, 2019 P99
placed in the hands of the KTM's pilot and were
preferred over the Magura unit on the Husqvarna.
The smooth and simple feelings from both levers
become second nature after a few corners and
only get better once the arm pump sets in. Racers
will no doubt be thankful for these features as they
delve into those rough afternoon training sessions.
E-start, push-button map changes, and the op-
tion for traction control are other add-ons that you
didn't know you needed until throwing a leg over
the KTM. Yes, these are the same ones found on
the Husqvarna, and their seamless integration is
an engineering feat on both machines. Combine
that with the tool-free fork adjusters and air box
access and you've got an overall package that's
the best of both worlds; ready to race and easy
to work on.
In the end, it's a close match up between
the two Austrian machines. The KTM beat out
its counterpart in only the finest details—the
smoother action of the Brembo clutch assembly,
superior WP box-stock suspension settings, and
narrower chassis. Our riders found the 250 SX-F
to be the bike that was easiest to go the fastest
on, and isn't that what wins races? The KTM's
"Ready to Race" mantra holds true as ever. CN
1
st
Place
KTM 250 SX-F
NOTABLE FEATURES
•WP AER 48 Air Forks
•Handlebar Map Switch
•Launch Control
•Traction Control
•Electric Starting
•Hydraulically Operated DDS Clutch
•Chromoly Steel Frame
•Aluminum Subframe
•Neken Tapered Aluminum Handlebar
•ODI Lock-On Grips
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Weight: 232 lbs. (wet)
MSRP: $8999
