T
here can only be one winner in a
shootout, and the KTM 250 SX-F
is just that. It's the finest details
that made the difference for the Orange
Brigade, just slightly edging it out over
the Husqvarna. Sure, the KTM produced
a little more horsepower than its cousin
and weighs slightly less, but is that really
why it took victory? Not exactly. Here's
how the KTM came out on top.
This year's 250 SX-F is the total
package. It's lightweight, powerful,
and is as close as they come to being
a full-fledged race bike right out of the
box. The engine develops power nearly
the same as the Husqvarna, revving
high and catering to riders that can
carry speed on the entrances and exits
of corners. Its high-strung spirit rang
clear around the sweeping corners at
Cahuilla Creek and steep hills of Glen
Helen. The transmission on the 250
SX-F is the smoothest of the bunch and
lets the rider use every last horse. Most
of our riders preferred the aggressive
map option, which gives the KTM a little
more pep in its throttle delivery, but not
enough to make it intimidating.
WP also supplies the suspension
on the KTM, with the AER 48 air fork
coming standard on the 250 SX-F. We
found the fork to work exceptionally well
with the updated chassis, requiring less
changes to find an ideal setup than on
the Husky. Riders could slice through
lines with ease and adjust the fork on the
fly without tools. The updated damping
in the fork provided a reliable feel, as
riders were able to "trust" the front end
quicker than the other bikes.
Brembo handles the controls of the
KTM. These top-notch products are
VOL. 56 ISSUE 1 JANUARY 8, 2019 P97
PLACE
250 SX-F
K T M
1
st
Place
