Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

(Above) The new 50mm KTM Marzocchi Magnum forks work great and offer a good balance of flex and rigidity with the new massive gull-wing trlple-plnch-bolt lower clamp. 1996, the oil height and weight were changed from the factory and did not receive the same kind of praise. For 1997, we've got nothing but good things to say about the new 50mm Magnum forks. They work great in everything from smaU chop to large jumps, and feel as rigid as most inverted forks. We never touched the clickers and just occasionally bled off the air .that builds up in the fork legs. This must be done before every ride to ensure proper suspension action. Out back, the Ohlins shock performs flawlessly. Sag was set at the customary 100= (or four inches) and we never touched the adjusters on the shock, ·ther. Ohlins shocks take quite a while to break in and are a little harsh until everything loosens up. The shock sucks up the small stuff well, and handles the big hits quite admirably. It never seemed to kick or do anything to make you wish you were loaded up driving home. The '97 KTM 250SX is a pretty neutral-handling motocrosser. It won't cut a line under a '96 CR or RM but comes close, and it never headshakes like both of the aforementioned. We think that's a pretty good combination. Everyone used to say how it takes some time getting used to the handling of a European bike - especially initiating a turn - but that is almost non-existent now. The bike handles like it should for the average rider - neutral. The brakes on the KTM are aboveaverage and work quite well. We have no complaints with the rear brake, as it has good feel and power. We really liked the adjuster on the front brake lever that lets you alter the actuation point to suit your particular finger lengths. The front brake has very good feel, but could use just a bit more power (Above) The new KTM-excluslve axle clamp system on the forks reduces underhang by another 15mm, even after last year's 20mm reduction. If you're catching these In ruts, you need to find another line. (Right) The pegs are wide, but they could always be bigger. (Below right) The KTM 250SX Is slim and easy to move around on - especially for larger riders. The controls are nice and right where they should be. 1997 KTM 250SX Specifications LIst pric. . Country of origin Di.pa.e nt $5648 Austria 248.6cc Engine type Liquid-cooled. single-cylinder twe>-stroke wfTVC ITwin Valve Control power valve) Bore x strole• ......... 67.5 x 69.5mm CarbuNtion Keihin PvVK38 D slide ignition Kokusan 2K-1 . digital F _ Chrome-moly w/aluminum subframe T.._ I n 5-speed. close ratio R ..., d 14/50 (3.57:1) 520 chain Starting ey-.n Kick Fuel capacity 2.4 gal. W , _ 57.8 in. s-t height 37.2 in. Front tI.. . 80/100-21 Pirelli MT18 ...., tl 110/90-19 Pirelll MT18 AIIk. angle 26.5 degrees Front suspension .. Marzocchi Magnum 50mm conventional fork w/l1.8 inches of wheel travel Rea, suspension Ohlins type 3A w/16mm shaft and 13.4 inches of wheel travel Front brake 260mm disc, dual l(iston caliper Rea, b..k. . _220mm disc. single piston caliper ClaImed dry _Ight 217.2 Ibs. with less effort when you really need it. The brakes are still very good, though. The bike shifts a little notchy at first, but after some initial break-in time began shifting quite well. You still have to shift the bike a little more deliberately than Japanese MXers, but that just takes a little time to get acclimated with. The clutch actuation and feel are very good, although the clutch springs seemed a little taut for our tastes. The clutch takes abuse well, though, which probably is in direct relation to the stiffer springs - the clutch will last longer with the stiffer springs. Carburetion is taken care of by a Kei- hin PWK38 0 slide. and our bike came jetted spot on. KTM's Tom Moen said he went one size down on the main jet (175 to a 172) and dropped the clip to the second slot from the bottom (stock is #3) to achieve this as they come a Gttle rich for break-in from the factory. Fit and finish on the bike is excellent, and the levers and controls are right where they feel natural. The seat has been softened up and feels much better than last year's Flintstone seat and is dimpled this year for increased traction during hard acceleration or muddy conditions. The KTM 250SX is a good motocross bike thal we wouldn't hesitate to race in any conditions. It's got great suspension, a pretty good motor, and it's one of the best-looking bikes of '97. It's also one of the most reliable - as usual. We don't know if the 250SX is better than a witch's broom - we haven't got our '97 model flying broom yet - but we'll keep you posted. 0 \0 0\ 0\ rl N~ l-< Q) ..g ..... o U 21

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