Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1990's

1997 KTM 250SX form of the Ohlins type 3A externally adjustable boinger. The swingarm got some attention also, with a new widercross-section swingarm design that provides more strength and rigidi ty. The new design, while also offering improved styling, is said to reduce flex and increase torsional resistance. The controls got some attention, as well, with a new Domino throttle with a quicker pull and a new Domino clutch lever adjustment screw for easier maintenance and improved function. The radiators were reinforced with stronger sidebands that are more impact resistant and also incorporate' a direct mounting system for the radiator / tank shrouds. While the engineers were strengthening things, the wheels got stronger, lighter spokes to maintain the strength that KTM wheels have been known for, while becoming lighter overall at the same time. The front and rear disc brakes also were lightened up. Last year's Michelin MPll tires have been replaced with Pirelli MT18 tires By Cameron Coatnlty Photos by Coatney and Matt Freeman hen KTM introduced the riding public to its radical new color scheme and exclusive identity last year, the reviews were mixed, to say the least. It seemed that most people either really liked the new orange color or flat-out despised it. The people who liked it called it different, unique and a standout while the dissenters shouted remarks like ugly, glaring and "is it Halloween already?" For 1997 the color is back and, obviously, it's here to stay. Things have been toned down a li ttIe, though, with the addition of new tank and seat graphics that complement each other nicely. If it wasn't last year, it certainly is one of the best-looking bikes of 1997. We think you dissenters need to give the color some time to grow on you (for some it will still grow like a wart), and think that any sensible witch would trade in her hat and broom for a helmet and a KTM on Halloween. The .changes to the 1997 KTM 250SX didn't stop with the addition of the new black, gray and yellow graphics and corresponding dimpled seat cover. Nope, the boys at the factory jumped right back into the bike and came up with new porting specifications that are said to increase the power output at all levels. A new expansion chamber was designed to complement the new porting specs and is still chrome-plated for durability and good looks. New and improved carburetor settings were devised to work with the new porting specs for smoother throttle response and increased power throughout the rpm range. While they were in the motor, new crankshaft bearings were installed that are reported to be lighter and .more durable for better performance and increased service life. The SEM ignition from last year was W \0 0\ 0\ ,...., ('.l' a:J ~ o 20 The 1997 KTM 250SX Isa definite looker (right) and a definite shredder (above). replaced with a new Kokusan ignition that features digital control and is said to result in improved throttle response, higher overall performance and substantially increased. torque. The new Kokusan ignition has been adapted to work on all models by means of a common coil, but with two separate generators and digital box settings - one for the SX and M/XC models and one for the E/XC models (End~o/Cross Country models with lights). The main item the KTM engineers toyed with in the chass~s department is the entire front end on the 250SX - and all of the KTM lineup, for that matter. The 45mm Marzocchi Magnum fork from last year has been replaced with a new 50mm unit that provides greater rigidity and reduces fork flex for more "positive steering characteristics and greater control." In addition, the new 50mm Magnum fork has a KTM-exclu- sive axle clamp system which further reduces underhang by 15mm, providing increased clearance and improved handling in rutted, rocky or deep mud conditions. The purple fork guards from last year have been ditched in favor of black guards. The changes to the front end continue with the addition of new gull-wing triple clamps (to compensate for the 15mm reduction in underhang below the axle) with 19Omm- offset. The lower fork clamp has received additional reinforcing and support by means of a 30 percent larger clamping surface with a factory-like three-bolt pattern and 15mm offset. The lower clamp looks trick. . The chrome-moly frame and aluminum subframe are top quality and didn't change for 1997. In the rear, the bike still features one of the best shocks in the business in the front and rear. The Pirelli MT18 rear tire looks a lot like a Dunlop K695IT and performs much like it. The Pirellis fall ihto the intermediate to hard terrain tire category - with more emphasis on the hardterr~ . On the track, the KTM 250SX performs pretty well. The motor has a very moderate amount of bottom end, but has a good midrange and top-end charge. It produces as much top-end power as any of the Japanese MXers, but it just seems to rev a tad slower and vibrate just a bit more. "Fhe bike can be short-shifted on fla t ground wi th no problem, but has to' be wrung out on steeper inclines. Overall, it's a good motor that favors fast intermediates and experts. When KTM introduced the Marzocchi Magnum 45 forks on its bikes in 1995, they were universally praised as the best all-around forks of the year. In

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