Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128380
1--::2~O--=-05--=-:-KT.=M:-:-::2:-::5--=-O-=S-:-:X---=F------------------ The double overhead cam is designed diHerently than other 2SOcc four·strokes. Finger follower levers actuate the valves rather than a more traditionol shim· under·bucket design. continues to hit you in your, well... rear end. As for turning, wow, this bike can turn. While the light and flickable feel of the bike definitely helps in the air, it does not hurt when blasting through turns either. Point the pumpkin, rocket into any rut, and it's ready to get you out of it - with authority. Stopping for the turns is not a problem either. The excellent Brembo brakes never fade and always feel strong. FIT AND FINISH Like other KTM motorcycles, the 250 SX·F is slim. Unlike other KTMs, the gas cap can be removed with only a quarter turn. KTM definitely did its homework when it came to designing this bike. Everything about it is well thought out. Between the Renthal bars and grips, gripper seat and the easy-to-maintain cylinder head, this bike has it all, though there were some cosmetic gripes: We don't care much for the tiny number plates, and the radiator shrouds always seem to somehow snag boots in turns. Other than that, the bike looks good, and the graphics hold up to a great deal of wear and tear. Maintenance on the KTM is easy - a definite plus for us, as these four-strokes can get a little complex. One complaint, though, has to do with removing the stock exhaust system: While the muffler comes off easily, the header pipe is another matter The cylinder head can be removed easily for maintenance. The cams con also be taken out to expose the valves for adjustment. entirely. In order to remove it, we had to remove the subframe, move the shock and then, with some finesse, thread the pipe out. When all was said and done, we had wasted quite some time. However, if that's the only difficult part to work on, we are more than happy to do it. WRAPPING UP Overall, what can we say about this bike that we haven't already? It handles well, looks good and is one fast bike. What is there not to like? The few gripes we have about the motor and cosmetic pieces. We must say that they are minor, and we can live with them. This bike is one solid package. After riding the 250 SX-F, we now completely understand the amount of success that KTM has already had. If the past is any indication as to what the future holds, the competition had better watch out. We might just be seeing orange at the front of the pack and history repeating itself for some years to come. eN 2005 KTM 250 SX·F UST PRICE N/A DISPLACEMENT 249.5 Icc ENGINE lYPE Uquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke BORE x STROKE 76 x 55mm COMPRESSION RATIO 12.8:1 CARBUREnON .. Keihin FCR-MX 39250 Kokusan digital IGNITION contaetless DC-COl TRANSMISSION Six-speed STARTING SYSTEM Kick FUEL CAPACITY 2 gal. WHEELBASE S9.64 in. RAKE/TRAlL 1. A WP shock is on the 250 SX·F. It works well with the linkageless rear suspension, as it handled everything we threw at it. 2. The 48mm WP fork works like a dream on rough trocks. 3. The new swingarm is lighter and more rigid than previous designs. 40 JUNE 1, 2005 • CYCLE NEWS N/A SEAT HEIGHT 37 in. FRONT TIRE 80/1 00-21 REAR TIRE 100190-1 9 FRONT·WHEEL TRAVEL 12 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL IH in. FRONT BRAKE Brembo disc REAR BRAKE Brembo disc FINAL DRIVE Chain QAlMED DRYWEIGHT..215.6Ibs'_l