VOLUME 59 ISSUE 11 MARCH 15, 2022 P115
per seat cover that wraps around
a more squared-off cushion and
the extended radiator shrouds
with added textured to improve leg
traction while cornering. The front
fender is wider and features little
fins to help direct cooling air to
the updated radiators. The starter
button/map switch assembly has
been updated, and the lock-on ODI
grips finish things off nicely on the
aluminum handlebars. You'll notice
a new right-side engine cover with
a textured surface for improved
wear, and the footpegs have more
surface area and are mounted to
the frame differently to reduce the
chances of hooking in ruts or while
scrubbing over jumps. High-end
D.I.D Dirt Star rims are mated
to orange-colored CNC-milled
hubs via high-tech spokes, which
are colored black (except for the
orange spoke nipples) to match
the black rims. The wheels are
just sexy looking. Dunlop supplies
the rubber with its Geomax MX33
knobbies. And do we even need to
mention the factory-issue graphics?
However, there is one notable
that you can't see, the Factory Edi-
tion put on a few pounds during its
transformation, and now demands
$300 more dollars than the '21 Fac-
tory Edition and $800 more than
the current standard KTM 250 SX-F.
The '22 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edi-
tion has a list price of $10,599 and,
like the 450 Factory Edition, only
400 of these special models will be
built. But we expect it to return close
to what it is now in full numbers next
year as the 2023 standard model.
LAP TIME
Out on track is where all these
changes come to life. Despite
being almost six pounds heavier
than the standard 2022 (a claimed
224.6 pounds versus 218 pounds
without fuel), the Factory Edition
still feels remarkably light. Part
of this lightweight feeling, espe-
cially up front, is credited to the WP
Xact Fork. This is the same fork
that's come standard on the KTM,
Husqvarna and GasGas models for
a few years now, but updated set-
tings made it the best air fork we've
ridden to date. The plushness in
the top part of the stroke is notice-
ably better and more comfortable
when soaking up small bumps,
especially when leaning over or rid-
ing the side of the tire. Previously,
the fork felt vague or dead in these
more chattery conditions but not
anymore with this updated setting.
And though it felt distinctively softer
than the 450, the 250's shock
provided good comfort and confi-
Just put gas in it and go.
