QUICKSPIN I 2023 KTM Four-Stroke Motocrossers
P112
helps fight unwanted "squatting
characteristics" when under a
load. The 250 receives a larger
bore (81mm versus 78mm) and a
shorter stroke (48.5mm versus
52.3mm) for the 2023 model
year. While the engine still revs
out to a mind-boggling 14,000
rpm, these changes produced
a much punchier feel in areas
that needed it most. Both the
Yamaha and the KTM 250s
often finish neck and neck in our
shootouts, funny enough since
they have previously been two
of the most contrasting engines
in the class. With the revised
engine package, the KTM feels
much more on par with the
throaty lower-end of the Yamaha
and the new Honda. Again, pic-
ture Japanese hit in an Austrian
chassis.
The 250 SX-F hauled us
around the deep conditions of
RedBud without a complaint.
Map two's more aggressive
nature quickly prevailed as the
favored setting. It pulls strongly
down low, flows nicely into that
long KTM midrange, and still
offers plenty of over-rev in the
upper end of the curve. All of
our riders felt comfortable right
away on the new chassis, prais-
ing the new seat, footpegs and
overall cockpit design. After
a solid day of riding, we are
eager to put this bike head to
head against the other manu-
facturers.
>>WRAP UP
The 450 SX-F was picked as
the favorite four-stroke from our
designated pro rider, Matt Ce-
rami. He preferred the big-bore
KTM for its powerful, yet ride-
able engine character as well as
the nimble chassis. While the
new-gen KTM's did gain weight
from the year prior, it really is
hard to tell while riding (hint: if
they don't mention weight in the
These all-new KTMs will inspire you.
