(Left) If horsepower
matters most to
you, then you will
like the KTM two-
stroke. (Right) The
KTM 250 SX's new
fuel-injected
motor provides
more useable
power.
VOLUME ISSUE OCTOBER , P83
While the two-stroke argu-
ably wins the engine category, it
does have some shortcomings.
The smoker excels in deep con-
ditions like sand or loam. Just
turn on the aggressive map, aim
for the outside of the corners,
and enjoy the ride! But it's a
different story on hard-packed
tracks. The engine feels ultra-
touchy and requires the rider
to be mindful of the throttle-
hand motion. Throttle control is
critical on the two-stroke. This
is nothing new in terms of two-
stroke technique, but it seems
exaggerated on the new KTM.
Overall, power also dies out too
soon as the SX. The power is
strong but only in a small win
-
dow from the bottom to mid, as
it lacks much of its old over-rev
character.
What the four-stroke lacks in
overall power output is made up
in usability. The consistent feel
of the SX-F reminds you why
four-strokes virtually took over
the world. KTM's new engine
design prioritizes down-low
torque and is a different person
-
ality than the ultra-high-revving
motors in previous generations.
It's much more vet or novice-
friendly and transitions into a
strong mid-to-top character that
(Left) If horsepower
matters most to
you, then you will
like the KTM two-
stroke. (Right) The
KTM 250 SX's new
fuel-injected
motor provides
more useable
power.
