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/401212
2015 KTM 250 SX-F FIRST RIDE P76 KTM 250 SX-F were made to its chassis and suspension, most notably the front suspension. It's been upgraded to WP's lat- est-generation 4CS fork, which was found on the latest Fac- tory Edition 450 SX-F. It's light- er, more adjustable and a very good-performing fork. It's a big improvement in every way over the 250's previous WP unit. Our test riders were able to hop on the bike and feel comfortable on it right away; they felt no need to make any immediate changes to the fork. Our lightest test rider, however, felt that it came set up a tad stiff for his 150 pounds, but, for the most part, we feel that the fork is dialed in nicely right out of the crate for a wide range of riders. The front axle has been changed, as well. Its diameter has been reduced from 26mm to 22mm to cut weight and to provide better front-end feel. The smaller axle also allowed the designers to move the center of the wheel back 2mm in the axle clamp. The adjusted offset and increased trail provides more stability. The rear end got a 4mm longer shock, but new linkages and ge- ometry keep the back end riding as low as possible while improv- ing rear-wheel traction. The com- bination of new engine mapping (better placement of power) and the rear suspension changes, help make the KTM launch bet- ter out of the turns, as do the new Dunlop Geomax MX52 tires which are wrapped around im- proved (and black-colored) Excel rims. The KTM is also an outstand- ing machine when it comes to handling. It's stable at speed and inspires confidence on super- rough tracks. It's one of those bikes that just feels better the harder you ride it. The KTM's chromoly steel frame—which is now colored orange—offers ex- cellent feel and control while giv- ing the bike a nice balanced feel. We still see no need why KTM should ever swap over to an alu- minum frame. Overall, there are a lot of things to like about the KTM 250 SX-F. We're big fans of the KTM's hy- draulic clutch and electric start- ing. The in-mold graphics help the keep the bike looking good for a long time. The KTM's Brem- bo brakes with Gaffer calipers are the best in the business, es- pecially up front. (The front brake got an overhaul last year.) We like the bend and construction of the KTM's tapered aluminum handle- bars, as well as the bike's slim profile and general ergonomics. There just isn't much not to like about the new KTM 250 SX-F. It's lighter, handles well, has the best brakes in the business and just plain rips. And, of course, we love the button. The bathroom scale, however, doesn't love the KTM so much, but it's getting down to a more acceptable level. Bottom line? The KTM 250 SX-F has come a long way in just a few short years. CN SPECIFICATIONS 2015 KTM 250 SX-F MSRP: .................................................. N/A MOTOR: ...Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, 4-stroke, single DISPLACEMENT: ........................ 249.91cc BORE X STROKE: .........78mm x 52.3mm IGNITION: ... Electronic w/digital ignition timing adj. STARTING SYSTEM: ..................... Electric TRANSMISSION: .......................... 6-speed CLUTCH: ... Wet, multi-disc CSS/Brembo hydraulics FINAL DRIVE: .....................................13:50 FRAME: ....... Central tube frame; chrome molybdenum steel tubing FRONT SUSPENSION: .......... WP 4CS, full adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: ....WP single shock, linkage type FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL: ............... 300mm REAR WHEEL TRAVEL: .................. 317mm FRONT BRAKE: ..... 260mm disc, Brembo REAR BRAKE: ....... 220mm disc, Brembo CHAIN: ......................................520 X-ring WHEELBASE: ...............................1495mm GROUND CLEARANCE: ...................14.8 in. SEAT HEIGHT: .................................. 39 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ......................... 1.98 gal. CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT: ............225.3 lbs.