2015 KTM 250 SX-F
FIRST RIDE
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bike to get excited about again.
For one, the motor, which still produces
plenty of power, is more useable and forgiving
than before, thanks to adjustments they made
to the bike's ECU mapping. The bike has im-
proved bottom-end performance and hooks
up out of the corners way better than it used
to, even though it still isn't the bottom-end king
of its class by any means. But it can now at
least find some traction out of the turns where
it couldn't before, so your exit speed on the
'15 KTM is certainly going to be improved. As
a result, you will be set up more effectively for
the straights where you can make better use of
the KTM's powerful mid-to-top motor.
Yes, this bike is fast, very fast, just like it was
before. But not only is it fast, the motor is also
far more useable overall now than before, and
that's a big improvement. We feel it will now
benefit a greater range of riders, not just the
pros.
Like before, the KTM's mapping can be al-
tered via a two-way switch under the seat. We
preferred the aggressive (B) mode, but the
standard (A) mode is nice and effective for dry
and slick tracks when traction is scarce. The
standard setting softens up the hit a bit and
smoothens out the power delivery significant-
ly, giving the rear tire more of a chance to find
traction when you grab a handful of throttle.
KTM offers a handlebar mount as an acces-
sory for the mapping adjuster, which we would
really like to see come standard.
KTM also made some changes to the SX-F's
clutch. The clutch basket, they say, is lighter
while not forfeiting any of its durability. And
since KTM knows you'll be using the clutch a
lot, it received heavier springs. This, unfortu-
nately, increases clutch pull a bit. But since it's
hydraulically actuated anyway, the pull on the
lever is still lighter compared to the cable-op-
erated clutches on the Japanese-made 250Fs
we've ridden lately.
Most of the major changes to the 2015
