VOL. 53 ISSUE 2 JANUARY 19, 2016 P73
3
RD
PLACE
KTM 250 SX-F
COUNTDOWN
F
irst of all, both the KTM
and Husqvarna are all-new
motorcycles. Everything on
both bikes has been changed
from their previous versions;
they are essentially the same
bike as the limited edition
2015 KTM Factory Edition
models.
There are a lot of things to
like about the KTM (and Husky
for that matter). The KTM has
an outstanding motor that loves
to be revved. It doesn't quite hit
as hard off the bottom as the
Yamaha or Kawasaki, but does
a great job of putting the power
to the ground in the early part of
the powerband before ramping
up nicely as the Rs quickly
build, and build and build and
build, right up to its 40.49 peak
horsepower at 12,400 rpm;
the Husky keeps making a bit
more power right up to 41.54
horsepower at an astronomical
13,800 rpm! If you're the type
of rider who loves to just hold the
throttle wide open every time you
twist it, these are your bikes.
Both bikes have a two-way
controllable mapping switch on
the handlebars (hard and soft)
and launch control that is a
little clunky to operate, so you'll
probably never use it. And we
love their E-start buttons. Some
question the use of electric
starting on 250F motocross
bikes, mainly because of its
added weight and cost, but
both KTM and Husky managed
to keep weight low despite the
added starter motor and battery,
only the Yamaha is lighter. We
also like the light pull and feel
of their hydraulically operated
clutches.
Handling is another strongpoint
of the KTM and Husky. They are
stable down the straights and turn
nearly as good as the Suzuki,
heck, maybe even equally as
good! They lay over easily, ride
through the ruts effortlessly, and
are really good on off-cambers
and slick corners. They also feel
light and narrow between your
legs and are very "flickable."
Suspension is good and we
love the simple adjustability
of the WP 4CS forks, which
are quite good. Right out of
the crate, suspension is a little
soft, but for your average 250F
riders, both the front and back
suspension are set up from the
factory in the ballpark.
And the brakes? None are
better.
KTM 250 SX-F
HIGHLIGHTS
•WP 4CS Spring Forks
•Handlebar Mapping Adjustment
•Launch Control
•Electric Starting
•Hydraulically Operated Clutch
•Chromoly Steel Frame
•Tapered Aluminum Handlebars
•Dunlop MX32 Tires
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
•Max Horsepower: 40.49 hp
@ 12,400 rpm
•Max Torque: 19.40 lb-ft
@ 8,800 rpm
•Weight: 232 lbs
•Seat Height: 37.8 in.
•MSRP: $8399
