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/661756
2016 KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION FIRST RIDE P62 second and third. In certain sections of the track where the 2015 250 SX-F would have been able to coax third gear, the 2016 FE needed to be downshifted to second earlier. This was only an issue for heavier riders who didn't carry the same amount of momentum as light pro riders. Gearing is often a very personal preference and is often depen- dent on the track. We only had a day on one track so our findings could possibly change depend- ing on the track and the prep. WORTH THE WALLET? KTM is doing something no other manufacturer is even think- ing about, offering up limited runs of specialized models. Yes they are doing it to meet ho- mologation rules so their riders can race the latest and greatest creation from the factory, but they are doing it with serious style and performance. The Fac- tory Edition price is higher than a standard SX-F but KTM decks out the bikes to look amazing while providing cool aftermarket goodies all while showing the public what the next year's mod- els will look like long before the other manufactures. If you have $9399 burning a hole in your pocket and need one wicked 250F, the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition is waiting. TREVOR STEWART 6'/155 LBS/PRO The new Factory Edition 250 SX-F comes straight out of the box ready to race and visually makes you look like a pro! The bigger front sprocket and one tooth bigger rear sprocket let me ride each gear longer and rev to the sky without losing power, but it also took some power away from the bottom end, forcing me to keep it in a lower gear to gain back the power in some sec- tions. The light weight makes a huge difference in being able to put the bike where you want it and to throw down some clean whips. The FMF slip-on exhaust offers good looks and a bit more power. The new WP air forks are improved a lot from last year, making the bike feel more plush and smooth entering braking bumps and on hard landings. I took out some air to soften them for my weight and went out two clicks on compression, improving the action over brak- ing bumps. Although the new air forks have made many improve- ments, I still prefer the original spring forks for their easy tuning and feel. This bike is amazingly light and ready to rock and roll with minimal suspension setup. KAI MUKAI 5'5"/130 LBS/PRO The first thing I noticed on the 250 SX-F FE was how much power it has. It felt as if second gear was enough power to get you around almost the whole track. Like with the 450 SX-F FE, the 250 SX-F FE is also very light feeling, as if it were a 125. The FE handles well, and works on every aspect of the track. They changed quite a few things on this bike, but what stood out the most was the suspension. I usually find air forks irritating and hard to work with but the AER 48 is great! It works well all the way through the stroke on everything Cahuilla had to offer. CN Is the limited edition 2016 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition a preview of what's to come in 2017? Most likely.