VOL. 53 ISSUE 46 NOVEMBER 22, 2016 P95
2
nd
PLACE
KTM
250 SX-F
S
ome key changes to the KTM include the
WP AER 48 air fork, a more rigid upper
triple clamp, aluminum (instead of steel)
upper engine mounts, a softer rear shock
spring rate and a handlebar-mounted multi-
switch that controls mapping and traction
control. The Husqvarna FC 250 received the
same changes for 2017.
The 2017 KTM 250 SX-F is not an orange
Husqvarna, but it's darn close! The Husqvarna
and KTM share almost everything, including
suspension settings. The differences don't
make up a long list and they aren't part of
the base platform: The KTM uses a Brembo
clutch, Husky uses a Magura; KTM uses
Neken handlebars, Husky uses Pro Taper. The
bodywork is different, rims are different and
the KTM's subframe material is aluminum while
the Husqvarna's subframe is a composite of
plastic and carbon. Their swingarms vary only
in decorative design down the sides, which
does affect flex characteristics slightly. We
don't want to continue to beat the dead horse
that the KTM and Husqvarna are the same, but
it is important for the consumer to know, they
are virtually one and the same.
Thanks to an airbox that has a little more
flow, the KTM barely—and we mean barely—
edges out the FC 250 in power off idle and
through the mid. Some testers couldn't tell a
difference between the power, and those who
