After being named the runner-up in 2017, KTM had a year to go
back to the drawing board, make the changes needed improve the
performance of its 250 SX-F, and come back ready for battle. The
Austrian company painted the frame orange, gave the lightweight
SX-F bold-new graphics, and revised the internal damping settings
of the WP AER 48 front fork. The result? Yet another second-place
trophy; finishing just behind its cousin, the Husqvarna FC 250.
Second place or not, the changes to the front end proved
beneficial, according to our test riders. Last year's fork was known
to have a harsh feel at the top of the suspension's stroke, while
not being stiff enough to support the bike on hard landings, often
blowing through the travel. The changes to the 2018 model fix
the issue well enough to make riders happy with the box-stock
settings. At 232 pounds, the KTM is the lightest bike of this year's
bunch (even one pound lighter than the Husky), which gives it a
lively feel on the racetrack, while requiring the least amount of
physical exertion to ride. Our bodies thank you, KTM.
KTM
250 SX-F
2
ND
Place
VOL. 54 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 19, 2017 P95