2017 Ktm 250 Sx F Factory Edition Review

First Impressions: 2017 KTM 250 SX-F Manufacturing plant Edition

Vital Review

While at first the KTM Factory Editions seemed like an odd idea, year-after-twelvemonth they proceed to sell them and nosotros continue to see them at the rails. With this, naturally the 250 SX-F joined the fray a few years ago and now is modeled after the Troy Lee Designs KTM squad. This year the wheel features the usual orange frame, clamps, and sprockets...forth with the team graphics kit and all-orange plastic that nosotros usually see on this bike. Beyond that is some new suspension settings from the 17 production bike, front end and rear, along with some hard parts updates in the fork. The overall goal was to make the wheel more than compliant, which offers some added condolement but also improved the traction, equaling more speed. Lastly, the 250 SX-F Factory Edition does have a slip on exhaust and since it's modeled later the TLD team, it naturally has a FMF 4.1 RCT titanium/carbon slip-on frazzle. KTM'south stock headpipe is pretty hard to beat, but the FMF slip-on is definitely a scrap lighter and helps the already screaming 250 SX-F run even better mid-to-top.

Being that the '17 product cycle was the almost-unanimous winner of our 2017 Shootout (click here for more on that, and to learn more about the standard KTM 250 SX-F), any improvement for the Factory Edition makes this an easy choice if yous're looking for an astonishing 250F out-of-the-box. The positives included the easiest and most widely accepted air fork on the marketplace, and a rear stupor that piece of work when the going gets tough (or rough). As for the engine, it has the nigh horsepower out of all the production 250Fs and is pretty close when information technology comes to torque figures. From mid-to-top, this cycle actually, actually pulls hard...now off-the-bottom information technology has some great strength but doesn't have the abrupt delivery that say the YZF has. While some might appreciate the smoother delivery, there's definitely people out at that place looking for some more snap. Starting with the 2016 FE version, the 250 SX-F switched to 14/51 gearing, compared the more average 13/48-50 you'd find on most 250Fs. This leads to a pretty quick prepare if yous're looking to move where those RPMs are when you lot climb on the throttle exiting a corner. With an actress tooth or two in the rear, you tin can definitely get more snap in second and third for sure sections, or go downwardly a molar or 2 if yous're more of a offset and 2d kind of person. This engine produces plenty of power, leaving y'all some wiggle room on where it needs to be.

Equally for the chassis, KTM's have slowly gotten less-and-less "different" to ride when compared to their Japanese brethren. The chromoly-steel chassis still has some unique characteristics compared to an aluminum frame bike, every bit it'south definitely a joy to ride on hardpack every bit the fashion it flexes allows it to follow the ground in some situations y'all just don't always become from an aluminum frame. At present at times, I will admit it's unlike to grip with your legs and in the softest atmospheric condition I find places where some added stiffness could be benign. For the most part, though, I'll take the positives it offers over whatsoever drawbacks. Also on the positive list is the usual we list off, the electric start, hydraulic clutch, and Brembo brakes. While personally I'yard not the largest fan of hydraulic clutches but the latest generation is definitely coming closer to the pull and modulation of a cable clutch, as for the electric kickoff...once y'all've had ane it'south difficult to go back. As for the brakes, people always ask me how the Brembo units are amend? The diverse Nissin units tin exist strong, but the combination of piston sizes in the main cylinders and caliper seem to lack some of the modulation that's found with the Brembos. Every bit I said the Nissins can exist stiff but they are a bit more "on-to-off" than the Brembos, which have more than modulation. This ways they're a bit more usable and can experience stronger, as it'due south a bit easier to bring them to the edge of their power...just without locking them up. Which as we all know, doesn't always ends the best, unless yous're asking to stop up on your face.

For some more feedback, if y'all haven't already, click play on the slideshow at the top of the article.

Review past Michael Lindsay // Photos by Steve Giberson

Specifications


Product	KTM 250 SX-F Mill Edition
Model Twelvemonth	2017
Engine Size	250cc
Engine Type	Four-Stroke
Engine Displacement	249.nine cm³
Bore x Stroke	78 mm x 52.three mm
Compression Ratio	14:1
Fuel System
Ignition	Keihin
Manual	5-speed/ Moisture, CSS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Last Bulldoze	13:50
Suspension Front end	WP-USD, AER 48, Ø 48 mm
Suspension Rear	WP stupor cushion with linkage
Brakes Front	Disc brake, 260 mm
Brakes Rear	Disc brake, 220 mm
Tires Front	Dunlop MX3S 80/100-21
Tires Rear	Dunlop MX3S 110/80-nineteen
Overall Length
Overall Width
Overall Height
Seat Height	960 mm
Wheelbase	1485 ± ten mm
Footing Clearance	370 mm
Rake/Trail
Fuel Chapters	1.85 gallons/ vii liters
Curb Weight	217 pounds / 98.5 killograms
Features
Miscellaneous
Toll	$ix,499
More Info	KTM.com