2024 250 MX Shootout | Gas Gas vs. Honda vs. Husqvarna vs. Kawasaki vs. KTM vs. Yamaha

2024 KTM 250 SX-F

Second Place: KTM 250 SX-F

Test Rider Scores: 3-3-2-1-1

The KTM 250 SX-F returns unchanged for 2024 but the “Ready to Race” machine truly is a bad-ass weapon. By far the most aggressive of the three Austrian bikes, the KTM packs the biggest punch when you crack the throttle. Power is plentiful throughout the RPM range, and the mapping switch allows you to choose between abundant low-end roll-on power or never-ending top-end overrev. The KTM is the most aggressively suspended bike from Pierer Mobility and it handles everything you can throw at it with control and comfort.

Humberto Baca on the 250 SX-F.

“It’s honestly hard to say that the KTM engine lacks anything. Low-end, mid-range, and top-end power are all strong. It’s a racy engine and still controllable. I really like the suspension of the KTM as it is set up firm and aggressively, yet still allows the bike to corner great. Both ends of the bike soak up the chop really well, and the bike feels nimble and light.” – Kyle Vara

“The engine is strong and smooth, and easy to make good use of. The KTM handles great; it soaks up everything you throw at it, it’s stable, it corners great, and it feels light on the track. The bike has a tall feel and I felt a little awkward on it at times.” – Humberto Baca

“KTM’s engine is very responsive and I liked the mellow map the best because it has such great roll on down low. The quick-shift function is something that I would never use; I don’t like the split-second of hesitation. I am not a fan of the air fork. I don’t have any lean-angle traction with the air fork on any of the Austrian bikes.” – Alex Ray

“The white map hits quickly down low with a fast response and quick pull. It revs out quicker in each gear but pulls well and makes the shift to third easy as the RPMs are high. The green map is fairly docile down low with a smoother delivery. However, it pulls much longer in each gear and overrev is off the charts. The KTM engine revs higher and freer than the Gas Gas. The suspension is noticeably firmer than the other Austrian bikes and the bike feels ready to attack. The KTM feels planted and aggressive.” – Pat Foster

“The KTM is the best Austrian bike and I feel right at home on it. The WP fork almost has my mind changed about air forks; they are plush and predictable, with good control. I’d still change them to mechanical spring if I were to ride this bike all year, though. The KTM powerband is easy to ride and it’s shocking how different the map settings are…map one is better for slippery tracks and map two is rad with great traction.” – Donn Maeda

Test Rider Hits

Excellent cornering abilities

Power is well-rounded and strong

Brakes are best in class

Mapping switch offers two great power styles

Test Rider Misses

Not for a beginner rider

Seat cover offers little grip

Air fork is lacking

Handlebar is stiff and delivers lots of feedback to rider