Track Tested | 2020 SML 250 MX Shootout

Cody Whitsett on the KTM 250 SX-F

Fourth Place: KTM 250 SX-F

Test Rider Scores: 4-4-4-4-3-1

Think of the KTM 250 SX-F as the older, more aggressive brother of the Husqvarna FC 250. Like the Husky, the orange bike has no engine performance upgrades from last year, but it does come with an optional vented airbox cover and revised suspension settings that are much firmer and race-ready than the Husqvarna’s. 

Though the KTM and Husqvarna are bred from the same DNA, they have distinctly different feels on the track. They share the same great cornering prowess and overall light feel and great balance, but the KTM is more responsive and harder-hitting than its brother. Though it, too, lacks low-end torque, the KTM does have more to offer right off idle with the vented airbox cover installed, and it hits hard in the middle of the rpm range and continues to pull very far on top. 

The KTM’s suspension has good hold up and control throughout the stroke and although we did notice that the fork was more compliant than last year’s in its initial portions of travel, we still want more feel from the front-end in comparison to the bikes that are equipped with a mechanical spring fork. KTM has a long history of sticking to its guns when it does something distinctively different than the rest…we hope that it will not hold on to the air fork design for too much longer. Though it is highly adjustable at the track, it lacks feel and holds the Austrian bikes back in the final standings for many.

Hits

• Light, flickable feel on the track
• Excellent components: Brembo Brakes, ODI Grips, etc.
• Super strong mid-range and top-end
• Dual maps and traction control offer great on-the-fly tuning
• Awesome cornering characteristics

Misses

• Engine lacks low-end power
• Air fork lacks feel and traction
• Neken bars have an odd bend and are not as comfortable as Husky’s ProTapers
• Rear brake pedal tucked in too closely to the engine case
• Bike has a wider feel at radiators than Husqvarna

Test Rider Props

“The KTM is a revver with a monster top end and a deep pull getting there. It offers a strong blend of great cornering and positive feel down the straights.” – Pat Foster

“The bike is very light feeling and it is nimble and responsive to body English. The KTM has smooth, controllable power and is excellent up top as it never stops pulling.” – Rene Garcia

“I like where KTM went with the revised suspension settings to give it a plusher feeling. Initially, the bike felt a little soft but some adjustments on the clickers solved the problem for me.” – Cole King

“The KTM is a comfortable machine that has good balance and feel. It rides as light on the track as it feels when lifting it on and off the stand.” – Donn Maeda

“Plenty of power, especially up top. The bike rips and it really fits my riding style. I love the aggressive looks and styling of the bike.” – Austin Schott

“I love how light it feels. It corners great and I can throw the bike around on the track. The clutch, brakes, and fit and finish of the bike is the best.” – Cody Whitsett

Test Rider Chops

“The air fork is inconsistent in feel and doesn’t keep the front tire connected to the track surface as well as a spring fork does. The rear brake pedal is easy to miss.” – Pat Foster

“Personally, I prefer spring forks because the air fork has weird reactions when over-jumping or casing jumps, and they also lack feel when entering rough corners.” – Rene Garcia

“Coming out of tight corners, it took some clutch work to get the KTM up and going. Once it was in the meat of the power, though, watch out.” – Cole King

“The lack of low-end throttle response leaves me wanting more right off of idle. The bike is snappier than the Husky, but I still long for a quicker-revving feel.” – Donn Maeda

“I’m not a fan of the suspension. The rear end is fine but the front-end feels unstable, especially entering corners. It feels like the front tire is pushing away from you.” – Austin Schott

“The suspension is okay but I prefer the feel of a traditional spring fork, The front-end lacks feel and I don’t like the vague feeling in the corners.” – Cody Whitsett