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2016 KTM 250 SX-F

2016 KTM 250 SX-F Review

2016 KTM 250 SX-F on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

Small-bore domination…

The 250 SX-F is once again the World Champion in MX2 and adds a prestigious AMA Supercross Lites Championship to its amazing trophy cabinet. The 2014 season was a great success in racing at all levels around the globe, and 2015 promises to be no different. Already known for its strong performance, the new generation 250 SX-F presents itself with a newly developed, stronger engine built into an all-new chassis. The performance combination of a powerful and much torqueier engine in a lightweight and agile chassis is sure to make the 250 SX-F the star of the show for the future. The new 250 SX-F, the lightest and best performing bike in its class, is the right choice for both the amateur and professional riders, as it will remain a winning bike that will be hard to chase for its competitors.

 

2016 KTM 250 SX-F www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

The numbers behind the KTM SX rider heroes

Tony Cairoli

8 world titles in 10 World Championship MX seasons
1st GP victory in Namur Belgium in 2004
25000 autographs signed for fans over 3 days at Eicma trade show in 2014
45 cities visited in one season of racing, testing and preparation!
144 world championship ‘moto’ victories so far (having won 72 GPs)
2008 the last time anyone else won the MXGP title
100cc the headstart Tony gives his MXGP competition on his KTM 350SX-F

Tommy Searle

17: age in rookie GP season (2006)
13 GP career wins to date (as of start of 2015 season)
3 podiums in debut AMA season (2009)
180 km per week of road cycling for fitness training
1200 laps per month on the practice track
20 countries visited in one race season
157.600km of travel completed in one season of racing

Ken De Dycker

4 different countries Ken has won national championships in – Luxembourg, Germany, Great Britain and Belgium
15 years since Ken’s MXGP debut in (GP of Holland, 2000)
35 practice laps on average per training day (4 times a week)
9 as race number
191cm: at nearly 6foot 3inches, Ken is one of the tallest riders on the MXGP circuit
3rd: Ken’s best MXGP championship overall placing (2008 & 2013 seasons)

Jeffrey Herlings

8: years old, won first national championship (Dutch 65cc)
17 rounds in the 2013 GP season, of which Jeffrey won 15
4 days a week of MX practice
15: age at first career GP victory (Valkenswaard, The Netherlands 2010)
3 rounds to spare when Jeffrey clinched the 2013 MX2 title
73 MX2 races: exceptional success ratio of 43 wins, 57 podiums, 2 world titles
18: age when Jeffrey won his first MX2 world title

Pauls Jonass

11 months per year: spent on the road chasing MX victory
4 hours per day: physical training in pre-season
2 junior world titles (2011 85cc and 2013 125cc)
14: age at first junior world championship title
2015: debut MX2 season
28 months old: when Pauls could ride a bicycle unassisted!

 

 

 

2016 KTM 250 SX-F www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Compact and light power plant


Engine
The new 250 SX-F engine is based on the similar overall design of its predecessor, with some major refinements to make this power plant more compact and lighter, with the production of improved torque and power across the entire rpm range. Perhaps one of the most impressive benefits of the new design is a weight reduction of 2 lbs, while still including the incredibly beneficial electric starter. The reworked engine guarantees an improved power curve over the entire rev range up to 14,000 rpm, which makes the new 250 SX-F a winner for both amateur and professional riders.

Cylinder head
The centerpiece of the compact DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) engine is the new cutting-edge cylinder head. It features improved combustion chamber geometry, two 150 g lighter overhead camshafts with new timing, plus a friction-optimized super-fine surface, new finger followers with a 30 % harder DLC coating and a reworked timing drive (friction reduced and shorter DID timing chain, new sprockets and chain guides). New valve springs and retainers for the four lightweight titanium valves (intake 32.5 mm, exhaust 26.5 mm) and high-flow ports create a maximized flow rate for an optimal power band and maximum performance, all the way up to a redline of 14,000 rpm.

Cylinder & piston
In the reworked and shorter cylinder that has a bore of 78 mm, is a weight-reduced, forged bridged box-type piston made by CP. It features a unique piston shape adapted to the new combustion chamber and stands out with its extra-rigid structure, combined with a low weight. The compression ratio is at 14.4:1. Thanks to the low oscillating masses, the engine offers extremely lively characteristics.

Crankshaft
The new 250 SX-F’s crankshaft features a stiffer design and employs a 6 mm shorter connecting rod, contributing to the compact and light engine with a snappy power delivery. A plain big end bearing features two force-fitted bearing shells run directly on the crank pin. This design is a major prerequisite for the extremely high engine speed levels and the unrivalled maximum power of the 250 cc engine. Not only that, it enhances the engine’s durability, allowing long crankshaft service intervals.

Counter balancer shaft
In order to balance the mass-forces, the new 250 SX-F engine uses a multifunctional counter balance shaft that also drives the water pump and timing chain. It features new sprockets fitted to the new timing chain.

Electric starter
The new 250 SX-F is fitted with an electric starter as standard, which a clear advantage in the heat of battle. A new starter motor made by Mitsuba (modified for easy disassembly) and a weight-reduced starter drive guarantees more efficient and reliable starting.

Engine cases and cover
The completely new design of the die-cast engine cases allowed for a much more centralized shaft configuration. The engine is now shorter by 20 mm, contributing to a much more centralized mass. Newly designed engine covers made of magnesium feature an advanced surface structure reducing the wear caused by the rider’s boots.

Clutch
The highly compact CSS clutch (Coil Spring Steel) features a weight reduced, wear-free steel basket, and now seven instead of eight clutch plates, which are extremely heat resistant due to their steel carrier discs. In addition, a reworked inner hub and a pressure plate guarantees a better oil supply along with even better cooling of the clutch. A smaller master cylinder diameter of the Brembo hydraulic clutch system provides lighter pull and precise modulation.

Transmission
The new engine is fitted with an all-new and weight reduced, 5-speed gearbox. It features the same gear ratios as the previous model, but has wider gears that feature a special surface treatment on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears for improved reliability. One of the new and special features on the bike is an advanced “NO-DIRT” shift lever design, which prevents dirt from blocking the joint of the lever and guarantees safe shifting of the transmission.

Engine management system
The completely reworked Keihin Engine Management System, with electronic fuel injection, features an all-new 44 mm throttle body, which provides instantaneous response and maximum performance thanks to a revolutionary injector position. The new ECU (Engine Control Unit) includes a launch control for more efficient starts with different maps according to the gear sensor selection. In addition, the rider can activate optional maps for a different power delivery via the map select switch on the handlebar.

 

Massive weight reduction


Airbox
The new airbox design offers maximum protection of the air filter against soiling, while ensuring maximum airflow in conjunction with lighter intake snorkel that is made of a new material to reduce the deformation due to air intake pulse for improved performance. The new Twin Air filter is easier and safer to mount and can be changed without tools in seconds – a standard and original KTM feature.

Battery and wiring harness
As in the past, all new SX-F engines are fitted with the proven electric starter – a unique KTM feature and a major benefit at all levels of motocross racing. For 2016 the SX-F range fits a super compact and lightweight 1.1 lb lithium-ion starter battery into a standard motocross bike, providing safe starting of the engine and reducing the weight by 2.2 lbs over the 2015 model!

Seat
Ergonomically perfect, the new seat has a higher foam volume, which offers great comfort and durability, while weighing the same as the previous model.

 

Newly designed chassis


Frame
The new frame design provides approximately 20 % higher torsional rigidity and 30 % less longitudinal stiffness, with newly designed engine stays for less vibration. This increased flexibility results in better absorption of the energy created from the front and rear wheel loads supporting the suspension for more comfort and less rider fatigue. A 0.4° steeper steering angle and a 10 mm shorter wheel base contribute to better handling, and last but not least it´s lighter than the previous model.

Footpeg
A new sophisticated “No-Dirt” footpeg solution prevents dirt from blocking the pegs and stopping them from returning to the proper position, even when digging in deep ruts. In addition the new footpegs are larger, more stable, lighter than on previous models and offer more grip.

Swingarm
The new SX generation features a reworked cast aluminum swingarm. The updated design offers reduced weight and an optimized flex behavior created with a single-component casting process. The weight reduction is 250 grams.

Bodywork
For the new generation of SX models the KTM factory riders were involved in shaping the bodywork together with the specialists from KTM R&D and Kiska Design. The goal was to achieve complete harmony between rider and bike down to the finest details. The results are all-new plastics that provide perfect ergonomics and contact points for the rider, maximum freedom of movement, a lower seat height of between 10 to 20 mm (rear end) and better comfort, especially in the rear part of the seat.

Fuel tank
All models of the SX range have new lightweight polythene tanks with a capacity of 1.85 gallons and an integrated fuel pump. A filler cap with an inside thread makes for an easy and reliable closure.

Graphics
New modern in-mold graphics highlight the sporty character of the 2016 SX range of cutting-edge motocross bikes.

Cooling system
The proven integrated KTM cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to newly developed aluminum radiators made by WP, which have a new filler cap system and are made of a stiffer alloy. Due to flow optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated air ventilation, the cooling efficiency has been improved by approximately 10% and the sophisticated radiator guards provide protection in case of a crash.

Handlebar
The new generation SX-F models are equipped with a new tapered handlebar made of high-strength aluminum by NEKEN, which is fixed in a new rubber damped handlebar clamp allowing the handlebar to be mounted in two different positions. All 4-Stroke models feature a new throttle assembly with model-specific throttle cams for different opening characteristics and new ODI grips featuring lock-on fixing clamp on the left-hand side. In addition the handlebar-mounted map switch allows easy selection of different maps and the activation of a launch control.

 

State-of-the-art suspension


Monoshock
The new generation of monoshock made by WP Suspension has been developed for the new SX models in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture that includes a reworked linkage system and new WP forks. The linkage system has a revised geometry and longer pull rods, which was tested last season in the KTM factory bikes.

Forks
The KTM SX-F models feature the advanced WP 4CS four-chamber closed cartridge fork with an updated setting for 2016. The 4CS fork has been specifically designed and adapted for motocross racing in the USA.

Triple clamp
Top quality, CNC-machined triple clamps have been something of a KTM trademark for years. Ensuring precise handling, they provide proper clamping force for correct flex characteristics, thus improving the action of the forks. For 2016 the upper triple clamp features a newly developed rubber damping system for the handlebar clamp in order to reduce the vibration levels felt through the handlebar. The clamps retain their forward and back adjustability for rider preference.

Weight reduction
The main target for the KTM engineers when developing the new SX-F generation was a massive weight reduction in conjunction with improved handling. The resulting loss of 5.1 lbs is outstanding, making the new KTM models the lightest bikes on the track.

 

Unrivalled handling


Wheels
The 250 SX-F is fitted with lightweight, CNC-machined hubs, high-end Excel rims and new, weight reduced spokes with lightweight aluminum nipples providing maximum stability at minimum weight. The latest Dunlop Geomax MX32 tires have been developed with KTM factory racing in the USA and expert test riders. They guarantee perfect traction and outstanding performance.

Brakes
High-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM off-road bikes, and now are combined with newly designed and weight-reduced Wave discs made by GALFER featuring improved heat resistance. Weight reduction is 63g on the front disc, and 32 g for the rear. This is the ultimate solution in braking technology.

 

 

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2016 KTM 250 SX-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Local Dealer for Pricing in USD

Engine
” Design
1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
” Displacement
249.9 cm³
” Bore
78 mm
” Stroke
52.3 mm
” Starter
Electric starter
” Transmission
5-speed
” Primary drive
24:73
” Secondary gear ratio
13:50
” Clutch
Wet, CSS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
” EMS
Keihin EMS
Chassis
” Frame design
25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame
” Front suspension
WP USD Ø 48 mm 4CS closed cartridge
” Rear suspension
WP monoshock with linkage
” Suspension travel (front)
300 mm
” Suspension travel (rear)
300 mm
” Front brake
Disc brake
” Rear brake
Disc brake
” Front brake disc diameter
260 mm
” Rear brake disc diameter
220 mm
” Chain
5/8 x 1/4″
” Steering head angle
63.9 °
” Wheelbase
1485 ± 10 mm
” Ground clearance
370 mm
” Seat height
960 mm
” Tank capacity (approx.)
7 l
” Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)
99.9 kg

 

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2016 KTM 250 SX-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Local Dealer for Pricing in CDN

Engine
” Design
1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
” Displacement
249.9 cm³
” Bore
78 mm
” Stroke
52.3 mm
” Starter
Electric starter
” Transmission
5-speed
” Primary drive
24:73
” Secondary gear ratio
13:50
” Clutch
Wet, CSS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
” EMS
Keihin EMS
Chassis
” Frame design
25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame
” Front suspension
WP USD Ø 48 mm 4CS closed cartridge
” Rear suspension
WP monoshock with linkage
” Suspension travel (front)
300 mm
” Suspension travel (rear)
300 mm
” Front brake
Disc brake
” Rear brake
Disc brake
” Front brake disc diameter
260 mm
” Rear brake disc diameter
220 mm
” Chain
5/8 x 1/4″
” Steering head angle
63.9 °
” Wheelbase
1485 ± 10 mm
” Ground clearance
370 mm
” Seat height
960 mm
” Tank capacity (approx.)
7 l
” Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)
99.9 kg

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2016 KTM 250 SX-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £6849 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine
” Design
1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
” Displacement
249.9 cm³
” Bore
78 mm
” Stroke
52.3 mm
” Starter
Electric starter
” Transmission
5-speed
” Primary drive
24:73
” Secondary gear ratio
13:50
” Clutch
Wet, CSS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
” EMS
Keihin EMS
Chassis
” Frame design
25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame
” Front suspension
WP-USD, AER 48, Ø 48 mm
” Rear suspension
WP monoshock with linkage
” Suspension travel (front)
300 mm
” Suspension travel (rear)
300 mm
” Front brake
Disc brake
” Rear brake
Disc brake
” Front brake disc diameter
260 mm
” Rear brake disc diameter
220 mm
” Chain
5/8 x 1/4″
” Steering head angle
63.9 °
” Wheelbase
1485 ± 10 mm
” Ground clearance
370 mm
” Seat height
960 mm
” Tank capacity (approx.)
7 l
” Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)
98.5 kg

*Starting at MSRP is the manufactured suggested price and excludes delivery, setup, tax, title, license, and additional fees and expenses. Bikes may be shown with optional accessories. Final sale price determined by an authorized dealer. Specifications and MSRP are subject to change.

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).