2018 KTM 150 SX Review

2018 KTM 150 SX
2018 KTM 150 SX
2018 KTM 150 SX
2018 KTM 150 SX
2018 KTM 150 SX
2018 KTM 150 SX

 

 

 

 

IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN.

With the agility of a 125 and enough muscle to take the fight to the 250cc 4-strokes, this bike punches well above its weight. Its snarling engine sets benchmarks in terms of power and torque, rocketing its state-of-the-art chassis miles ahead of the competition. The top step of the podium does have the unmistakable scent of 2-stroke premix exhaust.

 

 

2018 KTM 150 SX Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

With its 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines, from the KTM 50 SX to the KTM 450 SX-F ultimate powerhouse, KTM offers high quality serial equipment in all of its motocross range. As developed for its factory racing teams, which have won numerous races and championships, including last year’s AMA 450 Supercross title with Ryan Dungey, as well as the FIM MX2 World Championship with Jeffrey Herlings, these KTM serial machines are renowned for being READY TO RACE right out of the crate.

For model year 2018 KTM introduces a brand new KTM 85 SX for junior riders that are cutting their teeth in the schoolboy ranks. With the serious competitor in mind, this machine has a new engine that is 0.69 kg lighter than the previous model, with improved power and rideability throughout the complete RPM range. In addition, the KTM 85 SX receives a lighter chassis with a revised chromium molybdenum steel frame as crafted by WP Performance Systems, as well as a lighter subframe. This READY TO RACE Mini, which joins the KTM 50 SX and KTM 65 SX in KTM’s line-up of premium junior equipment, is fitted with high-quality Formula brakes, WP AER 43 forks and a specifically developed WP Xplor progressive damping system (PDS) shock absorber, which provides excellent sensitivity and outstanding bottoming resistance with full adjustability.

In the adult range the KTM 125 SX and KTM 150 SX now feature new aluminum head stays, as well as a new CDI control unit for improved starting behaviors. As with all of KTM serial equipment, the 4-stroke range, including the KTM 250 SX-F, KTM 350 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F, boasts high-quality, class-leading components from the all-important E-starter, to the WP suspension, traction control and map selection, and much more to compliment the super lightweight, yet powerful championship winning engines.

In addition, the complete model year 2018 SX range including both 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines feature revised suspension settings in the WP AER 48 forks, along with a factory-looking orange frame plus, brand new graphics to finish the look.

 

 

 

2018 KTM 150 SX Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

LESS IS MORE

ENGINE
The engine of the KTM 150 SX was developed with the latest know-how and state-of-the-art technology. That’s the only way to craft class-leading power all across the rev range. This is the lightest and most compact 150cc motocrosser you’ll find. So prepare for surprisingly fast lap times and baffling rideability. As this motorcycle shares many of its key components with the class-leading KTM 125 SX, the cylinder, head and piston unit can now also be fitted on a 125cc engine base converting it to a KTM 150 SX without replacing the crankshaft. Buy one, get one free. Nearly.

 

CYLINDER
This compact cylinder with a 58mm bore features a cutting-edge power valve unit with a sophisticated mechanism for the lateral support exhaust ports. Matched to a twin-component cylinder head, it is KTM’s secret to all-round grunt. The layout of the water jackets in the cylinder and head guarantees efficient heat dissipation when the going gets tough.

 

CRANKCASES
For the latest engine generation the KTM engineers designed lightweight die-cast engine cases featuring a high crankshaft position located close to the center of gravity, which results in optimal mass centralization and outstanding rideability.

 

CRANKSHAFT
This reliable piece of engineering has been skillfully balanced to guarantee minimal vibrations. In its latest form, it allows a decrease of the displacement to 125cm3 just by replacing cylinder, piston and head. There’s no longer the need to change the crankshaft if you want to change displacement. Two-in-one in no time.

 

TRANSMISSION
A robust 6-speed transmission was designed specifically for the small 2-stroke engine, its gear ratios are perfectly in sync with the 150’s power band. The latest production technologies allow for compact dimensions and minimal weight. An advanced ´No Dirt´gear lever design prevents mud from clogging the folding tip for reliable shifts even in the worst conditions.

 

CARBURETOR
The KTM 150 SX is fitted with a MIKUNI TMX carburetor. This 38mm flat slide carb lives to provide smooth and controllable power all the way up to the rev limitation. With a new intake manifold the carburetor is turned 7° in order to reduce the overflow of fuel. And it’s less sensitive to different altitudes and temperatures, so you can pin it wherever, whenever.

 

EXHAUST SYSTEM
The engineers meticulously tuned the resonator chamber for maximum torque and power, so this screamer is as tough as it is strong.

 

Ignition
All 2-stroke models feature a new CDI control unit with an advanced hardware which improves the starting behavior of the engine. The ignition curves remain unchanged.

 

AGILE ATHLETE

FEATHERWEIGHT
The main target for the KTM engineers when developing the SX models was a massive weight reduction compared to the previous generation. The result: the current SX models are the slimmest, lightest bikes on the track.

 

FRAME
The high-tech, lightweight chrome-moly steel frame has a knack for easy handling, outlandish rideability, precise cornering and excellent stability. You can also count on high torsional rigidity and low longitudinal stiffness. This results in better absorption of the energy created from the front and rear suspension, sucking up jumps and bumps. In short: more comfort and less rider fatigue. Laterally attached, engine head stays (the connection between cylinder head and frame) are now made of lightweight aluminum. They contribute to more precise cornering and a reduced vibration level. The engineers were able to pull off all that, while making their frame 2.2 pounds lighter than that of the lightest competitor on the market. In addition, it is easier to maintain, easier to work on and supplies more space for the tank and other components. The bike also features an extra-light subframe made of aluminum, which tiptoes the scales at less than 2 pounds.

 

FOOTPEGS
Sophisticated ´No Dirt´ footpegs prevent clogging of the footpeg pivot, even when digging in deep ruts. Looking for a higher riding position? Then just mount the footpegs of the 2018 EXC models, which are 6mm higher than the SX versions.

 

AIR FILTER BOX
The airbox design offers maximum protection of the air filter while ensuring maximum airflow. The large twin-air filter is mounted in a stiff cage, which at the same time holds the system in place. This design is so simple you could still pop a fresh one in with a face full of mud. Without tools. In seconds.

 

HANDLEBAR
KTM engineers sure know how to handle handlebars. This tapered unit, made of high-strength aluminum, is fixed in damped rubber mounts and has two different positions. ODI lock-on grips make grip changes easy and do not require any wire or glue to be secured.

 

SWINGARM
The cast aluminum design offers low weight and a perfect flex behavior. The single-component casting process eliminates any inconsistencies and inherent weak points created by welding. It’s better looking as well.

 

FUEL TANK
A lightweight polyethylene tank with a capacity of 1.85 gallons. The fuel tank cap has an inside thread, which makes for easy and reliable closure.

 

WHEELS
Featuring lightweight, CNC machined hubs and high-end Excel rims, they guarantee maximum stability and minimal unsprung weight. The wheels are shod with the latest Dunlop Geomax MX 3S tires.

 

COOLING SYSTEM
KTM’s proven cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to aluminum radiators made by WP. A new filler cap system and are stiffer alloy construction increase the durability and reliability of the cooling system. Due to flow optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated air ventilation, the system is superbly efficient. In addition, well thought-out radiator guards integrated in the front part of the shrouds provide protection in a crash.

 

LOOKS THAT MATTER

BODYWORK
KTM R&D, Kiska Design and the factory racers had their say in shaping the plastics with one goal: complete harmony between rider and bike. Perfect ergonomics and contact points provide maximum comfort in movement on the SX-F. The I-beam structures of the front and rear fenders guarantee maximum stability and a low weight thanks to well thought-out construction and mounting. They also stay cleaner for longer.

 

GRAPHICS
New graphics convey the READY TO RACE character of the 2017 SX model line.

 

ALWAYS ON TOP OF THINGS

SHOCK ABSORBER
The WP shock absorber has been developed with the entire frame and swingarm architecture in mind, including the linkage and the WP AER 48 front fork. It features machined and black anodized components and is a valuable, high-end product compared to roughcast reservoirs. A new, confidence inspiring setting with improved damping characteristics perfectly matches the front-end setup and its striking WP color scheme lets everyone know you have excellent taste in suspension.

 

FORK
The lightweight WP AER 48 front fork, a 48mm USD air-sprung fork developed by WP in close collaboration with KTM, is a split fork with separate functions for each leg. That means damping functions are on the right side, whereas the air spring is in the left. This left leg features a 2-chamber system with a capsuled air cartridge to prevent loss of air pressure. Should the outer seal start to leak, the internal cartridge pressure will keep the bike in position. The air spring is easy to adjust to any rider weight via a single air valve. No special tools are required; the fork air pump is supplied with the bike. The right fork leg integrates a damping cartridge that tailors to all your damping needs. It can be adjusted to the track conditions and the rider’s preferences with a twist of a dial (compression from the top, rebound from the bottom, 30 clicks each). Right off the dealer floor, this fork (with reworked damping characteristics) is more comfortable and more sensitive than ever. But you can still hammer the hell out of it.

 

TRIPLE CLAMP
Top quality, CNC machined triple clamps have been a KTM trademark for years to ensure precise handling. For 2017, the upper triple clamp specifically features a redesign in conjunction with the new fork tubes. The rubber damped handlebar mount has also been reworked and the lower handlebar clamps are now separated, while on the upper side a new bridge-type clamp guarantees more torsional stiffness and can easily be replaced in case it gets twisted due to a crash. In addition, an hour meter is fitted at the upper triple clamp in order to let the rider know it’s time for a service.

 

BRAKES
You can’t brake any harder, better, faster or stronger. These high-tech Brembo babies are combined with lightweight wave discs made by Galfer. For 2017, the rear brake features a 10mm longer brake pedal and you get new, less aggressive brake pads all round. .

 

 

 

 

 

2018 KTM 150 SX – Totalmotorcycle.com North American (USA, Canada) Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in  CDN

 

 

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine

 

Displacement

143.6 cm³

 

Bore

58 mm

 

Stroke

54.5 mm

 

Starter

Kickstarter

 

Transmission

6-speed

 

Primary drive

23:73

 

Secondary gear ratio

13:48

 

Clutch

wet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

 

EMS

Kokusan

 

Chassis

Frame design

25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame

 

Front suspension

WP-USD, AER 48, Ø 48 mm

 

Rear suspension

WP shock absorber with linkage

 

Suspension travel (front)

12.2 inch

 

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 °

 

Seat height

37.8 inch

 

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

192.24 lb.

 

Suspension travel (rear)

11.81 inch

 

Tank capacity (approx.)

1.85 US gal

 

 

 

2018 KTM 150 SX – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £6099 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

 

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine

 

Displacement

124.8 cm³

 

Bore

54 mm

 

Stroke

54.5 mm

 

Starter

Kickstarter

 

Transmission

6-speed

 

Primary drive

23:73

 

Secondary gear ratio

13:50

 

Clutch

wet multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

 

EMS

Kokusan

 

Chassis

Frame design

25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame

 

Front suspension

WP-USD, AER 48, Ø 48 mm

 

Rear suspension

WP shock absorber with linkage

 

Suspension travel (front)

310 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

375 mm

 

Seat height

960 mm

 

Tank capacity (approx.)

7 l

 

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

87.2 kg

 

 

 

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

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