250 SML Shootout In-Depth | 2021 KTM 250 SX-F

 
FIFTH PLACE

KTM 250 SX-F

RIDER SCORES: 5-2-4-5-5-5

The KTM 250 SX-F returns in 2021 largely unchanged from last year, and although every tester liked the orange machine; when it came time to rank the bikes in order of preference only one of them chose it higher than fourth. (Rene Garcia chose it second, but he also races a KTM) With a powerband that is best geared towards aggressive pros and intermediates who can really keep the engine singing, the SX-F also has a surprisingly slow-revving feel that makes it build power in a less-than-exciting manner.

Is fifth in our shootout the death blow for the little orange machine? Of course not! The KTM 250 SX-F is more than capable of winning at all levels as it offers plenty of performance in every category and has plenty more to offer with a few well-placed modifications. The KTM corners on a dime, has amazing brakes, boasts on-the-fly mapping and traction control adjustability and options, and produces a lot of power. Most of that power is located in the upper portions of the powerband, mind you, but coaxing more out of the machine in other areas is as easy as installing an aftermarket exhaust or remapping the ignition.

What would we wish for in 2022? Though the WP Xact is a great air fork, we’d like to see KTM (and Husky and Gas Gas) incorporate WP’s excellent Cone Valve mechanical spring fork into production. A freer-revving ignition map like it had in 2017 would allow the bike to have better “snap” and throttle response, and it would give the bike a lighter feel on the track, too. Speaking of weight, the KTM and Husky are still the lightest bikes in the class, however, their engine characters give the Austrian machines a heavier-feeling sensation on the track. A switch to the same Pro Taper handlebars that come on the Husqvarna would also help in the rider comfort department, as the Neken bars on the KTM are both more rigid and transfer more track feedback and engine vibration to the rider’s hands.

The KTM 250 SX-F is a proven winner and will certainly continue to enjoy great sales and results around the world. It just wasn’t our favorite.

Test rider Pat Foster.

RIDER COMMENTS

“The KTM power feels measures and linear off the bottom, hearty, yet somewhat lethargic. Once it hits the mid-range the power pulls hard and never seems to stop.” – Pat Foster

“The KTM is confidence-inspiring in its predictability as it never does anything unexpected. It is not the most stable or the best cornering, but it is really great at both.” – Pat Foster

“The bike is not as supple as a Yamaha, but the range of adjustability and fine-tuning available to riders by the air fork has its benefits. The new mid-valve offers a plush feel. but substantial progression into the stroke,” – Pat Foster

“I hate the handlebars. Terrible bend and a harsh feel.” – Pat Foster

“The bike has nice throttle response and pulls strongly in the middle to top. I prefer map 2 because it is more aggressive.” – Rene Garcia

“The WP air fork actually surprised me as it works very well and has unlimited adjustability. I do prefer the KYB conversion spring kit that I have in my personal bike, though.” – Rene Garcia

“KTM’s handling is great. The bike has a light feel and is very flickable. It corners very well and it is stable, too. I have no complaints at all.” – Rene Garcia

“In map 1 the power levels off on top but switching to map 2 fixes that. I prefer the map 2 setting for sure.” – Cole King

“Of the two European bikes the KTM feels the best. The ‘Race Ready’ motto certainly rings true. The stiffer suspension makes me feel far more confident.” – Cole King

“The KTM’s strong point is its cornering abilities. I feel like I can put the bike anywhere and lean it into corners and ruts without it wanting to stand up on me.” – Cole King

“Oddly enough, though the KTM is very slim, it has a wide feel between my legs when I sit forward in corners. It doesn’t affect the bike’s ability to corner well, it’s just annoying enough to make mention of.” – Donn Maeda

“The KTM engine has a high-friction feeling and revs slowly due to the ignition mapping. Although we had the vented airbox over on, I felt like the engine was choked up down low as throttle response was sluggish.” – Donn Maeda

“I enjoy the forgiving feel of the steel chassis as it is more comfortable than aluminum when the track gets choppy and rough.” – Donn Maeda

“The KTM has a solid amount of power, but the bike has an inconsistent feel that I find hard to enjoy.” – Austin Schott

“I don’t feel balanced or in control while riding the KTM, but the bike is very comfortable.” – Austin Schott

“The KTM makes plenty of power but the character is very boring and leaves me wanting more. The gearing is too low and I found myself in between gears a lot. Furthermore, I found that the bike was really tough to shift with a notchy transmission feel.” – Mike Sleeter

“The front end was a little high and the shock felt dead. The overall comfort of the bike would be better and I lacked confidence in the air fork’s bottoming control.” – Mike Sleeter

“The entire KTM 250 SX-F package leaves me wanting more. The bike doesn’t do anything terrible, but it also doesn’t do anything phenomenally.” – Mike Sleeter