KTM 250 SX
By TMX Archives on 2nd Jul 08
it is perhaps a sign of the times - KTMs sales ratio is 60/ 40 in favour of four-strokes - and maybe the fact also that the bike has never really captured the publics imagination, that the 250 SX remains the only bike on the KTM roster unchanged for 2009 in the engine department.
Yes it gets the new suspension mods but it is essentially and unchanged bike for 2009, but that is not to say the bike does not have a place in the market or not worthy of consideration. It is a good 250cc machine, and horse power fans will love the bike.
During the early years of its development the 250 SX developed somewhat of a reputation as a bit of an animal with a wild hit of mid-range power that make it real handful to even the best 250cc runners, but KTM made considerable effort to smooth off the bike in recent seasons and the effort has worked to the extent that the 250 SX is now a very competitive and rideable 250cc machine.
The power is still there in abundance, especially when you get it wound up, but despite the strength of the power there is linear transition from the low to mid-range which drives the bike forward rather than spinning up and creating problems. Get used to the sheer power of the bike, or any 250 really, and it becomes a very rewarding ride though, particularly as it feels so light and nimble in turns and in the air at a sprightly 98 kilos.
The handling has been improved significantly on the front-end of the 250 SX, however, thanks to the new front suspension. Previous incarnations were always a little oversprung, which when combined with the fiery power made for a very light front-end that chopped around without much asking, but the softer settings and improved action afforded to all the bike have paid dividends for the '09 250 SX and the whole bike feels considerably more stable and planted at speed and in turns. Result.
Specification:
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled single cylinder, 2-stroke
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x Stroke: 66.4/ 72mm
Carburettor: Keihin PWK 36 S AG
Starter: Kickstarter
Gearbox: Five-speed
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Lubrication: Mixture oil lubrication 1:40
Primary Drive: 26:76
Final Drive: 13:48
Ignition: Kokusan
CHASSIS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4
Subframe: Aluminium
Handlebar: Renthal, Aluminium 28/ 22mm
SUSPENSION
Front: WP-USD 48mm
Rear: WP-PDS shock absorber
Travel Front/ Rear: 300/ 335mm
BRAKES
Front/ Rear: Disc brake 260/ 220mm
WHEELS
Front/ Rear: Excel 1.60 x 21"; 2.15 x 19"
DIMENSIONS
Steering Head Angle: 63.5°
Wheelbase: 1,475mm
Ground Clearance: 385mm
Seat Height: 985mm
Fuel Capacity: 8 litres
Weight (without fuel): 95.4kg
