Finest Motocross Bike 2nd Place—2023 KTM 250 SX-F


After successful Filth Rider’s 250F Motocross Shootout twice (2019 and 2020) and ending runner-up in one other two (2021 and 2022) with its prior-generation mannequin, one would possibly assume KTM would proceed refining that bike. However the Austrian producer isn’t one to settle and be content material, so its 2023 motocross vary was given an entire overhaul. Though the revamp didn’t catapult the 250 SX-F again to the highest spot, the orange machine retains a runner-up place amongst a stacked subject of rivals—not a straightforward feat to perform within the first yr of an all-new platform.

“I enjoy riding the KTM and feel like it could be a good racebike. It’s close in stock trim, but the fork can be unpredictable at times, and the shock compresses about halfway and seems to hit a shelf and stop.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“I get pleasure from driving the KTM and really feel prefer it may very well be racebike. It’s shut in inventory trim, however the fork will be unpredictable at instances, and the shock compresses about midway and appears to hit a shelf and cease.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 KTM 250 SX-F Engine

Spinning the drum on our in-house dyno, the orange steed makes 41.5 hp and 19.5 lb.-ft. of torque, inserting it second in peak horsepower and first in most torque. Midrange is healthier than ever, however at the price of some over-rev. Nonetheless, the KTM stays a category chief in top-end energy, as evidenced by its spectacular dyno numbers. Backside-end is common and there’s nonetheless some engine vibration felt within the handlebar and footpegs. The Brembo hydraulic clutch on the KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas works flawlessly, and is better of the bunch.

Associated: 2023 KTM 350 SX-F First Experience Evaluate

Fully overhauled for 2023, KTM’s 250 SX-F features a more compact engine, updated WP Xact 48mm air fork, shorter shock, more rigid frame, new bodywork, and the addition of a quickshifter (QS).

Absolutely overhauled for 2023, KTM’s 250 SX-F contains a extra compact engine, up to date WP Xact 48mm air fork, shorter shock, extra inflexible body, new bodywork, and the addition of a quickshifter (QS). (Jeff Allen/)

2023 KTM 250 SX-F Suspension

A contest-focused setup of its WP Xact 48mm air fork and WP Xact shock give the KTM the most effective suspension packages within the class. It’s the firmest setting of the Austrian trio, and provides extra consolation than the Honda’s and Kawasaki’s suspension, however isn’t as plush because the Yamaha’s.

KTM being a top performer on the <i>Dirt Rider</i> dyno is nothing new. This year, it’s runner-up in peak horsepower and spins the most maximum torque.

KTM being a prime performer on the <i>Filth Rider</i> dyno is nothing new. This yr, it’s runner-up in peak horsepower and spins probably the most most torque. (Robert Martin/)

Riders can assault the monitor with confidence figuring out the WP elements will maintain up, however the fork rides excessive within the stroke and goes via it too shortly at instances. Just like the Husqvarna, its fork hydrostop is simply too efficient at stopping bottoming and limits the quantity of usable journey. The shock doesn’t compress as a lot beneath acceleration in comparison with the prior-generation mannequin, and the flexibility to regulate its damping by hand is yet one more trade first from KTM.

Associated: WP Xact Professional 6500 Cartridge Suspension Package Evaluate

“The 250 SX-F is snappy off the bottom when riding around, but not as much so on the track. Its QS feature is cool and comes in handy when blasting up Glen Helen’s long start straightaway.” <i>—Ty Cullins</i>

“The 250 SX-F is snappy off the underside when driving round, however not as a lot so on the monitor. Its QS characteristic is cool and turns out to be useful when blasting up Glen Helen’s lengthy begin straightaway.” <i>—Ty Cullins</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 KTM 250 SX-F Chassis/Dealing with

Hitting the Filth Rider scales at 237 kilos moist, the orange bike weighs 5 kilos greater than it did final yr and is now second-heaviest within the class. Stability has improved on this new-generation mannequin whereas retaining ample cornering capacity, however there’s much less entrance finish traction than earlier than.

“KTM’s stiffer suspension setup than the other Austrian machines works better for me. It’s the only bike I made zero clicker adjustments to all day at the renowned Glen Helen Raceway, and felt extremely comfortable on.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“KTM’s stiffer suspension setup than the opposite Austrian machines works higher for me. It’s the one bike I made zero clicker changes to all day on the famend Glen Helen Raceway, and felt extraordinarily comfy on.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Ergonomics are glorious with a slim midsection, well-proportioned rider triangle, and cozy seat. Brembo continues to set the benchmark for grime bike brakes, that are normal tools on the three Austrian machines.

Associated: 2023 KTM 300 SX First Experience Evaluate

With a 5-pound weight increase over last year’s model, the orange Austrian is now second-heaviest in the class at 237 pounds wet on our automotive scales.

With a 5-pound weight improve over final yr’s mannequin, the orange Austrian is now second-heaviest within the class at 237 kilos moist on our automotive scales. (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 KTM 250 SX-F Ought to Have Gained

It makes probably the most peak torque and like its Austrian stablemates, boasts a snug cockpit, glorious Brembo hydraulic clutch, robust Brembo brakes, and doesn’t require instruments to entry and alter the air filter. A sophisticated electronics suite with two engine maps, traction management, launch management, and QS, and suspension that may be adjusted by hand sweetens the deal that rather more.

“I like the KTM’s new chassis and ergonomics. It doesn’t feel lighter than the previous-generation model, but I think that’s more due to the engine characteristics than the actual weight of the bike.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“I just like the KTM’s new chassis and ergonomics. It doesn’t really feel lighter than the previous-generation mannequin, however I feel that’s extra because of the engine traits than the precise weight of the bike.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 KTM 250 SX-F Didn’t Win

Extra low-end energy, extra constant fork motion, and a plusher suspension really feel are what the KTM must win this comparability sooner or later.

“The 250 SX-F is a strong overall package. A little more low-end power would perfect it for me.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“The 250 SX-F is a robust general package deal. Slightly extra low-end energy would good it for me.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Alpinestars Supertech M8

Goggle: Spy Basis

Jersey: Thor MX Prime

Gloves: Thor MX Draft

Pants: Thor MX Prime

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 10

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 KTM 250 SX-F Specs

MSRP: $9,999
Engine: DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement: 250cc
Bore x Stroke: 81.0 x 48.5mm
Compression Ratio: 14.5:1
Transmission/Closing Drive: 5-speed/chain
Filth Rider Measured Horsepower: 41.5 hp @ 12,900 rpm
Filth Rider Measured Torque: 19.5 lb.-ft. @ 8,900 rpm
Gas System: EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch: Moist, multiplate Diaphragm Metal (DS); hydraulic actuation
Body: Central double-cradle chromoly metal
Entrance Suspension: WP Xact 48mm fork, air strain, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. journey
Rear Suspension: WP Xact shock, spring preload, high-/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. journey
Entrance Brake: Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear: Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Path: 26.1°/NA
Wheelbase: 58.7 in.
Floor Clearance: 13.5 in.
Filth Rider Measured Seat Peak: 37.5 in.
Gas Capability: 1.9 gal.
Filth Rider Measured Moist Weight: 237 lb.
Availability: Now
Contact: ktm.com