As always, the KTM is nicely detailed with all the good stuff. To recap: The improvements include a better motor that is easier to ride, improved handling and light feel, and better suspension. The KTM was competitive in '06, and the improvement is huge for '07. And now we know the engine will go the distance. There is a reason so many MX Lites class privateers choose KTM. Orange gives them a chance of a holeshot against the factory bikes and maintenance they can live with.
Opinions
The SX-F is very light and really easy to flick around. This brings up my only negative. You feel every hit on the track even though the suspension is doing a great job on the bumps. There is a bump transmission to the rider that takes a while to get over. Another trait is the two-stepped top-end surge in the motor. I'd say no one is home on the bottom floor, and the middle is occupied. The top story is packed, but so is the roof. You would hardly think there is more past the top-end surge, but it goes a little flat and then surges again where it makes the most power. It feels as if some jetting, or possibly a pipe, could bridge the gap and make it super. Kudos to KTM for getting the sound down. And the brakes on this particular bike, especially the front, were not too strong, which is a good thing.-Jimmy Lewis/5'10"/185 lb/Vet Pro
My biggest complaints with the '06 KTM 250 SX-F were that Jesse hogged it in his garage and it wasn't in mine. I fear that the '07 is mucho atractivo and that it won't end up at my hacienda. Curses, foiled again! The bike still runs super strong but is easier to ride off the bottom. It pulls powerfully from gear to gear, too. When a track has me spooked, this is the bike I want to be on to learn it. -Karel Kramer/6'1"/210 lb/Senior intermediate
I spent over 40 hours in the saddle of the '06 KTM 250 SX-F so I immediately felt the '07 was an improvement. Now the KTM has more down low and a decent mid to get you into the screaming top-end sooner. You still clutch a bike like this, but it's an engagement I'll gladly partake in (especially with a clutch like the new Brembo). The frame, new fork and new shock positioning work well. Still, there's a little KTM "busyness" up front, and the bike sends more bumps to your hands and feet. But ride it for a day and you'll likely forget about all that. Turning seems equal, if not better than last year, and I loved the way the '06 railed. The bottom line on the KTM is this: If you want a bike you can "pipe" and holeshot a National moto, this is more than likely the one.-Jesse Ziegler/5'10"/175 lb/Intermediate
Specifications
MSRP: $6598
Weight (ready to ride, no fuel): 214 lbSeat height: 37.6 in.Seat-to-footpeg distance: 20.5 in.
What's Hot
* This bike is light, and it feels like it on the track.* A powerplant that makes some cool go-power.* Great steering precision.* Adjustable riding position and awesome juice clutch.* It is easy to perform routine maintenance.
What's Not
* Suspension feel could be plusher.* Seat is not well-padded or hiney-compliant.