2009 KTM 250 SX-F - First Test

Modifications We'd Like To Try: Bridgestone 403/404 tires, clutch master cylinder off of the KTM 125.

Opinions
Craig Monty
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 145 lb
Intermediate

What I noticed first was the throttle response; it was crisp and clean with no hesitation. Once I got on the track the KTM's handling immediately stood out. The bike works awesome going into corners. I was able to charge in and rail the outside or dive into the inside rut at will.

I also really liked the fork. It was plush on top yet stiff through the mid-stroke. I had the bike pretty low (113mm). This setup worked perfectly for me. For slower riders, this bike could still be a little stiff, but the faster you go, the better it works.

I can't talk about this bike without giving it up to the controls. Nothing compares to the hydro clutch, and the front brake is a little less aggressive for '09 yet is still pretty strong.

Overall, I was very impressed; the KTM 250F is going to be a contender for '09.

Pete Peterson
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 160 lb
Vet Novice

I rode this bike at two tracks, and it felt great at both. The steering is precise and somehow gets great traction (even with the stock soft-dirt tires on hardpack) while still feeling light and nimble. The throttle response really makes things click because you can rely on the engine's immediate response to balance through rutted corners. Last year's bike's suspension hurt my hands with its harsh feeling on braking bumps. The '09 is plush and calm. It got a busy feeling at one of the tracks, but I think that was a case of running it without enough sag. I put it to 110mm on my second track day and the bike felt nimble in the turns and calm on the straights. The bike doesn't try to stand up when you rev it, so it still goes exactly where you want, even coming out of corners aggressively on the gas. I can't wait to ride this bike at more tracks, especially soft-dirt tracks, to see if it continues to stand out.

Chris Denison
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 155 lb
Intermediate

The '09 250 SX-F kicks off with good response and a solid hit of power, just as it did in 2008. And once again, you can still rely on the engine to serve a hearty dose of usable, consistent midrange meat. The 250 SX-F can pretty much be ridden a gear high if you keep your momentum up, as the motor will hit a wall if you let the revs build too much. I found the stock jetting to be as solid as ever, with only a minor hesitation (borderline bog) when whacking the throttle at high speeds (such as on a hard landing in a fast section). Overall, though, the engine is dialed. I liked the cornering and handling character of the KTM, though my biggest complaint would be a slightly busy feel in the steering at faster speeds, as well as an all-around stiff character with the clickers at stock settings; I found that two clicks softer on each end didn't hurt.