Dirt Bikes

2025 KTM 250 SX-F Technical Overview

Features and specifications of KTM’s standard-model 250F motocross bike.

Updated: November 9, 2024

The pursuit of excellence is a never ending one, and that’s exemplified well in the 250cc four-stroke motocross bike category. Manufacturers are always searching for more power from their respective small-bore thumpers, and looking to match that high output with suspension settings that walk a fine line between plushness and performance and a chassis that provides both turning capability and straight-line stability.

Comfort is important in a chassis as well, and that’s what KTM went after more of in 2025 across its entire SX, SX-F, XC, and XC-F lineups. What did the Ready to Race brand alter to achieve this objective? We pointed our cameras at the 2025 KTM 250 SX-F during our 250F Motocross Bike Comparison Test to help our audience get a better idea. Read on to learn more about what’s new on the 250 SX-F and other models in KTM’s full-size standard-model motocross bike range.

Austria’s most popular 250cc four-stroke motocross bike, the KTM 250 SX-F enjoys a mid-generation makeover in 2025.Jeff Allen

Although technically not the highest performer on the dyno this year (that honor belongs to Husqvarna’s FC 250), the Ready to Race brand’s fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 250cc single-cylinder mill remains one of the best in class, especially at high rpm.Jeff Allen

The 250 SX-F is good for 40.2 hp and 18.6 lb.-ft. of torque on Dirt Rider’s dyno in 2025.Jeff Allen

It’s nice to have options, and KTM offers plenty in the electronics department with two engine maps, traction control, launch control, and quickshifter.Jeff Allen

Behold, the best clutch you’ll find on a dirt bike: Brembo hydraulic. The FC 250 is spec’d with this high-quality component as well.Jeff Allen

KTM took feedback from riders who voiced opinions that its 2023–2024 motocross and cross-country model chassis was too rigid, and reworked its double-cradle chromoly steel frame with cutouts in the shock tower and engine mounts to allow for more flex.Jeff Allen

KTM also made an effort to address chain slider life, and sought to improve it via small revisions to the front of the swingarm.Jeff Allen

Front suspension duties are tasked to a WP Xact AER 48mm closed-cartridge fork, which is held in place by CNC-machined triple clamps.Jeff Allen

WP’s Xact shock is connected to revised linkage with new seals and smaller-diameter bolts.Jeff Allen

First seen on the 250 SX-F Factory Edition and 450 SX-F Factory Edition last year, KTM’s entire full-size SX and SX-F range has been upgraded to Dunlop’s latest and greatest soft-to-intermediate-terrain motocross tire, the Geomax MX34.Jeff Allen

The 250 SX-F is one of three machines in its segment to use Brembo brakes, the others being Husqvarna’s FC 250 and Triumph’s TF 250-X.Jeff Allen

Radiator shrouds are pointy as ever and have a little bit of red added into the in-mold graphics, a departure from purple accents used in 2023 and 2024.Jeff Allen

Rolling onto our automotive scales at 236 pounds wet, the 2025 KTM 250 SX-F weighs 1 pound less than it did in 2023 and 2024.Jeff Allen

2025 KTM 250 SX-F Specs

MSRP:	$10,399
Engine:	DOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	250cc
Bore x Stroke:	81.0 x 48.5mm
Compression Ratio:	14.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	40.2 hp @ 13,000 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	18.6 lb.-ft. @ 9,600 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate Diaphragm Steel (DS); hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Central double-cradle chromoly steel
Front Suspension:	WP Xact AER 48mm fork, air pressure, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Xact shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop Geomax MX34; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Trail:	26.1°/NA
Wheelbase:	58.8 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.5 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.9 in.
Fuel Capacity:	1.9 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	236 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	ktm.com