Shop Motorcycle Gear,
Parts and Apparel.

2011 KTM 250 SX-F Comparison Photo Gallery

Austrian engineers have obviously been planning this bike for a while as it sees major changes on all fronts: engine, chassis, suspension and bodywork.

The 2011 KTM 250 SX-F takes on the Japanese competition in teh 2011 250 Motcross Shootout. Read the full details in the 2011 KTM 250 SX-F Comparison article.

The SX-F gets a Keihin fuel injection system like the 350 which has temperature and altitude compensation along with cold-start enrichment.

Even though our testers were heavier on average than the target 250F rider, KTM has their smallest SX-F set up closer than the larger machines.

A reading of 92 decibels from the muffler keeps things easily under the AMA limit.

Trading jets for injector was a popular move with our testers but there is more to the new engine.

KTM’s torque dominated on the dyno with the highest peak output of 20 lb-ft and a curve that overtakes all the others at 5000 rpm.

During acceleration testing the SX-F struggled despite its impressive power. We attribute this to gearing and wheelspin.

A six-speed transmission has very close ratios and requires a bit more shifting.

KTM reworked the cylinder head with dual-overhead cams and DLC-coated finger followers that are said to increase flow by 10% at the intake port.

PDS suspension has been a major point of contention between believers and nonbelievers.

There were several complaints about the new shock kicking over rough terrain.

In terms of handling, the KTM falls behind the Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki which were all heavily praised for their on-track behavior.

Overall horsepower is third highest, but the 250 peaks at 10,600 rpm while the others need to keep climbing to find their limits.

Kyle Lewis (pictured) posted the fastest lap of the test on the KTM, despite having some issues with the handling.

KTM always leads the way with extra tidbits of racing goodness like Renthal grips and the hydraulic clutch, but it gets even more race-ready for 2011 with upgraded wheels.

Some riders like the way the KTM frame flexes, but our speedy old-timer, Lewis, though the only non-aluminum chassis in the test was too soft, and holds back its handling.

There isn’t anyone in our test who doesn’t think the KTM has a fast engine.

All new bodywork graces the 250 SX-F.

It’s the best KTM 250 we’ve tested.

EFI adds smoothness, immediate response and the KTM sacrifices only a few pounds in the transition.

The WP suspension is better than last year, but still not the best overall package.

With all the new technology, KTM boosted the price to $7699.