Words: Ryan Marmont

KTM has delivered once again with the all-new 2016 250 SX-F, which we at MotoOnline.com.au were fortunate enough to sample prior to release at the US media launch last week, held at Ironman Raceway in Indiana.

Now this is a bike I have been looking forward to tearing around the track on, to see what this championship-winning bike was capable of. After the success that Marvin Musquin delivered it during the 2015 AMA Supercross series, not only does the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F have a lot of hype, there’s a significant expectation on its performance in production trim.

And after riding its brand new MX2 contender at the press intro, KTM engineers can certainly hold their heads up high. KTM is a brand that I am quite familiar with, especially the 250 SX-F, as I have ridden the model right from its beginning and it’s quite incredible to see how far it has developed.

The more attention you pay to the 2016 KTMs, the more things you pick up on right down to the finer details such as the addition of a lithium battery and also the ODI lock-on grips. The grips in particular weren’t something I was sure if I’d like or not, but they were great.

Image: Simon Cudby.

In my mind I was picturing them to be quite bulky and thick, which wasn’t the case. They are comfortable and are a great feature; they don’t turn on the handlebar and once they are worn out the replacement is simple – just undo the screw and off they come (no more tedious glue to scrape off).

We also see a different brand of handlebar in 2016 in Neken replacing Renthal, which is a quality, comfy handlebar that feels great on the KTM. With a new rubber-mounted design added to the top triple clamp, you still have room for adjustment with the placement of the handlebars, and the mounts can be turned 180 degrees just to give the rider that little bit more adjustment.

A major aspect that KTM has focused on in 2016 is stripping weight from the range and this year they have done just that. Weighing in at just 99.9kg, that’s a saving of 2.3kg, resulting in an improved power to weight ratio and also an improvement in handling.

I felt the benefits and refinements on the track instantly. The engine has great bottom-end power, which is something that the previous model struggled with, and it allows the bike to get out of the turns a lot better and for you to keep the momentum on track.

Image: Simon Cudby.

The weight distribution between the front and rear wheels is spot on. The bike feels well-balanced on the jumps and throughout the turns, achieved by compacting the motor and moving it to a more centralised position within the chassis. Just in the engine alone is a weight saving of 1.1kg.

As does the 450, the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F features a launch control setting. It reduces the maximum RPM during the start and is activated by the same switch used for changing between maps. At idle speed the rider switches form one map to the other, which engages the launch control and then the rider can hold the throttle wide-open.

Once the clutch is let out the bike returns to normal operation, enabling you to jump out of the gates with consistency and I really like the way it works. Launch control may not be beneficial to every condition, but now there is a option if you are struggling for a holeshot.

The suspension package on the latest 250 SX-F is still the WP 4CS fork, however it has a revised setting and lighter spring rate, now with 4.2Nm springs fit as standard. This is a major difference to the European models, which feature the new air fork that the US or Australian markets won’t receive.

Image: Simon Cudby.

Surprisingly to me, despite the softer springs the fork holds up great. The Ironman Raceway track has some big jumps and the revised settings held up to the test. The best part about the fork is the easy adjustment on the top of the fork caps (no need for tools), so you just turn the adjusters with your fingers and you’re good to go.

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F we reviewed features a new generation shock that has been made in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm. It has a new design shock clevis, which contributes to a 12mm shorter shock length, while the linkage system has been lengthened.

The linkage provides for 10mm more travel (even with a 12mm shorter shock) and this also allows to the shock to have a 45Nm spring, apposed to a 54Nm in the previous model. It helps to reduce forces and hydraulic lock on the shock for cooler operating temps, which allows the bike to be very stable when riding on track.

Overall KTM has built another very capable 250 SX-F, improving upon its success in the past and no doubt providing a strong platform for racers to compete with both at a professional or club level.

Image: Simon Cudby.

Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au for further information on the range to be announced by KTM Australia, including an official release date and local pricing for the 2016 KTM models.

For an insight and initial test on the entire 2016 KTM SX-F and SX range available at the launch while we continue to work on the standalone bike reviews, follow this link on MotoOnline.

A full Gallery from the launch at Ironman Raceway featuring Simon Cudby’s photography can be found now on MotoOnline by visiting this link.

And if you’re in search for complete technical information on the range, click this link for our ‘Bike’ feature on MotoOnline from when the bikes were first unveiled.