All details: KTM 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F and 450 SX-F (2016)

KTM 250 SX-F 2022 test

First, our pro tester didn't change anything about the KTM 250 SX-F's suspension settings. He said that with the stock settings he felt immediately comfortable. I, on the other hand, wanted a little more stiffness from the shock absorber. We set the compression force a half-turn tighter and the rebound speed two clicks tighter. I still felt like the tail of the KTM 250 SX-F was a little higher than the nose, so we checked the fork air pressure and raised it from 10.3 bar to 10.5 bar. Once the pressure was set to 10.5 the bike felt more balanced and I felt more confident.

Moreover, unlike the fork, I actually noticed the new shock tuning. In the past, the performance of the WP shock was very springy, even firm, but a little dead. On the 2022 bike, the shock absorber is much more active and progressive. I felt like it had more travel, in a good way, and it still wasn't afraid of sharp edges or hard hits on the brake.

With the new settings, the KTM 250 SX-F has become more comfortable to control. The cool thing about this chassis is that the bike has neutral understeer. While the Suzuki and Honda reward those who like to load the front wheel, and the KX likes to add throttle, the KTM can do both. The 250 SX-F doesn't adjust to you, but you can get plenty of front-wheel bite with your weight shifting forward, or you can lean back and turn with the same result. This can please a very wide range of riders and allows you to turn the way you prefer.

KTM 250 SX-F 2020

KTM 250 SX-F 2022 dirt bike

For the 2020 model year, the KTM 250 SX-F fork and shock absorber receive new components and new settings. The front fork features the same pistons we saw on the 2020 KTM 450 SX-F. They allow the fork to rebound faster, which should add smoothness to its performance. The shock absorber also has new settings aimed at obtaining a little more comfort. The only change related to the powertrain is a new airbox cover with additional ventilation holes. And it's all. KTM hasn't even changed the settings for the 250 SX-F's ignition and injection maps.

KTM 250 SX-F 2020

Engine

Our introduction to the 2020 KTM 250 SX-F took place on a race track with large elevation changes and long stretches of deep sand, which had already been slightly broken up during the race day. Since the only change to the new model's powertrain is the side air cleaner housing panel with vents, we didn't expect much of a difference from last year's model. But once we rode the bike, we realized why KTM did it and why almost every racing team does it with their bikes. Surprisingly, the difference was very noticeable. With both Map 1 and Map 2 the bike felt more lively, with a slightly greater sense of torque throughout the rev range. What's more, on Map 2 (which is the "top" map), I felt the 250 SX-F's engine rev a little faster and even further than the 2019 bike. And, if you have a 2022 model, start drilling holes in the air filter housing cover if you haven't already.

New plastic in ventilation KTM 250 SX-F 2020

The general character of the engine is the same as that of all KTM 250 SX-Fs in recent years. It has a smooth, composed character in the lower rev range that comes alive in the midrange and continues to pull all the way to the rev limiter. This motocross bike truly rewards the aggressive rider who likes to keep the throttle wide open - from mid-stroke onwards. We found that in some loose sections of sticky corners it was easy for the high-revving engine to lose thrust, but it was just a matter of adjusting to it.

We had some problems with gear shifting, but the KTM specialists said that our bikes were brand new and that after 5 hours of riding the shifting would improve. We don't doubt it, but we did have to struggle with the clutch to get into the next gear.

KTM 250 SX-F 2020

Suspension and chassis

For 2022, the KTM SX-F lineup features new frames that are more torsionally stiffer. While many riders welcomed the move, I wasn't a huge fan. Personally, I really liked the previous frame, which was very forgiving and I felt comfortable. The current generation frame gives more precise handling, but with the '19 suspension settings I had a hard time getting used to it.

For 2022, the KTM 250 SX-F's suspension settings have been tweaked "to give it a little more comfort," according to KTM. Manufacturer representatives said that last year many riders were quick to blame the new chassis for the bike's poor handling in all the corners they tried (myself included). However, today KTM says that with the new frame and more comfortable suspension settings, the entire chassis should be more balanced and the SX-F should perform better. And it worked.

Design features

Another innovation in the design of this motorcycle is a new frame, thanks to which the weight distribution configuration and handling have changed. The elongated pendulum of the rear suspension unit has become lighter; the front 48 mm fork has remained virtually unchanged. The installed wheels are made of anti-corrosion lightweight alloy.

The remaining structural elements of the KTM-250 remained untouched. This primarily concerns the power unit, which even before restyling was considered the standard of efficiency and reliability in its class. The only requirement for it is timely and correct maintenance, with regular topping up of special oil for two-stroke engines. The air filter housing has undergone minor changes, which has received improved protection against dirt and the ability to pass a larger volume of air through the filter element in a certain unit of time.

KTM-250 EXC: test drive

The tests carried out on the “enduro” in question made it possible to identify its strengths and weaknesses. First, it should be noted that it is necessary to regularly monitor the oil level in gasoline, otherwise you will have to rebuild half the engine. Among other features, the following points are noted:

• Particular attention must be paid to the serviceability of the engine stop key and the throttle cable. The last element has a single structure, which risks biting it in the maximum position. In this case, only a working button will allow you to get out of the situation. Setting up the power unit in terms of jets and needles is available in the manual.
• One of the weak points of the engine is the resonator pipe. It serves to ensure the nature of traction. If it deforms on road elements, traction disappears at low speeds.
• The brakes of the KTM-250 motorcycles are beyond praise. They ensure reliable stopping of the machine. One of the unpleasant moments may be that air gets trapped in the system when the bike turns over, however, this happens extremely rarely.
• With adequate control, the discs and basket are practical and durable, despite the fact that you often have to use the clutch.

Pros and cons of KTM Duke 250

Advantages

• High technology and impressive characteristics , especially by the standards of the class.
• Budget, but convenient and functional dashboard .
• The entire design is well thought out down to the smallest detail, right down to the backlighting of the buttons on the remote controls.
• A spacious 13.4-liter gas tank , and, accordingly, an impressive range, given the fuel consumption of 30-3.5 liters per hundred.
• The fit is comfortable even for those with tall stature and long legs.
• Unification of spare parts with many other models - Duke 125, 200 and 390.
• Slipper clutch and one-finger assist system.

Flaws

• High price . For the price of a new KTM Duke 250 you can buy an excellent and not too old used bike of a higher class.
• A regular lamp instead of an LED one. For ~300 thousand rubles it would be possible to install a better head light.
• Complexity of some service operations . Most of them require a visit to the dealer.
• For two, the KTM Duke 250 is clearly too small , and the dynamics immediately sags noticeably if there is a passenger.

Reviews from KTM Duke 250 owners

It is very wrong to look at the Duke-chekushka as a moped for dummies; this is really a full-fledged motorcycle, smart and daring, like the boys at the entrance. He knows how to ride calmly, but he doesn’t like it. It reacts adequately to a sharp opening of the gas, brakes at 5+, and steers with two fingers. In the city, it’s generally much better than a liter, because it doesn’t weigh anything. Outside the city, of course, there is not enough power, but this is a city mot after all. Sergey, St. Petersburg, KTM Duke 250 '2017.

Overall a good motorcycle, I rode it for a season, sold it, and managed to form an opinion. It’s expensive for a 250cc, but the cheapness is visible in places, the instrumentation, for example, doesn’t have anything, there’s no connection to a smartphone, like on older Dukes, and that headlight is poor. Although these are minor things, of course, no one skimped on the main ones. The motorcycle was picked up new, covered approximately 7,500 km and serviced at the dealer - no comments. Alexander, Moscow, KTM Duke 250 '2017.

I was choosing between the Yamaha MT03 and the Duke, and ultimately chose the latter. I tested both, the Duke feels more fun, and definitely handles better. I've only been driving for two months, then the season has already closed, I'll continue soon. The motik is cool overall. Grigory, Moscow, KTM Duke 250 '2018.

Video Review

Specifications