You could race the 250 SX-F at
national level... or do a trail ride
at national level very comfortably and yet it
wouldn’t be too much machine for a trail ride.
BRAKES
The 2019 SX-F has the Brembo calipers and
Galfer discs, just like the previous model.
They’re top-quality brakes that don’t fade
with heat, so are good for racing.
ERGONOMICS
The shape of the ‘19 machine has changed
a little compared to the previous model.
The plastics are more defined but I feel the
radiator shrouds are too small and my legs
sometimes get hooked over the top of them.
The frame has been stiffened up, which I
find has somehow made it feel shorter and
taller. The seat and handle bar height is just
right, and I find the pegs to not be too high.
These things all help with the riding position,
making it comfortable and quite natural.
The transition from standing to sitting is
easy too. Personally, I prefer to have slightly
higher bars than stock, which seems to help
with keeping the rear wheel on the ground
through rollers and bumps.
OVERALL
The 2019 SX-F has been given some solid
improvements over the previous model.
The engine is faster with a lot of power
through rev-range, the suspension can easily
be tweaked to suit a wide range of riders
(particularly the forks), and the new looks are
pretty sweet. This is a bike that’s definitely
competitive straight out of the crate.
KIWI RIDER 63