I
have been looking forward to riding the
2018 KTM 250 SX-F for a while now, and my
chance came at Leighton’s Farm as part of
this test for Kiwi Rider. I have several good
mates who are riding different versions of this
bike, so I was excited to throw a leg over the
2018 250SX-F – the bike has sleek lines with good
contrast between the white and orange plastics.
The first thing I noticed, even just sitting on the
bike, is how light the throttle is, I can’t compare
it to any other model years as I have not ridden
any before, but I was certainly very impressed
by it. A huge bonus on this 250 is the electric
start, which makes a rider’s life a lot easier
and means that energy can be used on the
track – rather than kicking it over if it stalls.
Through the paddock grape vine I had heard the
250SX-F has a very aggressive power, but, after
my time riding the bike, I would say the complete
opposite. It makes large amounts of power
straight off the bottom end and right through
the whole rev range, which makes it easy to ride.
This bike has the usual KTM goodies in the
form of the Brembo brakes, hydraulic clutch, WP
suspension with a linkage etc. I have to say, I was
very impressed with the WP air forks, they tracked
superbly into corners and handled very well in the
sand even though they were completely stock.
The WP linkage suspension was exceptional in the
sand and never once missed a beat. I was certainly
very impressed with how the bike handled both
in the corners and on the rest of the track.
I think 2018 KTM 250SX-F is an outstanding bike
with a really usable power delivery, which could
be used for both racing and trail riding. It’s an
awesome bike which could be used for many
different codes of racing – it could be ridden by a
trail rider or an experienced racer, it’s that versatile.
~ WILLIAM EYRE
It’s an awesome bike which
could be used for many
different codes of racing