Read our tester’s reviews on the KTM250
Words: Jock Mclauchlan, Ben Wilkins / Photos: Geoff Osborne
If you want the best 125 out there...
KTM’s SX might be for you.
I
n the last issue we tested James Scott’s KTM
250SX-F and we also had the opportunity
to test his 2018 125 SX ‘crosser. This is the
hottest bike in the 125 MX class right now.
KTM’s two-stroke 125 (and Husky’s 125 by
default) is the only ‘stroker that’s as cutting-
edge as its larger MX2 and MX1 stablemates.
I’m not the target market for a 125 but I
do think this is a fantastic machine. It feels
substantially lighter than the 250SX-F and really
not that much slower when ridden well in the more
aggressive power mode of the two available. Of
course, the engine needs to be worked hard to
go fast – it is a 125 after all – but, in fairness, so
does the 250 four-stroke, just to a lesser degree.
For my size the suspension was too soft, but the
action was excellent. Very smooth through the
stroke at both ends and absolutely spike free until
bottoming out. It was also remarkably progressive
given the weight disparities between James and
I – something like 40kg-plus when suited up. This is
the style of suspension action that I personally strive
for... very plush feeling throughout the stroke, yet
progressive and unlikely to bottom. The rest of th e
bike was is ‘normal’ KTM, which means top-drawer
brakes, excellent hydraulic clutch and awesome
ergonomics. There’s also a general high build quality
– there is a reason KTM dirt bikes sell so well.
RIDE - UPLOAD - REVIEW
KIWI RIDER 57