KIWI RIDER MARCH 2018 VOL.2 | Page 56

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