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Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
The styling looks better in person (the long pointy radiator shrouds and bright orange seat). The ergos are thin and seem a little more roomy compared to my '21 KTM 350XCF. The handlebars are low rise yet felt good for me (I am 6'2" tall). The seat is super grippy and the foam felt comfortable though the single mounting bolt at the front of the seat sticks out more than I expected. I really like the new foot pegs: wide and feel very supportive (mostly more peg near the frame/pivot point). The wires behind the front number plate are better secured and organized. The hour meter also functions as the EFI error light and makes for cleaner appearance. The compact/combined E-start and Kill switch and the new compact/combined EFI Map/TC/Quick Shift switch are both cool/modern looking and clean up the bar space. Wish it came with Akrapovic slip on muffler (to quiet it down) and the my KTM connectivity unit for engine mapping changes.
The all new engine feels strong and finally has quicker turnover from low to mid and builds RPM's quickly. The initial engine response at low RPM is a little better/stronger feeling compared to the current engine but the mid range is noticeably stronger and more lively (much more fun). It is a KTM 250F so you still need to turn the throttle a lot even with the optional quicker turn black throttle cam which comes on the bike from the factory. The power is smooth and strong and finds traction (not sure 250F's need traction control but it is nice to have for dialing back the engine for slippery conditions). The quick shifter is not as smooth (takes more effort at the shift lever) compared to the quick shifters on street bikes I’ve ridden but it does work and makes for quick full throttle clutchless shifts. The muffler seems a little louder than last year but still not Yamaha YZ250F level loud. The new KTM 250SXF engine has a broader more full torque feel with a very lively mid range that feels stronger than the CRF and YZ and still feels like it will pull harder up to to fuel cut (did not try that yet on this brand new engine). This is the quickest turn over and most fun KTM 250SXF I have ridden to date.
KTM 350's have been my favorite combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike. This all new KTM 250SXF Factory Edition might give my 350 a run for the money (also makes me think how good the all new ’23 KTM 350 will be and hopefully KTM offers the 350XCF Factory Edition again). I hope to get this bike onto a moto track and into the woods soon. I have a myKTM connectivity unit I want to try on this bike and play with engine mapping (hope it works!).
So many changes yet still has that same KTM character.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ2LoDDmCr0
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There is nothing really so advanced on this new bike that justifies paying $15,000.00 for.
I had a chance to ride one of the new 450 Factory Editions yesterday at Glen Helen for a 15 minute moto back to back with my modified 2022 KTM 450SXF,
The race sag, spring rate and clickers were not set up for me, but at first impression it handles and feels just like a bone stock fresh current model KTM 450, maybe a little more power on the bottom, but nothing substantial.
Unless you really want to be the first one a the track with the new FE model, I would wait in until the production models come out in July and save some serious money.
Mine showed up at the dealership today!
$10,599
Pit Row
Engine finally has quicker turnover though still not YZ250F or even CRF250R level but close enough considering the tall stock 14/51 gearing on the KTM 250 Factory Edition (CRF and YZF are geared lower). Mid range power is noticeably better than the previous 250SXF engine with a more responsive and lively feel and it still feels like it will rev out and pull strong to peak RPM (engine is too new to check). I prefer Map 1 with a longer and more linear pull over the quicker response but flatter up top feel of Map 2. The quick shifter is cool but seems to take a lot of effort at the lever to shift. I need more ride time using the QS to really understand the value but nice for KTM to have the feature.
The AER forks feel similar (basically the same) as my 21.5 450 Factory Edition forks. There is a little more comfort on slap down landings but not sure if that is a fork setting or the new chassis. AER forks respond well to clicker and air pressure changes so can be set up for a wide variety of rider skills and weights and track/trail conditions. I have used the myKTM app to find some off road settings that work well and these settings work well for my slow Vet pace on moto tracks too. I like the light feel at the handle bars of AER forks. The all new rear shock feels well damped yet not harsh. The rear of the bike has more comfort which may be a combination of new shock/composite upper subframe/excellent seat foam/smaller rear axle and possibly the all new frame and the way the rear shock mounts. Overall the chassis felt planted in the choppy track conditions today. The new radiator shrouds/side panels/ergos feel near Honda perfect. The new foot pegs are excellent with a very supportive grip. Brembo brakes with the Motomaster front floating rotor are strong and clutch pull effort is light.
In motion the KTM 250 Factory Edition does not “feel” as lightweight as the '22 CRF250R but is close and less busy (up front) with a more planted overall feel. The '22 YZ250F still sets the suspension bar but ergos are a not as good as the KTM and feels heavier in motion. Biggest changes on 250FE are mid range power, more comfort from the rear, and great ergos. Hope to do a back to back ride with my '21 350XCF Kailub Russell and '22 250FE soon. Here is my first ride video and a few pictures....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUrP6v5oHNw
I picked up the 250SXF FE this week and was able to take it out to the track (Woodland MX) for a breakin ride day. I'm coming off the 21 KTM 250SX, Vet (30+) C class rider 170-175lbs and this was my first four stroke. I've had some time on a 21 YZ 250F, 21' KX 250 and 22 Honda CRF250R but not extensive time to maybe do a full proper breakdown... first quick initial impressions (given I wasn't riding the bike too hard today) was somewhat similar to MXEngineers impressions but I'll say this...
I felt the bottom end of the bike was good, it certainly kicked hard for me and I didn't think it was any slouch or weaker/much weaker than the YZ 250F I felt... (I will get the Honda/Yamaha/Kawi 250s with my friends all out together here soon and we will swap and compare to get a same day more accurate feel). For today I stayed in Map 1 and didn't mess with any quick shifter or other things to start. Power was smoooooth and just pulled with a strong mid and kept going (I didn't pin it as I'm breaking the motor in still but it didn't sign off). Can lug this bike in 3rd gear the entire track if you want or go into 2nd on a tight deep corner and shift up, the powerband was broad and useable.
Suspension was a bit stiff up front on the forks for me, but also will need 5hrs for breakin to soften up, (155psi to start) coming from the 21 KTM 250SX that had factory connection revalve my 21 AER forks and luxon bar mount/pro taper bars. However, I did not mess with any suspension clickers/adjustments today, left it bone stock (standard settings with all stock hardware). With that said, the rear of the bike felt very good and planted... it reminded me a lot of the Yamaha I rode and the stability was great. The ergos are great, very Honda like and able to turn and corner with ease as well as stay planted through the turns. Checked sag at 108 to start and brought it up to 105 after first ride.
Foot pegs! Oh my was this amazing... you don't realize it until you try them but the contact points on the bike from the pegs up through the shrouds was much appreciated! The pegs let you lock the ankles into the frame and really squeeze the bike while standing through corners. Really like this change!
Those are the quick notes for now... will throw my pro taper bars on and begin tuning the forks and playing with compression to see where the happy spot is.
Better yet, have you found anywhere that has the parts fiche besides KTM's website to actually order/get spare parts? Trying to get some air filters/airbox cover etc.
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