News from Austria
There is no doubt that after dominating the 125 class especially power wise KTM wants to keep the top position in the 250F class too. The Austrians were the last of the big five MX manufacturers to enter that class with a production bike in 2006 and the 2007 model already got a massive overwork.
We tested the orange-black beauty at several tracks to find out what KTM has to offer for the very competitive MX2 class.
 German GP-Rider Marcus Schiffer (GER, KTM)
Photo by: Jörg Domanowski / realmx.comSee what we think …
Tech
For the looks KTM added some nice features to the 2007 model lineup. All new plastics with a very unique side plate design, a black frame and black rims are making the SX-F 250 design outstanding.
The frame has a new layout and is still made of steel. And to make everybody quiet who wants Aluminum like all the other manufactures are offering: We don`t see a reason not to use steel. Hitting the scales at 96,1kg is less than anybody else in this class. And on the track there is no noticeably difference.
Other unique and nice features are the air filter box that requires no tools to change the filter, a hydraulic clutch, now made by Brembo and still a no-linkage rear suspension.
Chassis
The 48mm fork made by White Power got some new internals and the result is good. Very low friction offer a smooth feeling and the overall damping setup works well. The White Power PDS Shock got a new setup either and thanks to the new swing arm a new position towards the frame. Once you dialed in the sag properly, which is the most important thing when riding the KTM linkless suspension, it works good and gives the rider a lot of faith towards the rear end.
In the past KTM was known for their rock hard seat foams but after changing the design also the seat foam changed. It is much softer now. The Renthal bars can be mounted in 4 different positions and there is also a chance to change the triple clamps`offset between 18 and 20mm. We ran the shorter version for better handling that comes stock and were very happy with that.
The brakes made by Brembo were working great and especially the front unit offers maximimg braking bower al the time.
Engine
The first version of the KTM 250F engine was all about top end power and reminded a lot to riding a 125. For the 07 model KTM put in different cams to soften the power. So now you got a lot more low and midrange while the top end is a little less compared the 06 model. The KTM pulls strong throughout the whole range and as a typical 250F bike it keeps the mind of the rider free to concentrate on going fast. Never too much or too little power. Just the right amount all the time. The hit is still very good and for sure its still one of the most powerful motors of the class.
Clutch action is excellent also thanks to the Brembo hydraulic unit and the 6 speed gearbox works flawless.
On the track
In the past every KTM bike felt a lot different than all of the Japanese bikes out there. The Orange ones had a square-edges feeling and the suspension had their very own feeling. Once you got used to that there was no doubt it worked but it was different in some ways. The 07 SX generation is closer to the MX bike mainstream than ever, Thanks to new plastic layout and the new frame the bike feels much smoother and easier to ride.
Also the latest White Power suspension made a huge step forward and helps to make the KTM SX-F250 an excellent overall package for every rider.
Its strong and easy to ride will be without any doubt a top contender in every 250F shootout bike test.
 German GP-Rider Marcus Schiffer (GER, KTM)
Photo by: Jörg Domanowski / realmx.comTechnical Data
Engine:- Type:249,5 ccm 1-Zyl. 4-stroke DOHC 4 Valve
- Bore x Stroke: 76 x 55 mm
- Compression Ratio:12,8:1
- Carburetion: Keihin MX FCR39
- Ignition: Kokusan digital 4K-3A
- Transmission: 6-speed with wet multi-disc manual clutch, hydraulic engagement
- Gearing: 13:48
Chassis:- Suspension/Front: WP USD Ø 48 mm
- Suspension/Rear: WP Monoshock PDS
- Brakes/Front: Single semi-floating 260mm disc, dual-piston
- Brakes/Rear: single 220mm disc, single-piston
- Tires/Front: 80/100-21"
- Tires/Rear: 100/90-19
Dimensions:- Wheelbase: 1481 mm
- Seat Height: 925 mm
- Rake (Caster Angle)/trail: 63,5°
- Dry Weight: 96,1 Kg
- Fuel Capacity: 8 Liter
- Color: orange
Author: Jörg Domanowski
With friendly permission of Jörg Domanowski (JD) / realmx.com. | 
