KTM 250 SX-F reviews

This bike has to be my third KTM and like my past I purchased used and completely rebuilt it. But from the begining it was a strong running machine. It definitely does not like to go slow, likes to overheat without the assistance of a fan. But this bike is very forgiving at the same time for the novice rider. The only thing really missing from mine that I really need is a stabilizer. Other than some odds and ends, this bike just screams to be be ridden hard, and it lets you dominate. I will recommend some upgrades on the suspension to fit your body. I put in a progression spring which loves the desert riding in Nevada. In the air or in the sand this bike has it all, except the cops don't like it much on the street. So I bought an EXC, too. I'm in the middle of rebuilding that one, too. Show less

This is my first KTM and I'm hooked. Previously I was a Honda guy, and I still like Honda's, however my XC-F blows them away. My first impression of the bike was wow. Loads of power let you handle any obstacle with ease. It comes on strong in the midrange, yet the power is refined to allow for easy throttle roll-on. The thing is plenty fast, handles well, although some compression settings will need to be adjusted after it is broken in. If the power is still too abrupt for some, KTM made a handy "switch" which changes the ignition curve, making the curve more like a 250 but with the power of a 450 (great for conditions with low traction). On the MX track it performs just as well as the other bikes, even with the 18" rear tire. In the desert/woods it outshines all the other bikes. Big long whoop sections are where it truly shines, grab another gear and it only gets easier. Being an XC-F model means 5-speeds (which is a gotta have) and a larger gas tank, with reserve (yay!). This means that the XC-F feels a little bulky around the knees (I'm short so it's around my knees). Nonetheless, it is still very comfortable to ride. The seat has great cushion, and allows for easy movement forward on the tank. Quality is, bar none, the best in the biz. I don't know why there is so much hype about linkage because this bike tracks very well and I have no complaints thus far. Overall this is the best bike I have owned, and anyone looking for a fantastic all-around bike should buy one of these! Lets not forget, electric start!!! Yeeawwww! Show less

I bought a 2007 450 SXF but went back to the 2006. The electric start is great on the 2007 but has no back-up kicker. The 2006 seems to pull harder than the 2007. It's great all the way around. Show less

This is scary fast. My buddy has the 530 and this feels like it has more power and speed when you are on it. The 530 has more grunt so you can run a bit taller gear, but that hardly matters because the motor revs forever. Be careful with the brakes, you only need one finger to stop. Use more and you may go over the front end. I ride with my kids and friends and it handles all speeds well. In hot weather, I would spit a bit of fluid, but I changed to Engine Ice coolant and it is noticably cooler without any spitting, even in the tight steep stuff in 100 degree heat. It's a very nice bike. Show less

This is a update to my first review. I would rate it higher but I only have five stars to work with. After putting 30 hours on it I am still very pleased with this bike. It is a blast to ride. It goes well if you short shift it and if you rev it out, hold on becouse it moves. The chassis handles the Maine trails very well with all the roots and rocks. The only thig about the bike I don't like is that in stock form the crank vent will suck water into the engine. It is an easy fix - you just need to run the vent up the frame. In my case I made a vent cap and now the crank vent's under the fuel tank next to the coil. No more water. You do need to drain the vent after a few rides becouse condensation will build up in the tube. KTM is all I will own now! Show less

This bike is insane. I had a Honda 250F and it was good but it lacked power. I don't like to do extreme mods to the engine and all that stuff. All I do is the suspension, but this 250F is insanely fast stock. All I did to it was fit the FMF factory 4.1 silencer and the FMF mega bomb header pipe. I also changed the rear sprocket from a 48t to a 49t because lugging my fat butt around was a little difficult for the bike. But when I put the 49 on, it changed that and I was racing my friend around the track who is a Lorrettas 4 placer. The bike needs the suspension done no matter what weight you are or height. But other than that, no complaints just praises. I love the bike and I recommend it to anyone looking for a new bike. Show less

I've owned the KTMM for a few months now and it's by far the best bike I've ever had!! I used two have a YZF 426 and this bike makes it look like a moped :) Any one know what performance parts I can put on it?? Let me know, thanx.... Show less

This bike is pretty amazing. I'm faster on it than my 06 yz450. It's light, powerful, and handles like a dream. If you're even on the fence about this bike, go buy it!! I race at the local track one weekend, then the next I'm in Moab on technical single track riding. Bike does it all! Love it. Show less

Great all around bike. Like all Ktm's, performance, quality, and detail second to none. Decent suspension for lighter or slower riders, but faster or heavier riders could go for stiffer springs. Really a quick bike, but because of its wide ratio gearing, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear pull good but 4th and especially 5th gear need a good straight to pull. If you're a racer look into the xc version. It's faster revving because of its closer ratio gearing, and the suspension is stiffer for the racer in mind. Switching to a softer red power valve spring allows the bike to hit harder sooner. Overall really good bike. Show less

I rode my KTM for the first time on the track and I have never ridden a bike that hooked up so well and had such steady power in a 2 stroke. Show less