Braappp! Some people say two-strokes are making a resurgence. But for KTM, they never went away. That, in part, is one reason its SX models still feel competitive compared to the market-dominating four-strokes.
Three of the SX two-strokes have been updated for 2012 (125, 150 and 250), and we spent the better part of a day at a recent Southern Californa press launch staged at Milestone MX riding the latest 250 SX.
The switch to a linkage-type rear-suspension system with a new WP shock and one-piece cast aluminum swingarm is the big news for ’12. A WP closed-cartridge fork has updated settings to ensure balance with the new rear end.
Minor engine updates provide factory-racer-crisp throttle response, helped in part by new V-Force reed valves and a redesigned airbox The power can be quite jolting as the two-stroke snaps to life. There is no delay in delivery—just instant response, the engine pulling hard all the way across the rev range.
What the 250 SX loses in tractability, it makes up for with its light overall package. Braking distances feel way shorter due to the bike’s lack of weight (KTM claims 213 pounds without fuel—26 lb. lighter than the KTM 450 SX-F four-stroke). That absence of heft also allows the SX to dive into corners with very little input from the rider and makes the chassis very easy to control everywhere. Its tossable nature, combined with the new suspension, makes the rider feel like he can do no wrong.
Our day aboard the new KTM reminded us that two-stokes are potent and taught us that this ultra-refined and up-to-date 250 SX simply rips!
