2022.5 KTM 250SXF Factory Edition First Ride Impressions!

[@Maverick-ui5qe]

Again great review! Very detailed and to the point..it’s definitely good that you have the experience of other 250’s and how they compare to this new bike..looking forward to more of your reviews and on the 350 as well! Thanks for posting.

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks!

[@rickejosh1]

Awesome vid! Can you tell me in detail what you did for the hest cycle process? Picked mine up this weekend super excited to get out on the track

[@mxengineer1]

I don't heat cycle my new bikes. The first 20 minutes I simply ride it around the track going up and down the RPM range shifting gears so no max RPM's or lugging. This load on the engine helps push the rings out to seat them and form a good seal. After the first 2-hours of run time I chance the oil and filter and clean the oil pick up screen. KTM's engines tend to be very tight when new and take a good 15~20 hours to fully break in. Just ride it and do rev or lug it excessively for the first 2~3 hours. Have fun and enjoy your new bike!

[@gamer2350]

Do those Dunlop stickers on the tires come stock? And the donuts on the grips?

[@mxengineer1]

No and No

[@paulmarshall8774]

Great review, how would you compare the power to a Crf 250? Could you score the low,mid and top out of 10 on both bikes. Trying to compare these engines as I have my name on the list for one in the UK (Ktm). Thanks in advance

[@mxengineer1]

The '22 CRF250R has a little quicker rev feel (KTM has a slightly fuller flywheel feel). Honda is geared lower (13/50) vs the tall KTM 14/51. I like the longer pull of 2nd and 3rd on the KTM. I think the Honda can feel a bit more lively initially and just into the mid range (lower gearing plus downdraft intake) but the KTM has a meatier feel from mid to top and keeps pulling longer up top. Would be interesting to try a 13/50 gearing on the KTM. Both are great bikes! Oh yea KTM has quick shifter..though I am not using it much yet (need more seat time)

[@paulmarshall8774]

@@mxengineer1 thanks for the reply I’ve been waiting for Mx bikes to have a quick shifter since 89😂 I’m hoping it’s a good thing. Can’t wait for mine now

[@toby259]

Great review, it looks like a fun bike. Looking forward to your comparison against the 350XCF (I also have a KR 350). Does the chassis of the new 22.5 FE feel bigger, longer, wider or taller than the 19-22 chassis? Your review makes me think a new 23 250XCF would be awesome for woods

[@mxengineer1]

I rode my 22 250FE back to back with my buddy's 22 450SXF and the new chassis does not feel bigger. The rider triangle feels slightly larger on the 250FE plus you are so connected to the bike from your feet to knees (smooth and continuous shrouds to side panels). I think the new chassis does have a more planted feel. I also rode the KR350 and 250FE back to back last Sunday but it had rained to track was too muddy so just rode them around a field...I may post that video this weekend. Suppose to get 2~4" of snow tonight...I want spring to arrive in Ohio!!

[@travisbarber690]

I'm a 350 guy too but your videos make me want to try some 250s out this fall. Would love to get your opinion on the YZ vs CRF vs the FE KTM.

[@mxengineer1]

The '22 YZ250F sets the bar for stock suspension (KYB) that works for a wide range of rider weights and skill level. The YZ250F engine has quick turn over and excellent partial throttle torque feel. The ergo's (wide up front, tight seat to footpeg distance) are a desired taste but easily adapted to if you only ride a YZ250F. The '22 CRF250R is the most "Fun to Ride" 250F with those "just feels right" perfect Honda ergos, smooth yet strong power (especially low to mid) with low engine braking, excellent cornering, and lightweight that gives it almost 125 2-stroke agility in motion. The stiff CRF frame combined with a firm fork setting gives the CRF an unsettled feel in the chop and at speed. The '22 KTM 250 Factory Edition finally has quick engine turn over with a strong and lively mid range, excellent cornering, very tunable AER forks and good rear shock, compliant steel chassis with a planted feel, great ergos, and strong Brembo brakes. AER forks are polarizing but have been noticeably improved from '21 model year. Choose the combination of characteristics that are most important to you! After riding the '22 KTM 250FE that past few days and feeling the improvements to the engine (along with chassis) it will be fun to see how well the all new 2023 KTM 350SXF works with similar updates.......350's are still my favorite combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike!

[@travisbarber690]

Thanks for that info! Whereabouts are you in Ohio? My wife has a ton of family in Jackson and we're up there a few times per year. Her cousins/uncle were really into GNCCs and still ride a little. Hoping to take my bike up on the next trip.

[@mxengineer1]

@@travisbarber690 Columbus area

[@pauljimma6897]

Has this thing got a lot of engine braking or is it free off throttle?

[@mxengineer1]

I would judge it a little less than a 22' YZ250F and more than a '22 CRF250R. It seems to be less than the '21 KTM 250SXF/XCF's I have ridden

[@pauljimma6897]

@@mxengineer1 ok thank you for getting back to me :)

[@user-ep6wd7ip7v]

Wonder what bugs they will work out for next year

[@mxengineer1]

I only have 2.3 hours on the new 250FE so far but have not had an issues so far. While the engine got big updates it still feels like a KTM 250SXF with quicker response and less vibration. The hydro stop bottoming in the AER forks works better and the both the shock and forks respond well to clicker changes. I like the new body work as it keeps you in contact with the bike. The quick shifter is interesting feature but seems to take more effort at the lever to shift but still need more time to really understand that feature and benefit (works fantastic on my '21 MT09SP street bike). Will be interesting to see what KTM updates on the 23 models based on the 250/450 Factory Edition feedback and customer experience.

[@davidgrunklee8407]

Becoming a 250f guy afterall!!😉

[@mxengineer1]

Ha! 250F's make me feel young!🙂 Will do back to back with my gold standard 350 Kailub Russell Edition soon!

[@charlesclapper8982]

how does it compare to yz low end

[@mxengineer1]

The YZ250F engine still turns over quicker and feels more torquey but it is geared lower than the 250FE. I think the KTM has a lot of torque but the tall gearing takes away the initial snap but lets it pull longer.

[@georgecarmel6114]

To bad they are making bikes bigger and taller more for people over 6 feet tall and 180+ lbs. Ruins moto like stick and ball sports.

[@mxengineer1]

The Husky regular moto models are about 25~30mm lower seat height than similar KTM/Gas Gas models. The lower seat height is noticeable.

[@greenguy7296]

Only in Ohio

[@RedneckEvelKnievel]

Your weird