KTM 250 SX‑F 2014: THE ULTIMATE WINNING BIKE
BETTER PERFORMANCE
ENGINE
The 250 SX‑F is virtually a guarantor for top places in hard-fought motocross battles – this is substantiated not only by the numerous world titles. For the 2014 model year, KTM engineers have equipped the engine with, among other things, a lighter transmission featuring five instead of six gears. The combination of compact engine design and unrivalled performance make the 250 SX‑F an undisputed contender in the next model year as well.
STARTER
The 250 SX‑F engine is equipped as standard with an electric starter – an undisputed benefit when the going gets really tough in the heat of battle, even when a slight weight disadvantage has to be accepted as a consequence. A redesigned starter freewheel is employed in MY 2014 for the benefit of greater durability.
COOLING SYSTEM
The tried and tested, integrated cooling system transports the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle directly to the aluminium radiators made by WP. The consequent lack of piping simplifies radiator installation and improves air flow beneath the fuel tank.
CYLINDER HEAD
The heart of the compact DOHC engine is the state-of-the-art cylinder head with twin overhead camshafts and DLC-coated cam followers – a design allowing the rev "sound barrier" of 14,000 rpm to be achieved. Ducts designed for optimum flow combined with ultra-light titanium valves (intake 32.5 mm, exhaust 26.5 mm) guarantee maximum gas throughput and therefore the highest performance.
PISTONS
The forged piston with a box-in-box design excels with its extra-stiff structure, while keeping weight to a minimum. Thanks to its reduced reciprocating weight, the engine exhibits extremely dynamic characteristics.
CRANKSHAFT
The crankshaft on the new 250 SX‑F is equipped with a plain bearing in the lower conrod eye. Two press-fit bearing shells run directly on the crankshaft's crank pin. This design is a key factor behind the extremely high engine speed and unrivalled peak power of the 250cc engine. It also enhances the durability of the engine, thereby enabling an extension to the service intervals for the crankshaft – a benefit for the customer in terms of time and costs.
BALANCER SHAFT
To counterbalance the inertia forces, the 250 SX‑F engine is equipped with a balancer shaft that acts as a multi-function shaft, driving timing chain and water pump simultaneously. For the 2014 model year, the engine is provided with a new water-pump cover complete with new gasket for optimising sealing.
TRANSMISSION
The 250 SX‑F engine excels in MY 2014 with a new transmission characterised by extremely precise and simple shifting. With the number of gears reduced from six to five, the new transmission is 250 g lighter than its predecessor.
CLUTCH
The very compact CCS (Coil Spring Steel) clutch is equipped with a wear-free steel cage and eight lining discs that are extremely heat-resistant due to the steel base material. The hydraulic clutch actuation system from Brembo®, with new clutch armature, guarantees smooth and very precise clutch control.
ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (EMS)
In conjunction with the revolutionary injector position developed by KTM, the Keihin engine management system, with electronic fuel injection and 44 mm throttle body, ensures spontaneous responsiveness and maximum engine performance. The wiring harness on the 250 SX‑F has been further simplified for the 2014 model year and the quality of cables and plugs improved. Many connectors are now enclosed in new rubber grommets to protect them from steam-jet pressure. Various engine characteristics can also still be selected via the EMS, with a map-select switch available as a PowerPart. Furthermore, a user-setting tool (also available as an option) allows data to be read from the bike by laptop and the mapping, ignition and fuel injection to be modified in a matter of a few mouse clicks.
WHEELS AND BRAKES
WHEELS
The wheels feature CNC-machined hubs, high-end Excel rims and black coated spokes with lightweight aluminium nipples, allowing the highest levels of stability to be achieved while keeping weight to a minimum. The fitted Pirelli Scorpion MX Mid Soft 32 tyres excel with perfect traction and outstanding performance.
BRAKES
High-tech brakes from Brembo have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad bikes and, together with the lightweight wave brake discs, they are the measure of all things in terms of brake technology. A newly developed handbrake armature has been employed for the 2014 model year, with new remote reservoir, smaller brake piston diameter and new levers with optimised lever kinematics. As a result and thanks to optimised brake pads, performance and application of the front brake have been perceptibly improved again.
TOP ERGONOMICS
BODYWORK
KTM engineers have focussed on designing the bodywork ergonomically and functionally in such a way that the whole motorcycle is in perfect harmony with the rider down to the very last detail. The front fender is a perfect example of how moulded plastic components can gain maximum stability with a well thought out structure and well-conceived attachment.
SEAT
The ergonomically perfectly designed seat is equipped with an improved foam core for the 2014 model year, ensuring both greater comfort and higher stability.
AIR BOX
At the same time, the design of the airbox guarantees optimum protection of the air filter from dirt plus maximum air throughput for the highest performance. Quick replacement of the twin-air filter - without tools and in a matter of seconds - has long since been an unrivalled KTM standard.
FUEL TANK
All models in the SX range are equipped with a new, lightweight, polyethylene, 7.5 litre fuel tank, which has been revised in the area of the filler cap internal thread and can be closed even more easily and reliably with a new filler cap. The fuel pump system used on the four-stroke motocross models is the same as that used on the four-stroke enduro models, thereby allowing optional installation of larger tanks from the PowerParts range or from the enduro models.
HANDLEBAR
All SX models are equipped with the extremely sturdy, tapered Renthal Fatbar 827 handlebar that features an offset specially designed to meet the demands of motocross. In accordance with the proven KTM standard, the handlebar can be fixed in a choice of four positions. A large Renthal crash pad, still in classy black/silver for 2014, provides the rider with effective impact protection.
GRAPHICS
A new, refined graphic design with clear lines underlines the high demands made of a modern, state-of-the-art offroad motorcycle.
NOW WITH AN EVEN MORE SUPERIOR CHASSIS
FRAME
The modern frame design of the SX models, comprising lightweight, high strength, chrome-molybdenum steel section tubes, combines maximum longitudinal stiffness with optimum torsional stiffness. It guarantees easy handling and precise steering behaviour, as well as excellent ride stability.
SWINGARM
The cast aluminium swingarm has been developed with state-of-the-art calculation and simulation software and constructed, in terms of design and wall thickness, for minimum weight with optimum stiffness and precisely defined flexibility. For the 2014 model year, our engineers have revised the chainguide and its attachment points to the swingarm for the benefit of higher functional reliability, while simultaneously reducing the weight.
SUSPENSION/DAMPING
Both the rear shock absorber and the 48 mm upside-down fork from WP Suspension guarantee ultimate damping and responsiveness. Thanks to optimised tuning, the telescopic fork excels with even higher reserves against bottoming out in MY 2014. Naturally, rebound and compression damping can be adapted individually to the track and rider in no time at all – while high and low-speed compression damping can also be adjusted on the rear shock absorber.
TRIPLE CLAMPS
High quality, CNC-machined triple clamps have long since been standard equipment at KTM. They ensure precise handling and provide a perceptible boost to the flexing characteristics and hence the responsiveness of the telescopic fork.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
The FIM noise limits represent a major challenge for manufacturers of motocross motorcycles, which KTM is confronting with substantial R&D investment. On the 250 SX‑F 2014, hydroformed components and an additional HRS resonator chamber (Header Resonator System) ensure greater torque, while also reducing noise.
The 250 SX‑F has been an established force in the MX2 World Championship for years now and has delivered the world title to Mattighofen five times in succession. Most recently, Jeffrey Herlings won the 2012 World Championship on the 250 SX‑F and naturally he's placing his trust in the best motorcycle in the field again in the 2013 season. In MY 2014, the feisty four-stroke hits the scene with further improvements to engine and chassis – a performance package that will continue to dominate the MX2 class.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
ENGINE
| Design | 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, water-cooled |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 249.91 cm³ (15.2505 cu in) |
| Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in) |
| Stroke | 52.3 mm (2.059 in) |
| Starting aid | Electric starter |
| Gearbox | 5-gear, claw shifted |
| Engine lubrication | Pressure circulation lubrication with two Eaton pumps |
| Primary transmission | 24:73 |
| Secondary ratio | 13:50 |
| Cooling | Water cooling, permanent circulation of coolant by water pump |
| Clutch | CSS Multidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated |
| Ignition | Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment |
CHASSIS
| Frame | Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing |
|---|---|
| Shock absorber | WP Suspension 5018 BAVP DCC |
| Suspension travel Front | 300 mm (11.81 in) |
| Suspension travel Rear | 330 mm (12.99 in) |
| Brake system | Disc brakes, brake calipers on floating bearings |
| Brake discs - diameter Front | 260 mm (10.24 in) |
| Brake discs - diameter Rear | 220 mm (8.66 in) |
| Chain | 5/8 x 1/4" |
| Steering head angle | 63.5° |
| Wheelbase | 1,495±10 mm (58.86±0.39 in) |
| Ground clearance, unloaded | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
| Seat height, unloaded | 992 mm (39.06 in) |
| Total fuel tank capacity, approx. |
7.5 l (1.98 US gal) Super unleaded (ROZ 95/RON 95/PON 91) |
| Weight without fuel, approx. | 102.8 kg (226.6 lb.) |

































