2015 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition
For the first time ever, KTM has released a Factory Edition of a 250 model. Meet the 2015 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition, a “Ready to Race” motorcycle that is majorly upgraded over the base 250 SX-F. The Factory Edition arrives with less weight, improved performance, and increased reliability.
In the engine department, the Austrian-based KTM had one major goal – design a motor that provided increased performance while saving weight and centralizing mass. The engineers did just that.
The powerplant features new cases that are designed to be lighter, more compact, and provide higher performance. Inside the cases, the crankshaft is placed 6mm higher than the standard 2015 model with a six-millimeter shorter connecting rod as well.
The new five-speed transmission features wider gears treated with a special coating on the second, third, and fourth gears for bulletproof reliability. The shift forks have also been treated with this special coating for butter smooth shifts. The new coil spring steel (CSS) clutch has been reduced from eight to seven clutch plates and the new clutch springs provide for more consistent function under excessive use.
The cylinder received attention by being shortened and complimented with a bridged box piston by CP. The clutch shaft position has been moved 11.1 millimeters rearwards and 26.9 millimeters upwards as well.
The cylinder head and valve train received many updates: improved combustion chamber geometry, lightweight overhead camshafts with new timing, new finger followers treated with a 30-percent harder diamond like coating (DLC) for reliability, new valve springs and retainers, and new lateral engine brackets that are designed to improve handling while decreasing vibration.
To keep the revamped engine running cool and at the proper temperature, KTM designed new re-directed the air to flow through the radiators more efficiently. The radiators maintain the same surface area and coolant capacity, but allows for 10-percent better cooling efficiency. The aluminum alloy construction of the radiators make them more durable while the guard design improves air flow and structural rigidity to the system.
Allowing the engine to breath is a completely new exhaust system with a new header pipe and silencer. The header pipe features a resonator designed to improve power while lowering the amount of decibels emitted.
The silencer is 40 millimeters shorter than the previous one, and is designed to increase low-end torque while allowing quicker throttle response. The new engine starter is produced by Mitsuba and is 135 grams lighter than the previous one.
Add in some new engine covers designed to reduce wear from the rider’s boots and you have an engine that not only performs well, but stays looking great over time. If all of those updates weren’t impressive enough, KTM managed to shed 2.4 pounds from the previous engine.
Feeding the engine is a new 44-millimeter Keihin throttle body. The unit has been completely redesigned and reworked to provide instantaneous throttle response and maximum performance in all conditions. It features a new injector position, separate systems for cold start and idle adjustment, and is 100 grams lighter than the previous model.
Perhaps the most significant feature is the new direct-connect design. This system has no linkage in the cable system at the throttle body resulting in superb rider feedback and feel.
KTM is well aware that the start is the only place that you can pass all of your competition at one time. To give the bike the utmost advantage in this area, it added Launch Control to the Keihin EMS, which features a new ECU which processes faster in order to provide the most efficient start.
By simply activating the switch located up near the front master cylinder, the maximum engine speed is reduced in order to reduce rear-wheel spin and get the power to the ground. The EFI control lamp positioned on the upper triple clamps lets the rider know whether the function is on or off.
In addition to launch control mode, the new model features three different map selections, including soft, standard, and aggressive. This way, the rider can change the power delivery depending on track conditions, riding style, or personal preference.
In the chassis department, KTM made it clear that they were trying to improve handling, yet put a strong emphasis on saving weight. The attention and focus put onto shedding weight from the previous model paid large dividends.
The 2015 KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition weighs only 221.6 pounds and is 6.9 pounds lighter than the standard 2015 KTM 250 SX-F. KTM was able to achieve that by meticulously cutting grams from nearly each and every part. The new chromoly steel frame design is lighter by 380 grams and increases torsional rigidity by 20 percent. The new smaller subframe and swingarm have each lost some weight at 250 grams each.
The new footpegs feature a scraper design to reduce dirt build-up and are larger in size for improved grip. The new 22-millimeter CNC-machined offset upper triple clamp includes a rubber damping system to reduce vibration in the handlebars almost to the vanishing point.
The rider is still able to choose between a frontwards or rearwards setting as well. The new triple clamp holds the WP 4CS (Four Chamber Fork) which feature revised damping settings and ease of adjustment in the compression and rebound areas. The new generation WP shock has been revised to work in balance with the new frame and swingarm.
CNC-machined hubs are mated with Excel rims to ensure wheel strength while the Dunlop MX32 tires come as standard equipment. The KTM Factory Edition is the first production bike to come stock with these highly-praised shoes. Weight-reducing wave rotors by Galfer provide the stopping power in the front and rear.
Other new items found on the Factory Edition are an airbox, intake boot, Twin Air filter, air filter cage, handlebar, throttle assembly, grips, and a front number plate. The front plate now has a cutaway where the front brake cable passes behind it, which eliminates the need for a front brake cable guide.
The exclusive Red Bull/KTM factory race team graphics and blue Selle Dalla Valle factory race team seat give the bike a unique, factory look. An hour meter comes standard on the bike as KTM is well aware that its customers will be putting plenty of hours on these exciting new machines.
