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Thanks to KTM South Africa we had the opportunity to test out their 2015 Motocross range at Dirt Broncos MX Track last week. The 2015 bikes look the part with their new graphics, orange frame and black rims but do they fit the part?
Stewart Couper was our test pilot who got to put the 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F, 450 SX-F and 250 SX through their paces. Read below to get his thoughts on each bike.
KTM 250 SX-F
So I started my day on the smaller bike as thought it would be easier to progress to the bigger bikes. So when I jumped on the 250 SX-F the bike felt really strong. The motor is so so strong. I could corner it really well, even when I was in the wrong gear it would still pull me out no problem. Suspension really felt awesome out the box. I did battle a little with the bar setting but managed to get used to it. Overall it is a nice all rounds bike for an up and coming rider or pro rider. The bikes look amazing with all new orange frame, black rims and spokes.
Braking: The braking on the bikes are really good, sharp and not spongy at all. They brake on demand and late braking in really easy.
Cornering: The cornering on the bike is phenomenal. The power delivery of the bike helps to corner nice an low.
Suspension: The suspension could do with a little bit of setting but as a stock standard bike its really good. It handles the braking bumps well. Going into the corners its pretty plush and soft so yeah, overall its good.
Handling: The handling is really good. You can come down a bumpy straight and it doesn’t feel like the bars want to rip out of your hands.
Overall Impression: Out of the box it’s a great bike, a good package that is really ready to race. Just needs a bit of tweaking on the suspension and setting of the handle bars.
KTM 350 SX-F
Next up was the 350 SX-F. Now this is a bike I’m used to, I currently ride and own one myself. So when I jumped on the 350 I felt at home. Bike set up was really good. It cornered really well and the power deliver out the corner was just unbelievable. The power on 2015 350 SX-F was strong. It felt way faster than my current 2014 350 SX-F. For me the 350 SX-F is as light as a 250 SX-F but has the close power of a 450. Overall this is a great bike for a beginner or pro rider. My bike of choice for sure.
Braking: The braking is actually way better than the 250 SX-F, I have no reason why but coming into the corners when it felt like I was going to overshoot, I got into the brakes and they were super sharp. You can some into a corner faster than on the 250 SX-F, get on the brakes and shoot out of the corner. The braking is just unbelievable.
Cornering: You just dive in and dive out. The power delivery of the bike helps with the cornering. The bike is so light and has the power so it is phenomenal in cornering.
Suspension: Out the box, stock standard its really good. Going through the braking bumps it handles and soaks it up. With miner adjustments you can make it 100% perfect.
Handling: Great. It moves in the air easily, corners like a beast. Everything about the 350 SX-F is super nice.
Overall Impression: If you’re beginner, an expert I’d say the 350 SX-F is the bike for you. The overall package is unbelievable.
KTM 450 SX-F
Now here is a bike I’m pretty scared of. I usually try stay away from the big bikes but as soon as I jumped on I felt at home. As aggressive as it felt it really was easy and smooth to ride. The power on it was really strong. Cornering on it was easy and the bike really dived well into the ruts. Being a 450 the bike just rips out of a corner. Suspension on the bike felt really soft for a big bike. With the 450 SX-F being so powerful the brakes needed to be spot on, that’s where KTM got it right. All round awesome bike.
Braking: Its really good and it need to be. The bike is super fast so when you come into the corner you are flying, so to get on the brakes and have them work so well is amazing.
Cornering: The cornering is good. The bike has so much power that you can come into a corner in 2nd or 3rd gear and still power out.
Suspension: I found the suspension a little bit soft but with some minor setting the bike will be ready to race. Overall the suspension is really good though, the bikes sits well and handles the bumps.
Handling: The power is unbelievable so the handling for me was a little difficult but it handles really well in the corners.
Overall Impression: It really is an amazing bike. If you make a mistake you can come out the corner in 3rd no problem. Down the straights the bike is unbelievable. The fuel injection is awesome and you can control the power to you riding ability.
KTM 250 SX
The final bike I rode on the day was the all time great KTM 250 SX 2 Stroke. Now I haven’t been on a 2 stroke in over 5 years. So I was a little nervous. I climbed on and in to the 3rd corner I felt at home. The 2T gave me the biggest smile of the day. I did around 4 laps on it and really didn’t want to climb off. The power deliver was so smooth on the bike. The suspension just worked so well. Cornering felt amazing. I was just one with the bike. The Bike looks good feels good and just all round rides like a dream. This bike would be on my Christmas list [Laughs] .
Braking: Its probably one of the better braking bikes out of all the bikes just because of the way the power delivery come into play.
Cornering: It’s amazing. It’s actually sits better than a 4T believe it or not. The suspension works well with the cornering.
Suspension: Really good. Off the jumps it soaks up really well. Going through the bumpy straights it is really fantastic. It’s just works well.
Handling: The handling is phenomenal. You don’t feel like you’re losing control at all. Wherever you turn the bars, it goes. Its super light and I’m definitely sold on the bike.
Overall Impression: It felt good and was very responsive. I thoughts it was going to be aggressive but it was super smooth
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