A comprehensive electronics package is fitted standard with two maps, traction control and quickshift options (all five-speed four-stroke models have quickshift that works from second to fifth gears). This allows the engine to be nearly two inches shorter than the previous generation in hopes of improving centralized mass and eliminating suspension squatting when riders are hard on the gas. The engines have been rotated back in the frame two degrees with the countershaft sprocket being lowered by a few millimeters. The powerplant is another big talking point as it’s also been re-worked for this new generation. Without that upper spar, energy loads are said to transfer down the sides of the frame instead of up through the handlebars. The new frame eliminates the previous “backbone” that ran from the shock tower up to the steering stem. In fact, the moto-specific bikes set the tone for the rest of the KTM lineup, as the XC-F models sport the same frame, electronics and bodywork designs. Basically, anything but the actual engine is nearly interchangeable among the four-stroke motocrossers. In typical KTM fashion, all three of these bikes, the 350 now included, share many of the same parts. For ’23, think Factory Edition without the extra anodized bolt-ons. These new 2023 SX-F’s debut the same structural changes we saw on the Factory Editions-most notably, a new frame and a new engine, wrapped entirely in new bodywork. The Factory Editions typically serve as a preview for the coming model year and low and behold, history repeated itself.
Technically, we previewed the 250 and 450 back in February when we rode the 2022 KTM Factory Editions. When it comes to the SX-Fs, three new four-strokes serve as the flagship motocross bikes from the Austrian brand. For this review, however, we’ll be focusing only on the SX-F models, there are just too many bikes to talk about in just one sitting. The Orange Brigade loaded up the haulers with over 60 bikes and practically made RedBud look like the newest KTM dealership way out in the Michigan countryside. This was the site of KTM’s 2023 model introduction, a private day ride-fest at one of the most iconic tracks in American motocross.Ī three-and-a-half-hour drive from KTM’s Ohio warehouse, RedBud served as our honorary test site for the new SX, SX-F, and XC-F lineup. And while the stands and parking lots were empty for our mid-week arrival, the vibe was unmistakable. You can literally feel the venue’s history, the buzz and the mystique as you enter through the gates. The perfectly manicured grass of Michigan’s RedBud Motocross facility is a far cry from the desert hillsides of Southern California where I grew up. Photography by Jesse Ziegler and Mack Faint We sample the latest SX-F four-stroke motocrossers from KTM. (14) Fuel couplers are included for quick and easy EFI Tuning.So many bikes, so little time. (13) Suzuki’s MX-Tuner 2.0 is supplied, providing quick fuel injection and ignition tuning through an easy-to-use smart-phone application. (12) Compact rear master cylinder is designed to prevent mud from collecting on it and from catching on the rider’s boots. (11) Large 270mm front brake rotor increases stopping power and feel. (9) Kayaba rear shock settings deliver controlled damping response. (8) Kayaba coil spring fork provides great performance and easy tuning. (7) Chassis dimensions blend nimble handling with stability. (6) Frame and swingarm balance lightness with strength. (4) Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) gets you out front. (3) Evolved traction management system helps the bike hook up. (2 Dual fuel injector system boosts high rpm power. (1) Center-port cylinder head increases output and throttle response. (13) Fuel couplers are included for quick and easy EFI Tuning. (12) Suzuki’s MX-Tuner 2.0 is supplied, providing quick fuel injection and ignition tuning through an easy-to-use smart-phone application. (11) Compact rear master cylinder is designed to prevent mud from collecting on it and from catching on the rider’s boots. (10) Large 270mm front brake rotor increases stopping power and feel.
(9) Bridgestone X30 tires bring outstanding grip. (8) Showa BFRC rear shock and linkage delivers remarkable control. (7) Coil spring Kayaba fork provides superb performance and easy tuning. All these updates made the bike significantly better-save for the brutally stiff forks. The last RM-Z250 remodel came in 2019 when the RM-Z250 got an updated frame, Kayaba forks, bigger front rotor, dual-injectors, new shock, revised cylinder head and new plastic. (6) Engine placement and mounting aid chassis’ nimble handling. (5) Frame and swingarm balance lightness with strength. (3) Suzuki Holeshot Assist Control (S-HAC) gets you out front.
(2) Evolved traction management system helps the bike hook up. (1) Great throttle response delivers high peak power.
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