KTM Gives a Mild Revamp to the 2025 SX and SX-F Motocross Kings

6 months, 3 weeks ago - 11 April 2024, autocar
KTM Gives a Mild Revamp to the 2025 SX and SX-F Motocross Kings
In the motocross world, few names are as important as that of KTM. The Austrians have positioned themselves at the top of the food chain in this segment for years now, and they won't let go no matter what. On the contrary, they are even trying to cement their position, and the 2025 SX range is here to prove that point.

Part of the larger MX family, the SX bikes are the backbone of KTM's motocross efforts. No less than 16 models make up the range, powered by two-stroke and four-stroke engines, and even by electric drivetrains when it comes to kids' bikes.

It's the two- and four-stroke machines that are of interest to us today, more specifically the SX and SX-F, which were treated to moderate (but effective) updates for the 2025 model year. All the changes are, as per the bike maker, "adopted directly from KTM Factory Racing efforts," and that makes the new bikes the most ready-to-race ones yet.

Changes started with the frame, which was modified to include visible cutouts and have thicker tube walls in the most important areas, including front, engine mounts, and rear shock. The modifications made to the frame shaved 300 grams of weight off the bike's hips, which may not seem all that much, but could make all the difference in a competition.

KTM also tampered with the bikes' swingarm, adding a machined chain glider and modifying the rear brake pedal. To improve traction, grip, and mud dissipation, a technology called Progressive Cornering Block is now installed on the motorcycles.

The suspension of the SX families of bikes, which are renowned for what they can take during rough rides, has been improved as well. At the front, the WP XACT AER fork comes with reworked settings that should add more flexibility while keeping the weight down, while at the rear the WP XACT shock comes with better linkage, new seals, and smaller linkage bolts.

Visually speaking the new SX range remains KTM to the bone. The telltale full-orange bodywork is still there, but it now comes with all-new graphics in red and black. The bike's wheels are wrapped in a new kind of Geomax MX34 rubber made by Dunlop, which promises to bring "30% longer performance," as the Austrians say without going into details.

The SX received for the new model year new fuel tank shrouds meant to provide improved cooling, but also a roll meant to protect the frame from wear caused by scrubbing.

The most important change to the SX family (as there are no engine modifications) is the availability of the Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) system, offered as part of the KTM PowerParts catalog. Working together with the KTMconnect app, it is supposed to offer various customization and functionality options to riders.

KTM made no mention of lineup modifications in the SX-F four-stroke range, so for the 2025 model year there are four bikes on the table: 250 SX-F, 250 SX-F Adamo Edition, 350 SX-F, and 450 SX-F.

The two-stroke SX begins with the 50 SX and ends with the 300 SX no less than nine models later. A new addition is the 150 SX, which is now back in the offering.

All the bikes are already listed on the bike maker's configurator, but for pricing you should contact your local dealer.