Manufacturer

Engine Size

Engine Type

Model Year

TEN YEARS AGO TODAY: MXA’S COMPLETE 2014 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE TEST


The King of 250 Two-Strokes had no rivals for the throne in 2014

2001 KTM 250SX

MXA RETRO TEST: COMPLETE TEST OF THE 2001 KTM 250SX


Let’s go back 23 years and see what the 2001 KTM 250SX two-stroke was like—the great, the good, the bad and the awful

MXA RETRO TEST: NOT YET READY FOR PRIME TIME 2000 KTM 250SX


We don’t think the new 2001 engine was motocross ready. If the 2000 KTM 250SX came with the 1999 engine and right-side-up forks, it would have been a runaway hit

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE FUEL-INJECTED 2023 KTM 300SX TWO-STROKE


The 300SX is made for riders who want a two-stroke with the lug-ability of a 450 four-stroke

MOTOCROSS ACTION’S 2023 TWO-STROKE BUYER’S GUIDE


Thinking about switching to a smoker? The market for two-strokes is flush with race bikes built for riders as young as 4 years old all the way up to senior citizens

MXA TWO-STROKE SHOOTOUT: 2023 KTM 300SX VERSUS 2023 HUSQVARNA TC250 VIDEO


MXA’s “Versus Series” answers the question that you want an answer to. This episode pits the 2023 KTM 300SX fuel-injected, electric start motocross model against the 2023 Husqvarna TC250 fuel-injected, electric start motocross model

2023 KTM 300SX two-stroke

MXA VIDEO: MXA’S FIRST RIDE ON THE 2023 KTM 300SX TWO-STROKE (PLUS 125SX & 250SX)


We try out the new electric-starting fuel-injected 2023 KTM two-strokes at Red Bud and give our first impressions in this video

2023 KTM 300SX

FIRST LOOK! ALL-NEW 2023 KTM FUEL-INJECTED TWO-STROKES


Brand new 2023 KTM electric starting fuel injected two-strokes are here! Including a brand new 300SX two-stroke for motocross

THE “MUST-READ” MOTOCROSS ACTION 2022 125 TWO-STROKE SHOOTOUT


When Yamaha introduced a brand-new YZ125 for 2022, it was imperative that we schedule the 125s for a rematch. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get a 2022 TM 125MX because of COVID-related issues in Holland

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2022 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


If you’re looking for a two-strokes that’s easy to ride, go with the YZ250. If you’re looking for a bike that is ready to race, the KTM 250SX has your name on it

ON THE RECORD: MXA’S 2004 250 TWO-STROKE MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT


We flashback to when all the Japanese manufactures made two-stroke dirt bikes. This is the complete 2004 RM250 vs. YZ250 vs. CR250 vs. KX250 vs. KTM brawl

FIRST LOOK! 2022 KTM MOTOCROSS MODELS


The four-stroke 250SXF, 350SXF, 450SXF & two-stroke 125SX, 150SX & 250SX

MXA RETRO TEST: WE RIDE GRANT LANGSTON’S 2004 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


It only took one word to describe Langston’s powerband — “linear.” You didn’t have to worry about staying on the pipe, preparing for the hit or getting on the throttle early. The engine management system was the throttle

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE 2022 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


How to get the most out of the 2022 KTM 250SX, plus, we give you a quickie KTM 250SX versus Yamaha YZ250 comparo

FIRST LOOK! 2021 KTM OFF-ROAD MODELS FROM FUEL-INJECTED TWO-STROKES TO STREET LEGAL OFF-ROADERS


KTM’s 2021 off-road line up offers a wide range of choices for the guy who wants to get away from it all

ON THE RECORD: COMPLETE TEST OF THE 2005 KTM 250SX


The 2005 KTM 250SX was a handful to ride. It was fast, but as we all know the WP PDS rear suspension was only good if you knew its secrets

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2020 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


At 212 pounds and with 49.23 horsepower the 2020 KTM 250SX delivers the most anti-four-stroke style of power imaginable

FIRST LOOK! 2021 KTM MINI, TWO-STROKE AND FOUR-STROKE MOTOCROSS MODELS


From the smallest Pee-Wee, actually there are two them, to the 125, 150 and 250 two-strokes to the romping stomping SXF 250, 350, 450

Grant Langston 2004 ktm 250sx-8637

ON THE RECORD: COMPLETE TEST OF GRANT LANGSTON’S 2004 KTM 250SX


Was the bike to blame? Was Grant? Was it the R&D department in Mattighofen?

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2019 SMOKERS


Looking for a smoker? You came to the right place. This is MXA’s performance guide to the 2019 two-strokes (which in most cases means the 2020 two-stroke models also)

KTM 150 XC W TPI 2020

FIRST LOOK! 2020 KTM 150, 250 & 300XC-W TPI BIKES AND 350 & 500XCF-W MODELS


KTM added the 150XC-W two-stroke to the fuel injected list for 2020

2020 KTM 250sx

FIRST LOOK! 2020 KTM FOUR-STROKE, TWO-STROKE, FUEL-INJECTED & MINI MODELS


Plus, totally re-defined and refined fuel-injected KTM 250 & 300 fuel-injected XC models

2004 KTM 250SX

ON THE RECORD: COMPLETE TEST OF THE 2004 KTM 250SX


It’s no secret that we didn’t like this bike very much in 2003. It finished last in MXA’s 2003 250cc shootout. Find out if the 2004 KTM 250SX was any better

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2019 KTM 250SX


On motocross bikes it is human nature to believe that change is good, but that isn’t always the case

2019 KTM 250SX

MXA FIRST RIDE VIDEO: 2019 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


KTM has made a few changes to the 250 two-stroke for 2019. You will be surprised with the results

WE RIDE DENNIS STAPLETON’S 2018 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


Built for the 2018 World Two-Stroke Championship, but perfect for any two-stroke aficianado, Dennis tells the whole story

ON THE RECORD: COMPLETE TEST OF THE 2000 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


What was wrong with the 2000 KTM 250SX engine? Just about everything. It has a lazy powerband that begs for an odometer and route chart.

WE TEST KTM250

MXA MOTOCROSS RACE TEST: 2018 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


The gun-and-run style of power, with its need to shift on the bubble, was awesome for skilled two-stroke racers. It was just a little too high maintenance for the less skilled, but there are cheap cures

MXA VIDEO: DENNIS STAPLETON’S TWO-STROKE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP KTM 250SX


For the 2018 MTA Two-Stroke World Championships we built up our 2018 KTM 250SX two-stroke for the race

MXA RIDES KTM’S 2018 FUEL-INJECTED TWO-STROKE AT THE IRON GIANT


You may not like the idea, but it might save the two-stroke

MXA RACE TEST: 2017 KTM 250SX — THE TWO-STROKE STEPS UP


Real tests for real people — if that’s you

FIRST LOOK! UP CLOSE WITH THE 2017 KTM’S


KTM aims high and hits their target

MXA 250 TWO-STROKE SHOOTOUT: HUSKY, KTM & YAMAHA


The battle of the New Old Stock (NOS)

MXA’S TWO-STROKE FILES: JODY WEISEL’S KTM 250SX


One man’s take on a Katoom two-stroke

2015 MXA 250 TWO-STROKE SHOOTOUT: TC250 vs. 250SX vs. YZ250


We line the smokers up and run them down

WE RIDE RIDE DEREK HOWERTON’S KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE


Son of the Rhinestone Cowboy

FIRST LOOK! 2015 KTM LINE-UP: ITS MASSIVE & IT’S COMPLETE


KTM sells more dirt bikes because they make more

INSIDE SECRETS OF BUILDING A MOTO-READY KTM 300XC TWO-STROKE RACER


You live and learn, one dollar at a time. By Jody Weisel The vast majority of my racing life has been spent on two-strokes, but I?m a realist. When the four-stroke revolution came along, I didn?t feel a need to fight it. I have said many times that, if I weren?t a motorcycle test rider, I would be racing a Yamaha YZ250 two-stroke. However, my lot in life is to race and test what’s put before me, and, increasingly, since the four-stroke revolution began in 1998 and went full complement in 2006, the bikes…

MXA’S 2014 KTM 250SX MOTOCROSS TEST: THE KING OF TWO-STROKES HAS NO RIVALS FOR THE THRONE


FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2014 KTM 250SX BETTER THAN THE 2013 KTM 250SX? A: Yes. Unlike the Japanese manufacturers, the Austrians haven?t sat on their two-stroke designs. The KTM 250SX two-stroke has benefitted from every major chassis, brake, frame and cosmetic mod that the KTM 250SXF, 350SXF and 450SXF four-strokes have gotten. And, the changes they made for 2014 are all subject to interpretation. Q: WHAT CHANGES DID KTM MAKE TO THE 2014 ENGINE? A: The biggest news is that KTM switched from Moto Tass…

TWO-STROKE VERSUS FOUR-STROKE: 2012 KTM 250SXF VS 2012 KTM 250SX


And in this corner…the 2012 KTM 250SX two-stroke. The MXA wrecking crew can make one promise with this shootout: a KTM is going to win. In truth, this is the best two-stroke versus four-stroke comparison possible. Why? Both the KTM 250SX two-stroke and KTM 250SXF are brand-new models. They have been updated every year for the past five years?and they aren?t apples and oranges. This is as clear-cut and as accurate a head-to-head comparison can get. These are both brand-new, modern, up-to-date machines….

MXA TEAM TESTED: KREFT KTM 250/300 POWERDIAL POWER-VALVE ADJUSTER


WHAT IS IT? The Kreft PowerDial is an easy-to-install KTM 250/300 power-valve adjuster. It replaces the stock KTM system so that adjustments can be made in seconds. WHAT’S IT COST? $89.95 (black), $98.95 (Gold). CONTACT? www.kreftmoto.com or (970) 403-2715. WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Kreft PowerDial. (1) Function. The Kreft PowerDial makes it possible to adjust the spring preload on the KTM 250/300 power valve without tools. In fact, we could pull over to the side o…

KTM DOES IT AGAIN: ALL-NEW 2014 KTM 250R TWO-STROKE TRAIL BIKE


Even though the KTM Freeride trail bike models are not available in the USA, KTM’s decision to add a completely new two-stroke model to their lineup takes us back to the days of purpose-built trail bikes?which petered out as motocross machinery got more sophisticated. Powered by a detuned 250 EXC two-stroke engine that is four pounds lighter than the EXC version (even though it has an electric starter), the 250R engine is tuned for torque instead of peak horsepower. The Freeride 250R’s engine has brand-…

MXA MID-SIZED SHOOTOUT: WHICH IS BEST? A 125 TWO-STROKE, 250 FOUR-STROKE OR 250 TWO-STROKE


  Not every rider is alike. There are riders who like the snap of a 250cc two-stroke, those who prefer to wring the guts out of a wide-open 125cc tiddler, and a third group that craves the abundant vibes of a 250cc four-stroke. The MXA wrecking crew decided to round up all three of these bikes and compare them head to head. Now, you might be wondering why we didn?t include a 450cc four-stroke in the comparison. The answer is simple: very few riders are trying to decided between a 450cc bike and a s…

MXA TEAM TESTED: NIHILO CONCEPTS KTM FENDER ADAPTER


WHAT IS IT? There is nothing worse for the racer of an older model than to have the factory come out with a completely new look for the latest production bike. It was bad enough that you were racing an old bike, but now the new model makes it look even older. This happened to KTM owners when the 2013 models came with the all-new I-beam front fender. It was instantly recognizable, which made the lack of it even more obvious. The Nihilo Concepts fender kit allows the new fender to retrofit onto 2009??2012…

2014 KTM MOTOCROSS MODELS ? 85SX,125SX, 150SX, 250SXF, 350SXF, 450SXF


2014 450SXF The KTM 450 SX-F  has new engine case to reduce weight. The piston has been mod i fied for more durability, the DDS clutch get a 280 Nm clutch spring and a new three-layer cylinder head gasket to increase durability. The 450 SXF also features a lightened camshaft with a strengthened auto-decompression mechanism. 2014 350SXF All 2014 KTM models get a revised chain guide for more reliability and less weight. There is a new front brake lever, actuator and reservoir. The saddles have new fo…

MXA’S 2013 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE MOTOCROSS TEST: BEST IN CLASS…YOU BET!


Q: FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2013 KTM 250SX BETTER THAN THE 2012 KTM 250SX? A: Yes, wholeheartedly yes. It is hard to keep track of all of the changes that KTM keeps making to the 250SX two-stroke. But, the changes they made for 2013 are all on the good side of the ledger. To understand the changes to the 2013 model, you need to trace the last four years of the 250SX’s development. Q: WHAT WAS NEW ON THE 2010 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE? A: Equipped with no-link, single-sided rear suspension, the 2010 wasn?t …

HOW TO BUILD THE ULTIMATE KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE: YES, IT DOES HAVE WORKS SHOWA SUSPENSION ON IT


By Billy Musgrave I must admit that I inherited MXA ‘s KTM 250SX project bike by default. I was third in line, but eventually the end user. Jody had started the project originally, but he had other assignments and handed it over to my father, Willy Musgrave. I took over the project when my dad crashed at Glen Helen and broke his collarbone. It might seem mercenary, but it was a lucky break for me. I have been racing MXA ‘s 125 and 150 two-strokes for many years. Occasionally, I would get assigned to a 2…

FIRST LOOK! 2013 HUSABERG MODEL LINE-UP WITH A 250 FOUR, 350 FOUR, 450 FOUR, 501 FOUR, 125 TWO, 250 TWO & 300 TWO


From the new frame and the second generation of the polyamide subframe to the new bodywork and new WP closed-cartridge fork with patented four-chamber technology, no stone remains unturned when it comes to the chassis. The new double-cradle central tube frame made from lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel profiles impresses with high torsional stiffness for precise cornering characteristics and high tracking stability and, at the same time, supports the rear suspension by absorbing energy created by rear…

2013 KTM MOTOCROSS BIKES: 50SX, 65SX, 85SX, 125/150SX, 250SX, 350SXF & 450SXF


2013 KTM 125/150SX Benefiting mostly from the plastic, chassis and running gear changes (shared among every model), the 125SX and 150SX do not get any engine mods for 2013. 2013 KTM 250SX The 2013 two-strokes get U.S. spec suspension settings, including the shorter shock lengths for the first time. Additionally, the 250SX get stiffer fork springs, DDS (Damped Diaphragm Steel) clutch, Moto Tassinari VForce4 reed block and all-orange plastic. The two-strokes do not get the stiffer head tube reinforcing or…

2012 250 DYNO SHOOTOUT! HOW MUCH HORSEPOWER DO THE 2012 250s REALLY MAKE: WE REVEAL THE INNER SECRETS OF THE 2012 POWERBANDS


The MXA wrecking crew spends the majority of its test time racing and riding brand-new production motorcycles, but early on in each test session every bike gets its day on the dyno. It really isn?t all that revealing because by the time its strapped down it has already been ridden to break in the engine, seat the muffler packing and get a feel for where it rates. Test riders form their opinions in the saddle and rely on the dyno numbers to reinforce what they already know. When the dyno numbers are spit…

MXA’S 2012 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE MOTOCROSS TEST: THIS IS THE KING OF ALL SMOKERS


2012 KTM 250SX: There was a time when the Yamaha YZ250 two-stroke could compete on equal terms with the KTM 250SX, but in the last two years the six-year-old YZ has been surpassed by KTM’s superior engineering. Q: FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2012 KTM 250SX BETTER THAN THE 2011 KTM 250SX? A: Yes and no. Yes, because it is new, has linkage and benefits from KTM’s yearly upgrades. No, because the 2011 KTM 250SX works virtually the same (and some MXA test riders preferred the ?11 to the ?12). Q: WHAT IS THE …

TWO-STROKE TEST: WE TURN OUR KTM 250SX INTO A KTM 300SX BIG-BORE


As the niche marketing specialist of dirt bike manufacturers, KTM has a wider variety of models than Baskin-Robbins has flavors. However, the model you won?t see at your KTM dealership is a motocross-specific Open class two-stroke. The KTM 300XC (cross-country) model is close, but ultimately not as good as the 300SX kit for racing. After spending a couple years holding our own against 450s and blowing the doors off 250Fs on our aged 2010  KTM 250SX , the MXA wrecking crew’s primitive instincts took…

MXA 250 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT: 2011 KTM 250SX VS. 2011 YAMAHA YZ250 TWO-STROKE


2011 KTM 250SX. No offense to Kawasaki, Suzuki and Honda, but they aren?t included in this 2011 shootout because they don?t make 250cc two-stroke motocross bikes ( although Suzuki does sell its 2008 RM250 overseas…and has it listed on their American website for 2012 at $6099 ). Husqvarna, Gas Gas, TM and Maico do, but in the battle for showroom dominance, the Yamaha YZ250 and KTM 250SX are the main players. So, it was only natural that the MXA wrecking crew would take these high-profile 250cc two-stro…

2011 KTM 250SX MOTOCROSS TEST: NOT A WARMED-OVER BNG BIKE, BUT A TOTALLY NEW TWO-STROKE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION


Q: FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2011 KTM 250SX BETTER THAN THE 2010 KTM 250SX? A: Yes. KTM has consistently modernized their two-strokes with chassis updates, stylish aesthetic changes and two-stroke-specific tweaks.   Q: WHAT CHANGES DID KTM MAKE TO THE 2011 250SX? A: Here are the six areas that KTM focused on for the new model year:     (1) Cylinder . KTM redesigned the cylinder with a lower exhaust port (about 1mm) to improve bottom-end power. The lower flap height of the power valv…

FRIDAY’S USED MOTOCROSS BIKE GUIDE: HOW TO SETUP YOUR 2010 KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE:


This is the 2010 KTM 250SX the way the MXA test crew raced it. As a rule, we don?t go for exotic or expensive mods, but if push comes to shove, we will seek competent help (no matter how much it costs). Use MXA’s mods as a guide. Handlebars. Taller MXA test riders felt that the handlebars were too low. We opted for the economical choice and got taller bar clamps from KTM’s parts catalog. These were about $25, versus handlebars at about $90.     Forks. Unlike KTM’s SXF four-stroke models, the K…

2012 NEW MOTOCROSS BIKE BUYERS GUIDE: THE 2012 KTM TWO-STROKES; THE 125SX, 150SX & 250SX


KTM takes two-strokes seriously and it is showing in their sales charts?KTM sells more two-strokes that some Japanese brands sell of all of their motocross bikes. So you can’t fault the Austrians for investing more money into the 2012 KTM two-strokes: (1) The KTM 125SX will return to the KTM line-up. It had been dropped several years ago when the 150SX was introduced. Now, KTM believes that the revitalized interest will fuel an increase in 125cc sales. (2) KTM’s 150SX is an iconic machine that has found…

REAL TESTS! 2010 MXA RACE TEST OF THE KTM 250SX TWO-STROKE:


Q: FIRST AND FOREMOST, IS THE 2010 KTM 250SX BETTER THAN THE 2009 KTM 250SX? A: Yes. KTM has a reputation for making constant upgrades to their bikes. The 2010 KTM 250SX does not obsolete the 2009 model, but it is incrementally better.   Q: WHAT DID KTM CHANGE ON THE 250SX FOR 2010? A: KTM has more different models of dirt bikes than any other manufacturer. So when they make changes to a new model, the changes can be broken down into two types. First, there are the ?brand-specific? changes. These a…

NEXT YEAR’S BIKES TODAY! FIRST LOOK AT THE 2011 KTM MOTOCROSS BIKES:


The 2011 KTM 350SXF will soak up the media limelight for the next model year. Mike Alessi will race the hybrid in the AMA 450 Nationals, starting this weekend at Hangtown. [Press Release from KTM]     The new SX generation contains the concentrated know-how of a highly modern Development department combined with the knowledge of a racing department which has been very successful for many years and led by ten-time World Champion Stefan Everts.     Since the beginning of deve…

MOTOCROSS ACTION PRODUCT TEST: RACE TECH KTM TELESCOPIC COMPRESSION NEEDLE:


WHAT IS IT? Race Tech’s Telescopic Compression Needle is a performance modification for WP’s PDS shock (which comes stock on all KTMs). It is designed to provide a more progressive compression stroke. WHAT’S IT COST? $119.99 (needle), $79.99 (TSPS T-handle tool), $110.00 (labor). CONTACT? www.racetech.com or (951) 279-6655. WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with Race Tech’s Telescopic Compression Needle. (1) Idea. Race Tech feels that the standard compression needle in KTM’s WP sho…

FIRST LOOK AT THE TWENTY-TEN KTM 150SX, 250SX, 250SXF & 450SXF:


THE 450SXF GETS NEW FRAME GEOMETRY, LOWER SEAT HEIGHT, WORKS BRAKES AND FIVE SPEED TRANNY                     2010 KTM 50SX     (1) The 2010 KTM 50SX and 50SX Mini get new ignition covers with improved sealing for wet weather riding.     (2) The 2010 KTM 50SX and 50SX Mini benefit from the improved reliability of a new one-piece clutch hub and primary gear.     (3) The 2…