Quick Analysis
KTM 50 SX
10.0 pts
Unweighted: 4 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
SUZUKI V-STROM 800DE
21.5 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Displacement | 49.9 cc | 776 cm3 |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 5.3 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 83 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 5.2 Nm @ 7500 rpm | 78 Nm @ 6800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 2.3 L | 20 L |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl | 22.7 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 41 kg | 232 kg |
| Seat Height | 653 mm | 855 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc 160 mm | Disc Front Brake 310 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | XACT 35 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 35 mm | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Brake | Disc 160 mm | Disc Front Brake 260 mm Caliper - Rear1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP mono shock | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 60/100 - 12 | 90/90-21M/C 54H |
| Rear Tyre | 2.75 - 10 | 150/70R17M/C 69H |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Other Specifications |
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| Bike Image 1 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstrom800depearltechwhite.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/vstrom800deglasssparkleblack.webp |
| Color Options | Electronic Orange | Glass Sparkle Black Pearl Tech White Champion Yellow |
| Cons | High Maintenance: As a 2-stroke engine, it requires frequent servicing and tuning. Small Fuel Tank: Limited capacity means more frequent refills. Kick-Start Only: No electric start, which can be tricky for very young riders. Limited Power for Older Kids: The 50cc engine may not be enough as the rider grows or becomes more skilled. Sensitive to Tuning: Owners report issues like fouling spark plugs or needing to frequently re-jet the carb: “Used to run great … then started fowling plugs … Moved to a 95 main jet … About 15 kph slower …” Parts Cost & Availability: As a race‑oriented bike, some parts can be expensive or harder to source for older models. | The bike is on the heavier side, which can feel a bit cumbersome in tight spaces or slow-speed city manoeuvres. Its tall seat height may be challenging for shorter riders, especially when stopping on uneven surfaces. The use of tube-type tyres on spoked wheels can be inconvenient during punctures compared to tubeless setups. The handling is tuned more for stability than sharpness, so riders looking for a sporty feel might find it less nimble. Heat from the engine can become noticeable in congested traffic, especially during slow-moving conditions. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 50 SX is a purpose-built mini motocross bike, tailored primarily for very young and beginner racers who want to get a genuine motocross experience without jumping straight to bigger bikes. It’s more than just a “toy” — KTM has packed serious race-bike DNA into this 50cc model, making it a standout choice for youth motocross training and competitive racing. At the heart of the 50 SX is a 49.9 cc single-cylinder 2-stroke engine, which delivers a punchy yet manageable power output. According to KTM’s specs, this engine is paired with a centrifugal automatic clutch, meaning there’s no manual clutch lever to worry about — the clutch engages automatically, which is ideal for young riders still building coordination and confidence. The engine uses a Seletra 2p D36 system for fuel delivery (on some models), which helps in precise tuning and reliable performance. KTM has thoughtfully designed the chassis for both strength and agility. The frame is made from chromoly steel, which keeps it light but sturdy. The overall design ensures that the bike is highly maneuverable, making it easier for young riders to learn balance and control on a real race-ready structure. The 50 SX isn’t just about motor and frame — it comes with serious suspension too: a WP XACT 35 mm upside-down fork at the front and a WP mono‑shock at the rear.The front suspension travel is around 200 mm and the rear is close to 190 mm, giving enough give for track bumps and jumps. In terms of ergonomics, the seat height is just 653 mm, making it very accessible for younger riders. Ground clearance is around 233 mm, giving the bike enough space to handle uneven terrain without scraping too much.The fuel tank capacity is modest — 2.3 liters — but that’s more than enough for short motocross sessions that young riders typically do. For braking, KTM hasn’t compromised: the 50 SX is equipped with disc brakes both front and rear, each 160 mm in size. This provides good stopping power and control, which is very important for safety and learning advanced braking techniques. On the wheels front, the bike uses spoke wheels, keeping things light and rugged for off-road racing. Despite its small size, the 50 SX is very race-focused. The frame has been redesigned to mimic the flex and rigidity characteristics of full-size MX bikes. The new frame also comes with frame protectors, which help reduce damage in case of falls — a common occurrence when young riders are learning. The handlebars are lightweight aluminum, with a bend that suits smaller riders, and the footpegs are designed to give a solid grip even when things get muddy or rough. KTM also includes power-reduction kits in its parts catalog for the 50 SX. These kits let parents or coaches limit the power output while the rider is still learning, which is a smart way to scale the bike’s performance to the rider’s ability — and once they’re better, the full power can be unlocked. When it comes to reliability, the 50 SX has a liquid cooling system for better thermal management. The engine’s central crankshaft design helps in keeping the mass well-balanced, which contributes to smoother handling. As for maintenance, like all 2-stroke motorcycles, it does need regular care — but KTM has made key parts (like the clutch) durable, using a reinforced clutch basket for longevity. Overall, the KTM 50 SX is a very well-engineered youth motocross bike that brings real race performance to younger riders. It balances power, weight, and control in a way that helps beginners grow into serious racers. Whether for track training, competitive racing, or just building early riding skills, it’s absolutely one of the top choices in the mini-moto world. | Riding the V-Strom 800 DE leaves you with a strong sense that this is a motorcycle built for doing many things well — commuting, weekend rides, long highway runs or even dirt-trail adventures — rather than specialising only in one. Its heart is a 776 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin engine. That numbers to a mid-displacement motorcycle, but thanks to a 270° crankshaft and a long-stroke configuration (bore and stroke of 84.0 mm × 70.0 mm), the engine delivers a smooth yet torquey character rather than a high-revving, buzzy one. What this means on real roads is confidence: from slow city traffic to winding country roads, the bike responds with a satisfying blend of tractable low- and mid-range pull, making it easier to ride whether you are carrying luggage, a pillion, or simply cruising solo. The compact engine design also helps the bike keep good weight balance — a useful quality when manoeuvring in tighter spots or when riding on uneven terrain. The transmission is a 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox, and paired with the built-in bi-directional quick-shift system. For the rider, this translates to smoother shifts — upshifts or downshifts — often without needing to use the clutch lever when you’re on the move. In real-world riding, that means less fuss in city traffic or during spirited overtakes, and a more seamless connection with the road, especially on long rides. What gives the V-Strom 800 DE its true “adventure-tourer” character is the chassis and suspension setup: a sturdy steel frame with a lightweight aluminum swingarm, 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel on spoke rims, and suspension designed to handle more than just smooth asphalt. The front end uses inverted telescopic forks (coil-spring, oil-damped), while the rear is a link-type mono-shock (coil-spring, oil-damped) with adjustable preload — handy when carrying a passenger or luggage. With a ground clearance of 220 mm, long wheelbase, and geometry tuned for stability, the V-Strom handles gravel, rough village roads or uneven tarmac with unexpected composure. The suspension’s travel and forgiving nature mean that long hours in the saddle — even on imperfect roads — remain reasonably comfortable, while still offering the control you need when the pace picks up or when cornering hard. On the road, the bike’s size and weight give it a stable, planted feel. Measuring about 2,345 mm in length, 975 mm in width and 1,310 mm in height, with a 1,570 mm wheelbase and a seat height of 855 mm, the V-Strom feels substantial — but in a “reassuring-presence” way, rather than “bulky and unwieldy.” Its kerb weight sits at around 232 kg. That might sound hefty, but the way the bike is balanced and the distribution of mass make a noticeable difference: at speed, it rides with composure and stability; while at low speeds or stop-and-go traffic, the low-to-mid torque helps keep it manageable. Yes — parking or tight U-turns will ask a bit of care, but once you’re moving the bike feels surprisingly agile for its size. Braking is handled via disc brakes at both ends — twin discs up front, a disc at the rear, with dual-channel ABS (and the option to cancel rear ABS when riding off-road). That means you have confidence whenever you need to scrub speed — on twisty downhill curves, sudden city brakes, or uneven off-road patches. The ABS modes give flexibility: less intrusive on gravel or dirt, firmer when on asphalt. From a rider-aid and convenience perspective, the V-Strom 800 DE stands well above basic bikes. A 5-inch colour TFT instrument cluster sits front and centre, delivering clear and rich info — speed, revs, riding modes, navigation data, alerts — in a modern, intuitive layout. Day/night modes make it readable in varying light conditions. Lighting around the bike is all LED: stacked hexagonal headlamps, LED position/taillight, turn indicators — bright, efficient and giving a modern visage. There’s even a USB (DC) outlet built into the console — useful on long rides for charging phones or powering navigation accessories. The windscreen, adjustable in three positions, does a decent job of deflecting wind and debris, and combined with upright handlebar geometry and a comfortable seat (flat enough for long hours, yet shaped to let the rider reach the ground easily) the bike stays comfortable in touring mode. Pillion comfort and luggage-mount capacity are taken care of too, with sturdy footpegs, grab bars and a rear carrier ready for top-case mount. Fuel tank capacity — 20 litres — adds to its touring credentials. That’s enough to build a healthy riding range between fill-ups, especially on highways or during longer trips. The fuel-injected engine with its tuning tends to give a balanced mix of efficiency and usable power; while aggressive throttle will affect fuel economy, at gentle to moderate riding it remains reasonable, making the bike practical as a daily commuter or long-haul tourer. What all this boils down to is a motorcycle that aims to be a “do-everything” companion — comfortable enough for daily use, robust enough for light off-road or gravel exploration, capable enough for long highway runs, and refined enough for city commuting or touring. The V-Strom 800 DE doesn’t insist you commit fully to one type of riding — instead it offers flexibility: the same bike plays a safe role in rush-hour traffic or scenic getaways, highway cruising or dirt-path diversion, solo ride or two-up with luggage. Of course, this flexibility comes with some trade-offs. The seat height and weight make it a bit demanding for shorter or new riders, especially at slow speeds or when parked. The spoked wheels with tube-style tyres — while offering durability and off-road resilience — may not deliver the same instant handling feedback or lower maintenance ease as tubeless tyres, especially under heavy touring load or when puncture repair is needed. And because it’s built for a variety of roles, it doesn’t feel like a razor-sharp sportbike or a hardcore off-roader — but that is by design. The V-Strom 800 DE is not about extremes; it’s about balance. If you imagine yourself as someone who wants a single motorcycle that does many things — commuter, weekend ride, highway tourer, occasional off-road explorer — the V-Strom 800 DE makes a strong case. It’s less about chasing top-end thrill and more about offering a reliable, enjoyable and well-rounded riding experience, day in and day out. And that is precisely where it shines — the everyday adventure that doesn’t ask for compromises. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the engine capacity of the KTM 50 SX? A: It has a 49.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What kind of transmission does it use? A: The KTM 50 SX has a single-speed automatic transmission. Q: How is the KTM 50 SX started? A: It uses a kick-start. Q: Does it have a clutch? A: Yes — a centrifugal (adjustable) clutch, so the rider doesn’t have to use a manual clutch lever. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 2.3 litres. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is 653 mm. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The dry (or “without fuel”) weight is about 43.5 kg for recent models. Q: What kind of suspension does the KTM 50 SX use? A: It comes with WP XACT suspension — a 35 mm upside-down fork in the front and a WP mono-shock at the rear. Q: What brakes does it have? A: It has disc brakes both at the front and rear, each 160 mm. Q: What power does the KTM 50 SX produce? A: The KTM 50 SX produces around 5.3–5.4 PS at ~11,500 rpm. Q: Is the KTM 50 SX road legal? A: No — it's designed for off-road / motocross use, not for street-legal riding. Q: What kind of clutch does it have for young riders? A: It uses a centrifugal clutch, which automatically engages at high RPM — good for beginners or young riders who don’t manually operate a clutch. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: The ground clearance is 233 mm. Q: Is there a guarantee or warranty for KTM 50 SX? A: According to specs, it has a 2-year standard warranty. Q: What is the typical maintenance challenge or issue to watch for? A: Some owners report carburetor tuning issues | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 22–25 kmpl in real-world mixed riding. Q: What is the engine capacity? A: It is powered by a 776cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. Q: How much power does it produce? A: It produces roughly 82–84 PS of power. Q: What is the torque output? A: The torque is about 78 Nm, delivered in a smooth, usable mid-range. Q: Does it come with a quickshifter? A: Yes, it has a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. Q: What type of suspension does the bike use? A: It uses long-travel, fully adjustable suspension designed for off-road and rough-road riding. Q: What are the wheel sizes? A: The bike runs a 21-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel. Q: Does it have traction control? A: Yes, it has a multi-level traction control system, including a gravel/off-road-friendly mode. Q: Does the bike come with riding modes? A: Yes, it offers multiple power delivery modes to suit different riding conditions. Q: What is the ground clearance? A: It offers tall ground clearance, giving it strong off-road capability (around 220 mm). Q: Does it have ABS? A: Yes, it features dual-channel ABS with selectable modes. Q: Is this bike good for long-distance touring? A: Yes, the comfortable ergonomics, smooth engine, and long-travel suspension make it ideal for long rides and adventure touring. Q: Is the V-Strom 800DE beginner-friendly? A: It is manageable for confident riders, but its weight and power make it better suited for riders with some experience. |
| Fuel System | — | Fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 475000 | | 1100763 |
| Pros | Very Lightweight: Makes it easy for young riders to handle and build confidence. Automatic Transmission: The centrifugal clutch and automatic gearbox simplify riding for beginners. Adjustable Suspension: High-quality WP fork and shock can be tuned to rider weight and track conditions. Racing‑Oriented Build: Frame and components are derived from KTM’s full-size SX range, giving a race-ready feel. Power-Reduction Kits Available: Helps beginners by limiting power until they’re ready for more. Good Cooling: Liquid cooling ensures the engine stays healthy even under hard off‑road use. Tool-Free Adjustability: Seat height, suspension, and other parts can be adjusted without special tools. | The 776cc parallel-twin engine has a very strong mid-range, making the bike effortless to ride both in the city and on long highway stretches. The long-travel, fully adjustable suspension gives it excellent comfort on broken roads and makes rough-patch riding feel natural and controlled. The upright ergonomics, wide handlebars, and supportive seat make it extremely comfortable for touring, even over long distances. The 21-inch front wheel and generous ground clearance give it real off-road confidence compared to typical road-biased adventure bikes. It comes well-equipped with modern features like a bi-directional quickshifter, riding modes, traction control, and a clear digital display. Stability at high speeds is impressive, giving riders a sense of confidence on open roads. |
| Starter | — | Electric |
| Transmission | Manual | 6-speed |
