Quick Analysis
KTM 85 SX
1.0 pts
Unweighted: 2 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
KTM 250 SX-F
29.0 pts
Unweighted: 16 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid cooling (0.8L) | Liquid cooled |
| Displacement | 84.9 cc | 249.9 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine |
| Power | 15.5 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 46.1 bhp @ 13900 rpm |
| Torque | 14 Nm @ 8500 rpm | 26.5 Nm @ 9500 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.2 L | 7.2 L |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | 40 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | approx. 67 kg (without fuel) | 104 kg |
| Seat Height | 865 mm | 958 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual Channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 240 mm | Disc 260 mm |
| Front Suspension | XACT 43 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 43 mm | WP XACT-USD (AER), Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Brake | Disc 220 mm | Disc 220 mm |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP PDS mono shock | WP XACT Monoshock with linkage |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 70/100 - 17 | 80/100 - 21 |
| Rear Tyre | 90/100 - 14 | 110/90 - 19 |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Alloy |
Other Specifications |
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| Color Options | Orange | Orange |
| Cons | Not road legal and suitable only for off-road tracks. High maintenance due to 2-stroke engine rebuilds. Kick-start only, no electric start option. Relatively expensive compared to other youth dirt bikes. Small fuel tank limits long riding sessions. | High Power-to-Weight Ratio: The 249.9 cc 4-stroke engine produces very strong power, and the bike is quite light — making it very agile and fast. Advanced Electronics: Comes with launch control, two engine maps, traction control, and quickshifter — very race-oriented features. Premium Suspension: Uses WP XACT forks and rear shock (310 mm / 300 mm travel) that are very capable for jumps and rough track terrain. Excellent Chassis Flex & Control: Updated frame in newer models improves flex, which helps in cornering and gives more control. Electric Start: Equipped with a self-starter (lithium-ion battery), which is very handy on the track. Strong Brakes & Clutch: Uses Brembo hydraulics for the clutch and good brake setup — helps with precise control under race conditions. Good for Track Riders: Designed for serious motocross use — responsive, fast, and optimized for racing-style riding. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 85 SX is one of the most popular and respected youth motocross bikes in the world, designed specifically for young riders who are ready to take the next big step toward competitive racing. More than just a beginner’s off-road bike, the 85 SX brings true race-bred DNA from KTM’s full-size SX lineup, giving upcoming racers the opportunity to experience high-level performance at an early age. With its sharp power delivery, lightweight design, and premium components, the bike is built to help young riders improve skills and confidently tackle motocross tracks. At the heart of the KTM 85 SX lies its 84.9cc 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, which is known for delivering punchy power and rapid acceleration. The powervalve system ensures that the engine produces strong torque across the rev range, making the bike easier to control while still offering impressive performance. Whether riders are attacking tight corners or hitting long straights, the engine responds crisply and delivers the thrilling character 2-strokes are known for. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, the bike offers smooth shifting and plenty of flexibility for both beginners and experienced youth racers. One of the standout features of the 85 SX is its lightweight chassis, made with high-strength chromoly steel. This frame not only enhances stability but also ensures precise handling, allowing riders to maneuver confidently through jumps, whoops, and rough terrain. The ergonomics are thoughtfully designed to fit young riders, offering a slim body that allows easy movement, better grip, and improved control during aggressive riding. Suspension is another area where KTM excels, and the 85 SX is no exception. It comes equipped with WP XACT suspension, featuring an AER air fork at the front and a fully adjustable shock absorber at the rear. This setup provides excellent damping, great response on jumps, and impressive support on uneven surfaces. Riders can also fine-tune the suspension to match their weight, riding style, and track conditions — something rarely seen in youth motocross bikes. The bike also features powerful disc brakes on both ends, giving young riders the confidence to brake hard into corners. The wave-style discs help with heat dissipation, which is especially important during long practice sessions or competitive races. Lightweight wheels, grippy motocross tyres, and a race-focused design further enhance the overall performance package. In terms of ergonomics, the KTM 85 SX is designed to feel like a miniature version of the bigger SX bikes. The seat height, handlebar position, and narrow bodywork all work together to provide comfort while promoting proper riding posture. This allows young riders to develop good habits early in their riding journey. Overall, the KTM 85 SX is a bike built for serious young racers who want real performance, durability, and race-ready features. With its responsive engine, excellent suspension, strong brakes, and lightweight build, it stands out as one of the top choices in the youth motocross segment. Whether used for training or competition, the 85 SX gives riders a true taste of professional motocross performance. | The KTM 250 SX‑F is a purpose-built motocross machine that combines race-ready performance, lightweight agility, and advanced electronics to deliver an exhilarating experience for serious off-road riders. As part of KTM’s renowned motocross lineup, the 250 SX‑F is designed for track dominance, providing the perfect balance of power, handling, and precision for competitive riding. Its 249.9 cc, four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is tuned to deliver strong, high-revving power that is immediately responsive to throttle inputs. This makes it exceptionally capable on tight corners, jumps, and technical track sections, giving riders a confident and aggressive edge in race situations. One of the standout features of the 250 SX‑F is its lightweight chassis. The bike benefits from KTM’s proprietary trellis frame, which offers a perfect blend of stiffness and controlled flex. This results in excellent stability at high speeds while also allowing precise feedback through the handlebars and footpegs. The frame’s low weight, combined with the compact engine, ensures the bike is agile and easy to maneuver—qualities that are especially important when navigating tight motocross tracks or technical off-road terrain. The overall kerb weight remains impressively low, which reduces rider fatigue and enhances the bike’s responsiveness. The 250 SX‑F’s suspension system is another highlight. It features WP XACT 48 mm inverted front forks and a WP XACT rear shock with linkage, delivering around 310 mm of front travel and 300 mm of rear travel. This setup allows the bike to absorb big jumps, handle rough terrain, and maintain traction even under extreme stress. Both the forks and the rear shock are fully adjustable, enabling riders to fine-tune the bike for their preferred riding style or track conditions. The combination of suspension, frame geometry, and lightweight design makes the KTM 250 SX‑F exceptionally capable at both high-speed sections and technical, slower parts of the track. Modern electronics further enhance the riding experience. The 250 SX‑F is equipped with launch control, which optimizes starts and reduces wheel spin. Additionally, it offers selectable engine maps and traction control, providing riders with the ability to adapt the bike’s power delivery to track conditions or personal preference. The inclusion of a quickshifter enables seamless clutchless gear changes, maintaining momentum during aggressive racing. While minimal compared to street motorcycles, these electronic aids give riders an advantage without sacrificing the raw, track-focused feel that motocross enthusiasts demand. The ergonomics of the 250 SX‑F are designed with performance in mind. A tall seat height, wide handlebars, and a compact, upright riding position make it ideal for both sitting and standing on the pegs, which is essential for maneuvering over rough terrain and jumps. The bike also features an electric start, a convenience that eliminates the need for kick-starting and enhances usability on the track. Despite its racing pedigree, the 250 SX‑F comes with some compromises. Its fuel tank is relatively small, limiting the bike’s range to short race sessions rather than long trail rides. Maintenance is more frequent compared to casual dirt bikes, as high-performance components require careful attention. The tall seat height may also challenge shorter riders, and its race-oriented suspension can feel harsh on less demanding trails. In summary, the KTM 250 SX‑F is a high-performance motocross machine designed for riders who demand precision, agility, and race-ready power. Lightweight, technologically advanced, and built with competition in mind, it offers an exhilarating experience for those seeking to dominate motocross tracks. It is not a casual trail bike, but for dedicated racers and serious off-road enthusiasts, it stands out as one of the most capable and exciting 250-class motocross motorcycles on the market. |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 18–20 kmpl (may vary as it’s an off-road motocross bike). Q: What is the engine capacity? A: The KTM 85 SX comes with an 84.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is approximately 850 mm. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is around 110 km/h, depending on rider and terrain. Q: Does the KTM 85 SX have electric start? A: No, it comes with a kick-start mechanism. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 5.2 liters. Q: Is the KTM 85 SX road legal? A: No, it is not road legal as it is designed specifically for motocross/off-road racing. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: It features disc brakes at both front and rear. Q: Is the KTM 85 SX suitable for beginners? A: It is ideal for youth riders transitioning to higher-powered bikes, but not recommended for complete beginners. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The bike weighs approximately 68 kg (dry weight). | Q: What is the engine capacity and type of the KTM 250 SX-F? A: It is powered by a 249.9 cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. Q: How much power and torque does it produce? A: The KTM 250 SX-F produces around 40 PS of power (approximately) — tuned for high-rev motocross performance. Q: What transmission does the 250 SX-F use? A: It uses a 5-speed gearbox. Q: Does the 250 SX-F have an electric starter? A: Yes, the KTM 250 SX-F comes with an electric self-starter, which is very useful for motocross starting. Q: What suspension setup does it have? A: It features WP XACT 48 mm USD forks at the front and a WP XACT linkage rear shock, tuned for motocross performance. Q: What are the brake specifications and ABS on the 250 SX-F? A: The 250 SX-F is fitted with disc brakes front and rear. Since it's a motocross (off-road) bike, it does not typically have road-legality ABS — it's built for track use. Q: What is the seat height and ground clearance? A: The seat height is very high (race-MX spec) — it's designed for standing and aggressive riding on dirt. Ground clearance is also high, optimized for motocross terrain. Q: What is the fuel capacity of the 250 SX-F? A: The fuel tank is relatively small, designed more for race duration than long touring. Q: Does the 250 SX-F come with any electronic rider aids? A: It has selectable engine maps (for different performance characteristics) and traction control, though it's minimal compared to street motorcycles. Q: What kind of instrument or dash does it use? A: The 250 SX-F typically does not use a full digital dash like street bikes — it's race-oriented and focuses on weight savings. Q: Is the 250 SX-F good for both racing and trail riding? A: It’s primarily designed for motocross racing (track use), but experienced off-road riders might use it on trails — performance and setup are more race-oriented than touring. |
| Price Variants | | 669000 | | 958000 |
| Pros | Powerful 2-stroke engine with strong mid-range performance. Lightweight chassis for excellent handling on tracks. Premium WP suspension for smooth jumps and rough terrain. Strong disc brakes offering sharp stopping power. Race-ready ergonomics designed for young motocross riders. | High Power-to-Weight Ratio: The 249.9 cc 4-stroke engine produces very strong power, and the bike is quite light — making it very agile and fast. Advanced Electronics: Comes with launch control, two engine maps, traction control, and quickshifter — very race-oriented features. Premium Suspension: Uses WP XACT forks and rear shock (310 mm / 300 mm travel) that are very capable for jumps and rough track terrain. Excellent Chassis Flex & Control: Updated frame in newer models improves flex, which helps in cornering and gives more control. Electric Start: Equipped with a self-starter (lithium-ion battery), which is very handy on the track. Strong Brakes & Clutch: Uses Brembo hydraulics for the clutch and good brake setup — helps with precise control under race conditions. Good for Track Riders: Designed for serious motocross use — responsive, fast, and optimized for racing-style riding. |
| Starter | Kickstarter | Electric starter |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 5 Speed Manual |
