KTM North America has revealed its 2016 lineup of SX-F motocross models, and as expected the bikes are very similar to the 2015 Factory Edition models we started to see last December. Compared to the 2015 SX-F line, the bikes offer completely new engines, chassis, and suspension, with drastic increases in power, reductions in weight, and improvements in handling. David Pingree got to ride the 2015 450 Factory Edition and 250 Factory Edition bikes recently and was impressed by both. We expect the regular 2016 SX-F models to offer similar traits.
All three four-stroke SX-F models—the 250, 350, and 450—boast new, lighter, and more compact engines wrapped in new frames. A steeper head angle and shorter wheelbase promises improved cornering, but optimized frame rigidity and geometry are supposed to keep stability in tact. The bikes also feature new lithium-ion batteries that weigh just 1.1 pounds, similar to the aftermarket units everyone would usually fit to their bikes. KTM claims a weight of 220 pounds for the 205SX-F (about five pounds less than the 2015 SX-F), 223 pounds for the 350 SX-F (about seven pounds less than the 2015 SX-F) and 224 pounds for the 450SX-F (over 10 pounds lighter than the 2015 SX-F).
KTM continues to pour big development work into its two-stroke line as well, as both the 125 SX and 150 SX feature all-new engines which are lighter and more powerful, and fit them into chassis with similar improvements to the new four-strokes. Each bike weighs just 197 pounds! The two-stroke 250 SX continues with small refinements.
Here are official photos and information from KTM on each bike.
450 SX-F
If asked for maximum power there is no other way but the KTM 450 SX-F. This model has proven itself in championships around the world over the years. Thanks to its compact SOHC engine that delivers explosive but controllable power, it is the weapon of choice for the US KTM Factory Team’s successful 2013 and 2014 AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships and 2015 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. For 2016 the 450 SX-F presents itself with an all new chassis and engine, reducing overall weight 10.7 pounds making the new model even easier to ride. All the while, setting a new benchmark of 62hp in terms of peak power. The 2016 KTM 450 SX-F is the lightest, fastest 450 MX bike on the track, consider the game changed.
Engine
- The new 450 SX-F engine design is more compact, lighter and provides higher performance throughout the entire range of power
- New engine cases redesigned to centralize the rotating mass of the crankshaft and clutch and reduce overall length and width
- Completely reworked Keihin Engine Management System with new 44mm throttle body featuring a lightweight direct-connect design
- New electronic Launch Control for efficient starts and multiple engine maps to control the overall power delivery
- New cylinder head combustion chamber geometry, optimized ports, shorter timing chain and friction reduced chain guides for improved power and reduced weight
- New 6mm shorter cylinder, lightweight piston connected to a shorter con-rod and a crankshaft with 10% more inertia contribute to the compact design, light engine feel and massive power
- New lighter 5-Speed transmission that is narrower and features a new surface treatment on 1st and 5th gears along with a special lowfriction coating on the shift forks to provide precise and easy shifting
- New “No Dirt” shift lever prevents dirt from fouling the lever joint to ensure proper shifting in any condition
- DDS (Damped Diaphragm Steel) clutch has a new lighter basket along with a reworked inner hub and pressure plate providing better oil supply and improved cooling of the clutch
- New super compact and lightweight 1.1lb Lithium-Ion starter battery
- New WP flow optimized radiator design features a substantial improvement in engine cooling
- New Flow Design Header (FDH) with an integrated sound resonator that is also designed to increase power along with a new lightweight silencer that is 40mm shorter than the previous design for quick throttle response
Chassis
- New lighter Chromoly steel frame provides higher torsional rigidity with less longitudinal stiffness resulting in improved handling and energy absorption
- New smaller, lighter subframe design made with new aluminum profiles
- New lighter swingarm features a revised internal structure to match the new frame characteristics
- New lighter “No Dirt” footpeg design that provides a larger surface area and features a “scraper” to reduce dirt build-up in the hinge
- New CNC machined upper triple clamp featuring a rubber damping system for the new Neken handlebar and ODI lock-on grips
- The advanced WP 4CS (Four Chamber System) Fork has been specifically designed for Motocross and features revised damping settings optimized for the new chassis
- New generation WP shock has been developed in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture including a new linkage/pullrod system
- Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Excel rims and are fitted with Dunlop GEOMAX MX32 tires are standard equipment
- New airbox and airfilter design offers maximum protection for the engine while ensuring maximum airflow and providing quick “no tools” airfilter changes
- New ergonomics and bodywork to centralize mass, improve handling and rider comfort
- The new 2016 450 SX-F weighs only 224.7lbs / 101.9kg
350 SX-F
With the new generation of the 350 SX-F the success story can go on. The dominance with which this machine has won one world championship title after the other is unparalleled. In his first year as KTM factory rider, Antonio “Tony” Cairoli already managed to win the 2010 MX1 World Championship with just 350cc. Ever since, the Red Bull athlete from Sicily dominated the competition in his class at will. The results are five consecutive World Championship titles, won with ease in the top tier of MXGP by Cairoli and the KTM 350 SX-F. Almost as much power as a 450, but the agility of a 250—the basic idea is easily summarized. A concept that has been successful from the start.
For 2016 everything is new: chassis, suspension, bodywork and a more powerful fuel injected engine. The all-new 350 SX-F is even faster also due to an overall weight reduction of 6.8 pounds. An essential point in the new construction was to create even more compact dimensions in order to achieve a more effective centralization of mass for improved rideability.
This combination of low weight, playful agility and a high-revving engine will be again the right machine for Cairoli to defend his title in the new season, since the 350 SX-F provides the ideal characteristics for pros and amateurs alike.
Engine
- The DOHC engine of the 350 SX-F features a completely new construction in order to make it even more compact and powerful.
- New engine cases redesigned to centralize the rotating mass of the crankshaft and clutch while reducing overall length and weight
- Completely reworked Keihin Engine Management System with new 44mm throttle body featuring a lightweight direct-connect design
- New electronic Launch Control for efficient starts and multiple engine maps to control the overall power delivery
- New cylinder head combustion chamber geometry, optimized ports, new camshafts, new timing, new finger followers and new valve springs for improved power and reduced weight
- New lightweight forged bridged box-type piston by CP, new shorter connecting rod mated to a new shorter, stiffer crankshaft contribute to a light engine feel and strong power delivery
- New five-speed transmission features wider gears with a new surface treatment on the second, third and fourth gears along with a special low-friction coating on the shift forks to provide precise and easy shifting
- New “No Dirt” shift lever prevents dirt from fouling the lever joint to ensure proper shifting in any condition
- New CSS (Coil Spring Steel) one-piece clutch that has been completely redesigned for improved oil supply for better cooling, durability and lighter weight
- New super-compact and lightweight 1.1lb Lithium-Ion starter battery
- New WP flow optimized radiator design features a substantial improvement in engine cooling
- New exhaust header and new lightweight silencer are both designed to increase power and contribute to mass centralization
Chassis
- New lighter Chromoly steel frame provides 20 percent higher torsional rigidity with 30 percent less longitudinal stiffness resulting in improved handling and energy absorption
- New smaller, lighter subframe design made with new aluminum profiles
- New lighter swingarm features a revised internal structure to match the new frame characteristics
- New lighter “No Dirt” footpeg design that provides a larger surface area and features a “scraper” to reduce dirt build-up in the hinge
- New CNC machined upper triple clamp featuring a rubber damping system for the new Neken handlebar and ODI lock-on grips
- The advanced WP 4CS (Four Chamber System) Fork has been specifically designed for Motocross and features revised damping settings optimized for the new chassis
- New generation WP shock has been developed in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture including a new linkage/pullrod system
- Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Excel rims fitted with Dunlop GEOMAX MX32 tires are standard equipment
- New airbox and airfilter design offers maximum protection for the engine while ensuring maximum airflow and providing quick “no tools” airfilter changes
- New ergonomics and bodywork centralize mass, improve handling and rider comfort
250 SX-F
The 250 SX-F was once again the world champion in MX2 for 2014 and added a prestigious 2015 AMA Supercross 250SX Championship to its amazing trophy cabinet. The 2014 season was a great success in racing at all levels around the globe, and the remainder of 2015 promises to be no different. Already known for its strong performance, the new generation 250 SX-F presents itself with a newly developed, stronger engine built into an all new chassis. The combination of a powerful engine in a lightweight and agile chassis is sure to make the 250 SX-F the star of the show for the future. The new 250 SX-F, the lightest and best performing bike in its class, is the right choice for both the amateur and professional rider; a winning bike that the competition will find hard to follow.
Engine
- The new 250 SX-F engine design is more compact, lighter and provides higher performance throughout the entire range of power
- New engine cases redesigned to centralize the rotating mass of the crankshaft and clutch while reducing overall length
- Completely reworked Keihin Engine Management System with new 44mm throttle body featuring a lightweight direct-connect design
- New electronic Launch Control for efficient starts and multiple engine maps to control the overall power delivery
- New cylinder head combustion chamber geometry, optimized ports, new camshafts, new timing, new finger followers and new valve springs for improved power and reduced weight
- New lightweight forged bridged box-type piston by CP, new shorter connecting rod mated to a new shorter, stiffer crankshaft contribute to a light engine feel and strong power delivery
- New five-speed transmission features wider gears with a new surface treatment on the second, third and fourth gears along with a special low-friction coating on the shift forks to provide precise and easy shifting
- New “No Dirt” shift lever prevents dirt from fouling the lever joint to ensure proper shifting in any condition
- New CSS (Coil Spring Steel) one-piece clutch that has been completely redesigned for improved oil supply for better cooling, durability and lighter weight
- New super compact and lightweight 1.1lb Lithium-Ion starter battery
- New WP flow optimized radiator design features a substantial improvement in engine cooling
- New exhaust header and new lightweight silencer are both designed to increase power and contribute to mass centralization
Chassis
- New lighter Chromoly steel frame provides 20 percent higher torsional rigidity with 30 percent less longitudinal stiffness resulting in improved handling and energy absorption
- New smaller, lighter subframe design made with new aluminum profiles
- New lighter swingarm features a revised internal structure to match the new frame characteristics
- New lighter “No Dirt” footpeg design that provides a larger surface area and features a “scraper” to reduce dirt build-up in the hinge
- New CNC machined upper triple clamp featuring a rubber damping system for the new Neken handlebar and ODI lock-on grips
- The advanced WP 4CS (Four Chamber System) Fork has been specifically designed for Motocross and features revised damping settings optimized for the new chassis
- New generation WP shock has been developed in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture including a new linkage/pullrod system
- Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Excel rims fitted with Dunlop GEOMAX MX32 tires are standard equipment
- New airbox and airfilter design offers maximum protection for the engine while ensuring maximum airflow and providing quick “no tools” airfilter changes
- New ergonomics and bodywork centralize mass, improve handling and rider comfort
150 SX
The fun never ends. With all the agility of a 125 but with a power and torque increase to take the fight to the 250cc four-strokes. For 2016 an all new and lighter engine producing better torque and power is fitted in a totally new chassis making the 150 even stronger and lighter. Its unbeatable and fast package will make the new 150 SX the ultimate competitor on the track.
Engine
- New 150 SX engine is more compact, weighs four pounds less and has more power for class dominance
- New cylinder with revised ports and newly designed power valve unit with a sophisticated mechanism for the lateral exhaust ports gives a massive performance increase over the entire range
- A new piston is optimized for maximum reliability with a reworked shape to fit perfectly with the new cylinder layout
- Lighter crankshaft is optimally balanced for minimum vibrations
- All-new die-cast engine cases raise the crankshaft and clutch shaft, centralizing mass and improving handling
- New six-speed transmission provides the same gear ratios as before but is lighter and narrower
- New “No Dirt” shift lever prevents dirt from fouling the lever joint to ensure proper shifting in any condition
- New exhaust pipe has been tuned for the 150 SX specifically to get maximum power output from the new engine
Chassis
- New lighter Chromoly steel frame provides higher torsional rigidity with less longitudinal stiffness resulting in improved handling and energy absorption
- New smaller, lighter subframe design made with new aluminum profiles
- New lighter swingarm features a revised internal structure to match the new frame characteristics
- New lighter “No Dirt” footpeg design that provides a larger surface area and features a “scraper” to reduce dirt build-up in the hinge
- New CNC machined upper triple clamp featuring a rubber damping system for the new Neken handlebar and ODI lock-on grips
- The advanced WP 4CS (Four Chamber System) Fork has been specifically designed for Motocross and features revised damping settings optimized for the new chassis
- New generation WP shock has been developed in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture including a new linkage/pullrod system
- Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Excel rims fitted with Dunlop GEOMAX MX32 tires are standard equipment
- New airbox and airfilter design offers maximum protection for the engine while ensuring maximum airflow and providing quick “no tools” airfilter changes
- New ergonomics and bodywork centralize mass, improve handling and rider comfort
125 SX
The engine of the 125 SX has been known to be the most powerful and most competitive engine of the class. But it was time to give a new push to the segment and set a clear statement, that the two-stroke technology is going to have a successful future due to its outstanding power-to-weight ratio, low cost and simplicity. The newly developed 125cc engine for 2016 features a completely new architecture with the latest KTM engineering know-how and the most advanced technology in the class. The result is that it produces better power all over the rev range while being more compact and 4.4 pounds lighter.
Combine the all-new engine with the new state-of-the-art chassis that is shared with the 4-Stroke SX-F line, and you have a better handling 125 SX that will set a new benchmark in the class.
Engine
- New 125 SX engine is more compact, is 4.4 pounds lighter and has more power for class dominance
- New cylinder with revised ports and newly designed power valve unit with a sophisticated mechanism for the lateral exhaust ports gives a massive performance increase over the entire range
- A new piston is optimized for maximum reliability with the new cylinder layout
- Lighter crankshaft is optimally balanced for minimum vibrations
- All-new die-cast engine cases raise the crankshaft and clutch shaft, centralizing mass and improving handling
- New six-speed transmission provides the same gear ratios as before but is lighter and narrower
- New “No Dirt” shift lever prevents dirt from fouling the lever joint to ensure proper shifting in any condition
- New exhaust pipe has been tuned for the 125SX specifically to get maximum power output from the new engine
Chassis
- New lighter Chromoly steel frame provides higher torsional rigidity with less longitudinal stiffness resulting in improved handling and energy absorption
- New smaller, lighter subframe design made with new aluminum profiles
- New lighter swingarm features a revised internal structure to match the new frame characteristics
- • New lighter “ No Dirt” footpeg design that provides a larger surface area and features a “scraper” to reduce dirt build-up in the hinge
- New CNC machined upper triple clamp featuring a rubber damping system for the new Neken handlebar and ODI lock-on grips
- The advanced WP 4CS (Four Chamber System) Fork has been specifically designed for Motocross and features revised damping settings optimized for the new chassis
- New generation WP shock has been developed in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture including a new linkage/pullrod system
- Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Excel rims fitted with Dunlop GEOMAX MX32 tires are standard equipment
- New airbox and airfilter design offers maximum protection for the engine while ensuring maximum airflow and providing quick “no tools” airfilter changes
- New ergonomics and bodywork centralize mass, improve handling and rider comfort
250 SX
With enough power to excel on all sorts of tracks and terrain, combined with an extremely lightweight chassis, the 250 SX has one of the best power-to-weight ratios in motocross. The unrivalled performance of the two-stroke engine makes it a true contender against the more complex four-strokes. For 2016 the 250 SX features detail improvements and new colors and graphics, but retains the same excellent chassis and engine specifications as 2015.
Updates for 2016:
- New CNC machined triple clamp with 22 mm offset and new handlebar rubber damping system for reduced engine vibrations to the rider for less fatigue
- Wheels with new lighter spokes with a weight reduction of 100 grams.
- New generation Dunlop Geomax MX32 tires for traction and performance, complementing the 250 SX’s handling and power
- High-tech Brembo brakes in conjunction with newly designed and lighter Galfer Wave rotors ensuring class-leading brake performance