Here is my first ride review video from a track....
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Picked up my new 2022.5 KTM 250SXF Factory Edition tonight (thanks Pony Powersports Mansfield!). Not sure when I will get to a track (hopefully this weekend) so I did a walk around and quick ride video on the bike before I brought it home. So many changes!! The styling looks better in person (the long pointy radiator shrouds and bright orange seat). The ergos are thin and seem a little more roomy compared to my '21 KTM 350XCF. The handlebars are low rise yet felt good for my 6'2" frame. The seat is super grippy and the foam felt comfortable though the single mounting bolt at the front of the seat sticks out more than I expected. The new footpegs are wide and feel very supportive (mostly more peg near the frame/pivot point). The wires behind the front number plate are better secured and organized. The hour meter also functions as the EFI error light. The combined and compact E-start and Kill switch are on the the right side and the compact and combined EFI Map/TC/Quick Shift switch is on the left handlebar. As a Factory Edition model it comes with the race wheels (orange billet hubs and Dirt Star rims) along with a 51T orange rear sprocket, Regina gold chain, floating front brake rotor with guard, adjustable 20/22mm offset split triple clamps, Red Bull in-mold graphics, Selle Dalla Valle seat, orange frame, and gray soft ODI grips.

These are my observations based on a riding around in a field (I had to ride it and trying it out in a field was better than putting around my neighborhood!). The all new engine feels strong and finally has quicker turnover from low to mid and builds RPM's quickly. The initial engine response at low RPM is a little better/stronger feeling compared to the current engine but the mid range is noticeably stronger and more lively...fun! It is a KTM so you still need to turn the throttle a lot (and the optional quicker turn black throttle cam comes on the bike from the factory). The power is smooth and strong and finds traction (not sure 250F's need traction control but it is nice to have for dialing back the engine for slippery conditions). The quick shifter is not as smooth (takes more effort at the shift lever) compared to some of the quick shifters I have tried on street bikes bit it does work and makes for quick throttle clutchless shifts. The muffler seems a little louder than last year but still not Yamaha YZ250F level loud. I only got a quick ride in a field but my quick impression is the new KTM 250SXF engine kind of splits the difference in terms of character between the '22 YZ250F and '22 CRF250R. The YZ250F still has the most initial throttle response/bark and revs super quick (mostly due to low gearing). The CRF250R has smoother, longer, broader power compared to the YZ250F with less bark initially but longer pull. The new KTM 250 Factory Edition has a slightly slower engine RPM build feel compared to the YZ250F and CRF250R but quicker than the previous 250SXF engine. The new KTM 250SXF engine has a broader more full torque feel with a very lively mid range that feels stronger than the CRF and YZ and still feels like it will pull harder up to to fuel cut (did not try that yet on this brand new engine). This is the quickest turn over and most fun KTM 250SXF I have ridden to date.

KTM 350's have been my favorite combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike. This all new KTM 250SXF Factory Edition might give my Gold Standard 350 a run for the money. I hope to get this bike onto a moto track soon. Looking forward to some back to back rides with my '21 KTM 350 and Honda '22 Honda CRF250. I also have a myKTM connectivity unit I want to try on this bike and play with engine mapping (hope it works!).

So many changes yet still has that KTM character. This bike is going to be fun!

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