2013 KTM 250SX
shock mount, swingarm, shock length, linkage and spring rate. Other notable changes included a Moto Tassinari reed cage, reinforced rear fender, new airbox (to clear the center-mounted shock), SKF fork seals and Dunlop MX51 tires (the 2011 model came with Pirelli Mid-Softs). Q: WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHASSIS CHANGES ON THE 2013 250SX? A: As part of an ongoing modification program, the 2013 KTM 250SX two-strokes benefit from any R&D on the four-stroke frames, bodywork and running gear. Here is a quick look at the chassis mods for 2013. (1) Rear end. The swingarm has been reinforced and enlarged at the axle ends to accept a larger 25mm axle (last year’s axle was 20mm). ( 2) Bodywork. It was totally redesigned in 2011, but that didn’t stop KTM from redoing it for 2013 (in an all- orange motif). The most noticeable cosmetic changes are the I-beam front fender, which mounts with two bolts under the bottom triple clamp and two bolts on the front of the clamp, the orange rear fender and a gunmetal gray frame. ( 3) Gas cap. Finally, KTM has upgraded to a thread-on cap with a much larger opening. The previous gas cap was the much-hated quarter-turn locking cap. ( 4) Triple clamps. The 2013 clamps are 80 grams lighter and provide an improved clamping force on the 48mm WP forks. The triple-clamp pinch bolts have been moved from fore/aft to left/right orientation. ( 5) Handlebars. Last year’s very low Renthal 672 bars have been replaced with 12mm taller Renthal 827 bars (the same bend as Renthal’s Twin Wall 996 bars). ( 6) Wheels. KTM hubs are laced to Excel rims, but the most obvious updates are the black anodized spokes, larger wheel spacers and axle block changes made to accommodate the new 25mm rear axle. KTM owners with 20mm rear-axle wheels can use the old wheels with the 25mm axle by changing to the new wheel spacers and axle blocks. ( 7) Radiators. KTM manufactures its own radiators, and for 2013 they used a stronger aluminum alloy to help resist crash damage. Q: HOW MANY MODS DID THE 2013 KTM 250SX ENGINE GET? A: There are no mind-blowing changes to the 2013 KTM 250SX engine in terms of overall horsepower production—after all, the 2012 model made just a hair less than 50 horsepower. The porting, combustion chamber, carburetor and exhaust system are all unchanged from 2012. There were, however, two significant changes that will make a difference.
Thing of beauty: While other unnamed 250cc two-strokes
remain unchanged, KTM’s 250SX keeps getting upgrades. For
2013 it has a new clutch, reed block, plastic bodywork, rear
axle, gas tank, triple clamps and radiators.
