The 2024 KTM 125SX is essentially the most technologically superior 125cc motocross machine that KTM has ever produced with an electrical starter, two elective pre-programmed maps that may be modified on the fly, digital energy valve, electrical starter and a throttle-body fuel-injection system. Combined with all the opposite options like Brembo braking parts, WP suspension, a tool-less-access airbox and hydraulic clutch, this has acquired to be one of the best 125cc made, proper?
Well, let’s not get forward of ourselves simply but, as a result of with technological developments nearly at all times comes some bugs that have to be labored out. Compared to the earlier era, the 2024 KTM 125SX solely retains using the WP fork meeting, Brembo braking {hardware}, wheel fitment, Magura hydraulic clutch actuator and some different parts.
The 2024 KTM 125SX options so many new gadgets in comparison with the earlier era that it’s going to make your head spin. The body is all new with all-new styling all through, new rear suspension, electrical starter that eliminates the kickstarter altogether, the carburetor is gone and changed by a throttle-body fuel-injection system. The digital energy valve is now wired straight into the EFI mapping, permitting port timing to be modified utilizing info relayed from the throttle-position sensor, together with the engine’s rpm. A number of outlets, nevertheless, like Twisted Development and WMR Motorsports, have cracked the code to those locked CPUs.
Spark development and gasoline supply are additionally in a position to be altered by the 2 preset maps put in on the manufacturing unit, which will be modified on the fly utilizing the handlebar-mounted change. KTM then locked the CPU so most of the people can’t alter any settings.
The carbureted, kick-start mannequin tipped the scales at 195 kilos with out gasoline, making the Austrian 125cc machine the lightest, however with the addition of electrical begin and gasoline injection, the KTM gained weight and is now hitting the scales at 206 kilos. In the small-bore two-stroke class, 11 kilos could make an enormous distinction.
What does all of it imply? Fuel injection has positively modified the facility traits of the KTM 125SX. As a matter of reality, it fully flipped it over in comparison with the carbureted mannequin. On the observe, energy feels prefer it begins sooner on the underside, pulls about the identical within the mid-range—though, it’s much less thrilling—after which indicators off earlier on the highest finish.
Just like when four-stroke motocross bikes converted to gasoline injection, the two-strokes are dropping that signature laborious hit of the powerband that everybody is used to and now produce a smoother, linear-type energy. Most two-stroke purists won’t be comfortable about this.
If you reside and die by dyno charts, the brand new fuel-injected 125 mannequin comes up about 3 to 4 horsepower in need of the carbureted mannequin’s peak horsepower. Although not as drastically completely different because the four-stroke mannequin’s mapping choices, all our check riders favor the extra aggressive (white) over the usual (inexperienced) choices.
Starting a 125cc machine shouldn’t be one thing a lot of the world thinks twice about, so having the magic button is at all times most well-liked. Overall dealing with is barely stiffer than the earlier mannequin as a result of rigidity will increase within the new body, however suspension settings appear to be somewhat softer, absorbing any harsh feeling again to the rider.
If you’re a critical racer within the intermediate or professional division, the 2024 KTM 125SX won’t be the good first alternative for a few causes. But, for the typical 125cc pilot, this bike is less complicated to maintain within the meat of the facility, has an electrical starter, the guessing recreation of jetting is eradicated by gasoline injection, mapping choices are on the fly, has nice brakes and an general dealing with bundle that matches all kinds of using talent ranges. You simply should be sincere with your self about what you might be on the lookout for.