Bikes 16 Mar 2012

Project Moto: 2012 KTM 250 SX-F Update 3

Our Project Moto gets showered with KTM Powerparts as development continues.

One of the best things about riding a KTM is having the Powerparts catalogue to browse through if you’re looking to update your ride with a host of quality aftermarket parts.

With hundreds of pages showcasing the available parts, often branded with KTM logos and always approved by the Austrian manufacturers, the Powerparts feature some of the most recognised brands in the world. What’s more, KTM actually uses many of these parts on its factory teams.

It was only a matter of time before we took delivery of some Powerparts for the MotoOnline.com.au Project Moto KTM 250 SX-F, and that’s exactly what we have for the fourth update of 2012.

The most interesting addition that we requested was a new Low Seat, which is 15mm lower than the standard seat. It comes complete with a gripper seat cover applied, so the only thing you have to do is unbolt the stock unit and put the lower one on.

It’s a pretty firm seat, feeling even stiffer than the standard one, and it’s still comfortable – definitely not reduced in thickness to the point of transforming your bike into an FMX bike or anything like that.

We've fitted a Low Seat from the KTM Powerparts catalogue, which is 15mm lower than stock.

Where I’ve been finding the major advantage is in corners, especially rutted turns when you’re sitting down, and being able to start with both feet firmly on the ground is positive. If you’re a shorter rider (anywhere under 170cm) or a junior who’s fresh to a 250F, you should consider the seat.

What’s not so great is that you do have to stand up quite a bit more (which is probably good for riding anyway), since the seat is very flat and does have less absorption. It also feels slightly more sloped than the stock version as well.

Otherwise if you’re a tall rider, the Powerparts also feature a High Seat, which is around 20mm higher than standard and features the same styling (intended for riders over 180cm). In addition, there’s an Extra High Soft Seat, which is 35mm taller than stock, designed for riders over 190cm tall.

But wait, there are even more options, including a Step-Up Seat that we see on many of the pro race bikes, as well as a few different options on grip styles. KTM Powerparts really do cater for a wide variety of riders.

What else we have is a SXS Clutch Cover, which is black with engraved silver KTM Racing branding, a Factory Oil Plug, Factory Ignition Cover Plug and Factory Oil Filter Cover. Those three items are an anodized orange colour and really set off the engine styling.

They’re all quality components, as you’d expect, and the best thing is, they were a cinch to put on the bike as you use the rubber seals, etc, that are part of the standard equipment.

The KTM Powerparts SXS Clutch Cover and Factory Oil Plug can be seen here.

It’s the attention to detail parts like these that we love about the Powerparts catalogue, but we’re still awaiting delivery of an SXS titanium pipe and muffler made by Akrapovic – we can’t wait for that!

If you’re looking for an expanded range of Powerparts for your bike, be sure to speak to your KTM dealer and they’ll be happy to help you work out what will be best for your specific requirements.

Overall though, the 2012 KTM 250 SX-F has been consistently good to ride, no matter where at or what conditions we’ve been experiencing. The suspension mods are definitely high on the agenda after we get this pipe, which will be interesting to ride with.

What else we have on the way are some Serco Custom MX Decals, basically to brand the bike with MotoOnline, however I’ve opted to retain the standard embedded KTM shroud and airbox graphics as they’re a unique point from the Austrians.

With the controls set, Pirelli Scorpion MX Extra X tyres holding up incredibly well, and an exhaust on the way, the real fun is just around the corner. Stay tuned for all the updates as they happen after we get a chance to put them through their paces.

They may not boost HP, but the Factory Ignition Cover and Oil Filter Cover do add to the engine visually.

Current Modifications:
KTM Powerparts Low Seat
Price: $149.95
Distributor: KTM Australia (www.ktm.com.au)

KTM Powerparts SXS Clutch Cover
Price: $227.46
Distributor: KTM Australia (www.ktm.com.au)

KTM Powerparts Factory Oil Plug
Price: $37.77
Distributor: KTM Australia (www.ktm.com.au)

KTM Powerparts Factory Ignition Cover Plug
Price: $41.73
Distributor: KTM Australia (www.ktm.com.au)

KTM Powerparts Factory Oil Filter Cover
Price: $58.91
Distributor: KTM Australia (www.ktm.com.au)

Pirelli Scorpion MX eXTra X Tyres
Price: $89 (front)/$105 (rear)
Distributor: Link International (www.linkint.com.au)

ProTaper Contour Handlebars
Price: $129.95 RRP
Distributor: Serco (www.serco.com.au)

ODI Grips
Price: $14.95 RRP
Distributor: Lusty Industries (www.lustyindustries.com)

ARC Levers
Price: $89.95 RRP
Distributor: Lusty Industries (www.lustyindustries.com)

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