2016 KTM 250 SX-F vs 2013 Kawasaki KX250F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 KTM 250 SX-F 2016 KTM 250 SX-F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
98.5 kg / 217.2 lbs
2013 Kawasaki KX250F 2013 Kawasaki KX250F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
233.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
ColoursOrange/blackLime Green
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)14.6 inches13.0 inches
Storage-Front and rear rack
Ground Clearance (mm)370 mm330 mm
Seat Height960 mm / 37.8 in.945 mm / 37.2 in.
Wheelbase1,485 mm / 58.5 in.1,476 mm / 58.1 in.
Height-1,270 mm / 50.0 in.
Length-2,169 mm / 85.4 in.
Width-820 mm / 32.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight98.5 kg / 217.2 lbs-
Fuel Capacity7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons6.09 litres / 1.61 gallons
Wet Weight-106.0 kg / 233.6 lbs
Performance
Maximum RPM14000-
Max Torque-59.00 Nm (6.0 kgf-m or 43.5 ft.lbs) @ 5250 Revolutions
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.1 x 2.1 inches3.0 x 2.1 inches
Displacement (cc)249.91 cc249.00 cc
Displacement (ci)15.25 cubic inches15.19 cubic inches
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)DOHC
Bore x Stroke (mm)78.0 x 52.3 mm77.0 x 53.6 mm
Fuel System-Injection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle body and dual injectors
Compression Ratio-13.8:1
Engine LubricationForced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps-
IgnitionKeihin EMSDigital DC-CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet multi-disc clutch / hydraulically operated-
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive13:48. Primary drive: 22:68.2WD / 4WD, shaft
Chassis
Frame Type25CrMo4 steel central-tube frameAluminum perimeter
Suspension - FrontWP-USD, AER 48, ? 48 mm48mm inverted Showa SFF telescopic fork with 40-way spring preload adjustability and 22 position compression and 20 position rebound damping adjustability/ 12.4 in.
Suspension - RearWP shock absorber with linkageUni-Trak linkage system and Showa shock with 9 position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression damping, 22 position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.2 in.
Rake26.5°28.7°
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear300 mm / 11.8 in.-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.7 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)260 mm250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)10.2 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)220 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Brake calipers on floating bearingsSingle disc. Petal disc with 2-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Brake calipers on floating bearingsSingle disc. Petal disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres - Front-80/100-21
Tyres - Rear-100/90-19

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F and the 2013 Kawasaki KX250F are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2016 KTM 250 SX-F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 370 mm vs 330 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2013 Kawasaki KX250F - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2016 KTM 250 SX-F vs 2013 Kawasaki KX250F - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F or the 2013 Kawasaki KX250F?
The 2013 Kawasaki KX250F has the lower seat at 945 mm, making it more accessible. The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F sits higher at 960 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F or the 2013 Kawasaki KX250F?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2013 Kawasaki KX250F stands out for fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.