2016 KTM 250 SX-F Specifications

Name: 2016 KTM 250 SX-F
Brand: KTM

Cross / motocross • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

No images available

Tap to enlarge

2016 KTM 250 SX-F Overview

For 2016, KTM offers the 250 SX-F as a cross / motocross motorcycle with 249.91 cc on tap. The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F is built around a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation. Internally, bore and stroke are 78 x 52.3 mm. In everyday use, the 2016 250 SX-F tips the scales at 98.5 kg, carries a 7-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 960 mm and spans a 1,485 mm wheelbase. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2016 KTM 250 SX-F spec sheet below.

2016 KTM 250 SX-F compared with other bikes in the Cross / motocross category

Measured against other bikes in the Cross / motocross category in our database (up to 224 models, one entry per model), the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F comes out as follows.

With 960 mm, the 250 SX-F has the joint 42nd tallest seat height of 200 bikes in the Cross / motocross category, 7% above the category average of 901 mm.
Engine displacement of 250 cc is larger than that of 124 of the other 223 bikes in the Cross / motocross category.
Narrowing the field to the 96 models within five model years of it, the seat height of 960 mm is taller than that of 60 of the other 95.

Versus the 2015 model

Compared with the 2015 model, seat height came down from 992 mm to 960 mm (-32 mm). Displacement is unchanged.

2016 250 SX-F - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong front braking: The single disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 960 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Modest fuel capacity: A 7-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)-equipped engines like the 250 SX-F's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single disc with Brake calipers on floating bearings up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by WP-USD, AER 48, ? 48 mm up front and WP shock absorber with linkage at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the 250 SX-F means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The 25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Low-speed handling

The 250 SX-F's 98.5 kg kerb weight makes low-speed control noticeably less effort than on a heavier machine.

250 SX-F - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F with its 249.91 cc cross / motocross should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 10 years old, this cross / motocross is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 250 SX-F settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the 250 SX-F's 249.91 cc single cylinder, four-stroke - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a 250 SX-F's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

2016 KTM 250 SX-F - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F have?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F uses a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine with 249.91 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F weigh?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F weighs 98.5 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F has a 7-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 116-140 km between stops.

Is the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F suitable for shorter riders?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F has a seat height of 960 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F have?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F uses single disc with Brake calipers on floating bearings at the front and single disc with Brake calipers on floating bearings at the rear.

What suspension does the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F have?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F uses WP-USD, AER 48, ? 48 mm up front and WP shock absorber with linkage at the rear.

What frame does the 2016 KTM 250 SX-F use?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX-F is built around a 25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame frame.

KTM 250 SX-F Spec Evolution

The KTM 250 SX-F was produced across 17 model years (2006-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2021	2022	2023
Wet Weight	-	-	-	-	-	104.0 kg / 229.3 lbs	292.1 kg / 643.9 lbs	-	112.0 kg / 246.9 lbs	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Dry Weight	98.5 kg / 217.2 lbs	98.5 kg / 217.2 lbs	98 kg / 216.1 lbs	98 kg / 216.1 lbs	98 kg / 216.1 lbs	99.9 kg / 220.2 lbs	103.4 kg / 228.0 lbs	102.8 kg / 226.6 lbs	102.8 kg / 226.6 lbs	102.8 kg / 226.6 lbs	98.5 kg / 217.2 lbs	98.2 kg / 216.5 lbs	98.2 kg / 216.5 lbs	99 kg / 218.3 lbs	99 kg / 218.3 lbs	99 kg / 218.3 lbs	101 kg / 222.7 lbs
Engine Detail	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Balancer shaft	Balancer shaft	Reed intake	-	-
Engine Type	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke	Single cylinder, four-stroke
Seat Height	925 mm / 36.4 in.	925 mm / 36.4 in.	960 mm / 37.8 in.	985 mm / 38.8 in.	985 mm / 38.8 in.	992 mm / 39.1 in.	992 mm / 39.1 in.	992 mm / 39.1 in.	992 mm / 39.1 in.	992 mm / 39.1 in.	960 mm / 37.8 in.	960 mm / 37.8 in.	960 mm / 37.8 in.	960 mm / 37.8 in.	950 mm / 37.4 in.	950 mm / 37.4 in.	958 mm / 37.7 in.
Fuel Capacity	7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons	7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons	7.20 litres / 1.90 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	8.00 litres / 2.11 gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons	7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons	7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons	7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons	7.00 litres / 1.85 US gallons	7.00 litres / 1.85 US gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 US gallons	7.20 litres / 1.90 US gallons
Displacement (cc)	249.50 cc	249.50 cc	248.60 cc	248.60 cc	248.60 cc	248.60 cc	248.60 cc	249.91 cc	249.91 cc	249.91 cc	249.91 cc	249.91 cc	249.91 cc	249.9 cc	249.9 cc	249.9 cc	249.9 cc
Displacement (ci)	15.22 cubic inches	15.22 cubic inches	15.17 cubic inches	15.17 cubic inches	15.17 cubic inches	15.17 cubic inches	15.17 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches	15.25 cubic inches

Key Specifications

Engine

Single cylinder, four-stroke

Power

Not recorded

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

98.5 kg / 217.2 lbs

Fuel Capacity

7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons

Full 2016 KTM 250 SX-F Specifications

Colours Orange/black

Ground Clearance (in.) 14.6 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 370 mm

Seat Height 960 mm / 37.8 in.

Wheelbase 1,485 mm / 58.5 in.

Dry Weight 98.5 kg / 217.2 lbs

Fuel Capacity 7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons

Maximum RPM 14000

Displacement (cc) 249.91 cc

Displacement (ci) 15.25 cubic inches

Engine Type Single cylinder, four-stroke

Fuel Control Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)

Bore x Stroke (in,) 3.1 x 2.1 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 78.0 x 52.3 mm

Engine Lubrication Forced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps

Ignition Keihin EMS

Starter Electric

Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch / hydraulically operated

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 5-speed

Primary Drive 13:48. Primary drive: 22:68.

Frame Type 25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame

Suspension - Front WP-USD, AER 48, ? 48 mm

Suspension - Rear WP shock absorber with linkage

Rake 26.5°

Wheel Travel - Front 300 mm / 11.8 in.

Wheel Travel - Rear 300 mm / 11.8 in.

Brakes - Front Diameter (in.) 10.2 inches

Brakes - Front Diameter (mm) 260 mm

Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.) 8.7 inches

Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm) 220 mm

Brakes - Front Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings

Brakes - Rear Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.