2016 KTM 250 SX Specifications

Name: 2016 KTM 250 SX
Brand: KTM

Cross / motocross • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2016 KTM 250 SX Overview

The 2016 KTM 250 SX is a cross / motocross motorcycle built around 249 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine. The bore and stroke measures 66.4 x 72 mm. From a practical standpoint, the 2016 250 SX tips the scales at 95.9 kg, carries a 7-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 992 mm and spans a 1,495 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2016 KTM 250 SX spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2016 250 SX - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Factory engineering: The 2016 KTM 250 SX represents KTM's engineering at the time, with a specification built around real-world usability.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
Tall seat height: The 992 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Modest fuel capacity: The 7-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Carburetor maintenance

The 250 SX uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.

Brake disc and pad wear

The Single disc. Four-piston calipers. front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the 250 SX runs WP USD closed cartridge ? 48 mm and WP shock absorber with linkage at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

Low-speed handling

At just 95.9 kg, the 250 SX is light enough to manhandle easily at a standstill - one of the practical advantages of its class.

250 SX - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 2016 KTM 250 SX, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained 250 SX should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any 250 SX. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the 250 SX has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

2016 KTM 250 SX - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2016 KTM 250 SX have?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX uses a Single cylinder, two-stroke engine with 249 cc of displacement.

How much does the 2016 KTM 250 SX weigh?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX weighs 95.9 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

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

The 2016 KTM 250 SX 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 suitable for shorter riders?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX has a seat height of 992 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 have?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX uses Single disc. Four-piston calipers. at the front and Single disc. Two-piston calipers. at the rear.

What fuel system does the 2016 KTM 250 SX use?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX uses Carburettor. Keihin PWK 38S AG, providing precise fuelling across the rev range and reliable cold-start behaviour.

What suspension does the 2016 KTM 250 SX have?

The 2016 KTM 250 SX uses WP USD closed cartridge ? 48 mm up front and WP shock absorber with linkage at the rear.

KTM 250 SX Spec Evolution

The KTM 250 SX was produced across 22 model years (2000-2023). 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	2000	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	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	101 kg / 222.7 lbs	97.2 kg / 214.3 lbs	97.7 kg / 215.4 lbs	97.7 kg / 215.4 lbs	97.7 kg / 215.4 lbs	97.7 kg / 215.4 lbs	95.4 kg / 210.3 lbs	95.4 kg / 210.3 lbs	95.4 kg / 210.3 lbs	93.8 kg / 206.8 lbs	97 kg / 213.8 lbs	97 kg / 213.8 lbs	96.3 kg / 212.3 lbs	96.3 kg / 212.3 lbs	95.9 kg / 211.4 lbs	95.4 kg / 210.3 lbs	95.4 kg / 210.3 lbs	95 kg / 209.4 lbs	95.5 kg / 210.5 lbs	87.5 kg / 192.9 lbs	95.5 kg / 210.5 lbs	99.4 kg / 219.1 lbs
Engine Detail	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	TVC power valve	Reed intake and exhaust control	Reed intake.	Reed intake.	Reed intake.	Reed intake.	Reed intake.	Reed intake	Reed intake	Reed intake	Reed intake	Reed intake	Reed intake
Engine Type	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke	Single cylinder, two-stroke
Seat Height	-	925 mm / 36.4 in.	925 mm / 36.4 in.	925 mm / 36.4 in.	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.	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.	992 mm / 39.1 in.	960 mm / 37.8 in.	960 mm / 37.8 in.	950 mm / 37.4 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	850 mm / 33.5 in.	958 mm / 37.7 in.
Fuel Capacity	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	7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 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	7.50 litres / 1.98 US gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 US gallons	7.50 litres / 1.98 US gallons	7.20 litres / 1.90 US gallons
Displacement (cc)	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.00 cc	249.0 cc	249.0 cc	249.0 cc	249.0 cc	249.0 cc
Ground Clearance (in.)	-	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	15.2 inches	14.8 inches	14.8 inches	14.8 inches	14.8 inches	14.8 inches	13.9 inches

Key Specifications

Engine

Single cylinder, two-stroke

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

95.9 kg / 211.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity

7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons

Full 2016 KTM 250 SX Specifications

Colours Orange/white/black

Ground Clearance (in.) 15.2 inches

Ground Clearance (mm) 385 mm

Seat Height 992 mm / 39.1 in.

Wheelbase 1,495 mm / 58.9 in.

Dry Weight 95.9 kg / 211.4 lbs

Fuel Capacity 7.00 litres / 1.85 gallons

Bore x Stroke (in,) 2.6 x 2.8 inches

Bore x Stroke (mm) 66.4 x 72.0 mm

Displacement (cc) 249.00 cc

Displacement (ci) 15.19 cubic inches

Engine Type Single cylinder, two-stroke

Engine Detail Reed intake.

Fuel System Carburettor. Keihin PWK 38S AG

Ignition Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment, type Kokusan

Starter Kick

Clutch Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

Final Drive Chain

Gearbox 5-speed

Primary Drive 13:48. Primary drive: 26:72. 520 X-ring chain.

Frame Type Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube

Suspension - Front WP USD closed cartridge ? 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. Four-piston calipers.

Brakes - Rear Single disc. Two-piston calipers.

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