'16 - '18 250SXF Gearing

soopah noviss
What are you guys running?

I am aware that the ‘16s came with 13/50 (3.846) which I guess was adequate but according to MXA, KTM dropped that in favor of a 14/51(3.642) combo for the '17 + '18s because they believed the potent engine could pull the much tall gearing. They recommend either a 13/51 (3.923) or a 14/53 (3.785). I only have a handful of rides on my ’18, but it did seem like I was in 2nd gear in many sections of the track where I’d normally be in 3rd on my CRF. Luckily gearing changes are relatively painless and inexpensive but I was hoping to get some feedback from the Vital brain trust with experiences here. Any guidance/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


I am of Vet intermediate speed and ride strictly MX on mainly loose to intermediate soil.
|
swtwtwtw
Profile picture for user swtwtwtw
Posts
1287
Joined
4/16/2008
Location
Apple Valley, CA US
swtwtwtw 2/20/2018 7:19pm
2/20/2018 7:19pm
Factory runs 13/52. I like 13/50, amazing difference and at 160lbs I can pull 3rd gear starts.
RCMXracing
Profile picture for user RCMXracing
Posts
848
Joined
8/10/2011
Location
N., TX US
RCMXracing 2/21/2018 2:29am
2/21/2018 2:29am
14/52 “add a tooth” 3.714. If you ride the bike like it’s meant to be ridden this works well, can rev out second when needed and it will pull 3rd without falling on its face if you shift too soon. 3rd will pull anything you need on the track.
soopah noviss 2/21/2018 4:02pm
2/21/2018 4:02pm
swtwtwtw wrote:
Factory runs 13/52. I like 13/50, amazing difference and at 160lbs I can pull 3rd gear starts.
Which factory? I believe the Troy Lee teams runs the 14/53 combo.
soopah noviss 2/21/2018 4:34pm
2/21/2018 4:34pm Edited Date/Time 2/21/2018 9:33pm
RCMXracing wrote:
14/52 “add a tooth” 3.714. If you ride the bike like it’s meant to be ridden this works well, can rev out second when needed and...
14/52 “add a tooth” 3.714. If you ride the bike like it’s meant to be ridden this works well, can rev out second when needed and it will pull 3rd without falling on its face if you shift too soon. 3rd will pull anything you need on the track.
Thanks for the reply. The 14/52 is an option I hadn't considered. Lower than the current stock set-up but taller than the '16 combo. That could work well too.


Where are all the 250SXF guys hiding? I know there's a metric shit ton of them here.

The Shop

See All »
MPJC
Profile picture for user MPJC
Posts
880
Joined
5/18/2017
Location
CA
Fantasy
704th
MPJC 2/21/2018 5:07pm
2/21/2018 5:07pm
RCMXracing wrote:
14/52 “add a tooth” 3.714. If you ride the bike like it’s meant to be ridden this works well, can rev out second when needed and...
14/52 “add a tooth” 3.714. If you ride the bike like it’s meant to be ridden this works well, can rev out second when needed and it will pull 3rd without falling on its face if you shift too soon. 3rd will pull anything you need on the track.
soopah noviss wrote:
Thanks for the reply. The 14/52 is an option I hadn't considered. Lower than the current stock set-up but taller than the '16 combo. That could...
Thanks for the reply. The 14/52 is an option I hadn't considered. Lower than the current stock set-up but taller than the '16 combo. That could work well too.


Where are all the 250SXF guys hiding? I know there's a metric shit ton of them here.
I take it you mean 14/52? I run 13/51. I ride mostly in sand and am heavy. Works great.
RCMXracing
Profile picture for user RCMXracing
Posts
848
Joined
8/10/2011
Location
N., TX US
RCMXracing 2/21/2018 9:40pm
2/21/2018 9:40pm
RCMXracing wrote:
14/52 “add a tooth” 3.714. If you ride the bike like it’s meant to be ridden this works well, can rev out second when needed and...
14/52 “add a tooth” 3.714. If you ride the bike like it’s meant to be ridden this works well, can rev out second when needed and it will pull 3rd without falling on its face if you shift too soon. 3rd will pull anything you need on the track.
soopah noviss wrote:
Thanks for the reply. The 14/52 is an option I hadn't considered. Lower than the current stock set-up but taller than the '16 combo. That could...
Thanks for the reply. The 14/52 is an option I hadn't considered. Lower than the current stock set-up but taller than the '16 combo. That could work well too.


Where are all the 250SXF guys hiding? I know there's a metric shit ton of them here.
MPJC wrote:
I take it you mean 14/52? I run 13/51. I ride mostly in sand and am heavy. Works great.
Yes 14/52, one up on rear sprocket. To get the most out of it you have to ride it like a deranged teenager that just got his girl stolen by the captain of the football team - full rage. Don’t make the bike be something it isn’t. I’ve learned I have to fit the bike not get it to be something it’s not. There's a reason they sell it with 14/51 gearing. I added a tooth because A) I’m 185lbs, and Cool Not a Pro. I would be curious what TLD’s outdoor gearing is, but they may have different internal ratios and of course factory engines so would be misleading unless you had the whole picture.
honda907
Profile picture for user honda907
Posts
359
Joined
2/7/2009
Location
Chesterfield, SC US
honda907 2/23/2018 4:19pm
2/23/2018 4:19pm
My kid, and the Turner's I've talked to prefer the stock gearing outdoors, but I suppose you can't be heavy. Less shifting with the engine provided faster lap times with my watch.
skyrebel88
Profile picture for user skyrebel88
Posts
147
Joined
1/29/2015
Location
New Fairfield, CT US
skyrebel88 11/19/2020 1:08pm
11/19/2020 1:08pm
Im looking to get a new set of sprockets and chain soon. Does 14/53 fit on the bike with a 520x118 chain? i just need verification the chain stops go in far enough before ordering. The reason why i ask is 53 rear sprockets are harder to find especially in AL for this bike.

Post a reply to: '16 - '18 250SXF Gearing