KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition vs. Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition

If you’re looking for a new KTM or Husqvarna Factory Edition motocross bike, there’s a 50-50 chance you’re considering a 250 (versus a 450). You might be wondering, however, what the difference is between the two. Aren’t they just the same bikes in different colors? Close, but not exactly.

While these bikes are probably more similar than they’ve ever been, there’s still enough that separates the two sister brands. After riding both bikes, we’re breaking down the similarities and differences between the KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition and the Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition models.

Words & Photography by Ryan Nitzen

Origin Story

The Factory Edition has come a long way since its original release in 2012. The first Factory Edition (FE) was a KTM 450 SX-F dubbed the “Dungey Replica,” and it was essentially a strategy by the KTM racing department that allowed Ryan Dungey to compete on the next model year’s bike during that racing season. They exploited a loophole in the AMA regulations and produced only about 400 units to comply with the series’ homologation rule. The project was a huge success, and since then, KTM, along with other brands, has jumped on the “Something Edition” craze.

Shortly after, the bikes became known as “point-five” bikes, in which KTM would release its upcoming generation and give buyers access to next year’s technology about six months early, rather than forcing them to wait for the full release of new models. This would include new frames, engine updates, a short-lived bar-pad phone app, limited-edition Red Bull graphics and more. In recent years, the FEs have become more of an upgraded package over the standard model rather than a preview of next year’s bike. The last true “preview bike” was in 2022, as the Factory Editions offered an early look at the then all-new 2023 models.

KTM offers its Factory Edition in the 250 and 450 SX-F models, as well as the 350 XC-F off-road racer, while the Husqvarna Factory Edition is available only in the FC 250 and FC 450 motocross models. The GasGas brand also sold an upgraded model under the MC 250F and MC 450F Factory Editions, but both models were discontinued for 2026 with the closure of the GasGas factory racing effort. Does this mean the Husqvarna Factory Editions will meet the same fate, since it’s already been announced that the Husqvarna Racing program will conclude at the end of this season? We shall see.

Despite the news of KTM’s financial struggles and new investments from brands like Bajaj, both these Factory Edition models are still assembled at the Austrian HQ alongside the rest of their standard motocross bikes.

KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition

First up, the KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition. At an MSRP of $12,599, the KTM costs about $1900 more than the standard 250 SX-F. This is one of the most expensive motocross bikes on the market, but when you break down everything that comes on this bike, the total value is much more than the $1900 markup. A quick rundown of aftermarket add-ons includes a ribbed seat cover, CNC’ed orange triple clamps, D.I.D DirtStar rims with orange hubs, an Akrapovic slip-on muffler, a Hinson clutch cover, a carbon-fiber skid plate and front-disc guard, a WP holeshot device, and the full Red Bull KTM Factory team graphics kit.

That’s about $2800 right there if you pay full retail: roughly $600 for the triple clamps, $1000 for the wheelset, $900 for the slip-on exhaust, and $200 for the graphics kit.

The big-ticket item here, however, is the suspension, as the KTM comes with the full WP Xact Pro 7548 Cone Valve fork and an Xact Pro 8950 rear shock. This is not the standard air fork found on the regular SX-F models, and it’s essentially the full A-kit-level setup from WP. The fork is a closed-cartridge spring fork rather than the standard air setup, and the shock offers more adjustments and an oil bypass valve that opens and closes based on wheel contact with the ground. Buying this setup separately carries a price tag of nearly $6000—$3500 for the forks and $2500 for the shock. That alone far exceeds the $1900 markup on the stock bike’s price tag.

The KTM also comes standard with the Connectivity Unit Off-Road (CUO) GPS tracker, mounted on the front fender. When paired with the KTMConnect phone app, you get an in-depth look at the bike’s data, including lap times, shift points, rpm, jump distances, and more. Think Strava meets LitPro. You can also fine-tune the bike’s internal settings, such as engine braking and mapping, track-maintenance intervals, and setup notes. The app subscription costs $69 per year.

Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition

Onto the Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition. The Husky retails for $12,699, $100 more than the KTM and about $2000 more than a standard FC 250. Upgrades for the Husqvarna include Rockstar Energy graphics, a gripper seat cover from Guts Racing, a white powder-coated frame instead of the standard navy blue, ProTaper handlebars with ODI lock-on grips, factory CNC’d triple clamps, Dunlop tires, a holeshot device, all-black Excel wheels, a Rekluse clutch cover, carbon-fiber guards, and an FMF Factory 4.1 titanium slip-on muffler.

For 2026, Husqvarna also spec’d its Factory Edition with the same WP Pro Components both front and rear, including the Xact Pro 7548 Cone Valve fork and Xact Pro 8950 rear shock, the same components mentioned on the KTM. Both bikes also come with the WP Preload Adjuster, which allows you to set sag on the rear shock with just an 8mm T-handle.

The big difference in suspension is that the Husqvarna has 0.3 of an inch less rear travel, which in turn positions it 0.3 of an inch closer to the ground. The seat height is also about half an inch lower on the Husky than on the KTM.

The Husqvarna Factory Edition also comes standard with the same CUO, two maps (standard and aggressive), traction control, and a quickshifter.

Side by Side

Putting the bikes side by side, you’ll find the following differences:

• Husqvarna costs $100 more than the KTM
• The KTM has an Akrapovic muffler; the Husqvarna FMF
• The KTM has D.I.D wheels; the Husqvarna Excel
• The KTM has a Hinson clutch cover; the Husqvarna Rekluse
• The KTM has an open airbox; the Husqvarna has a sealed airbox
• The KTM is 0.9 of a pound lighter at 231.48 pounds; the Husqvarna is 232.36 pounds
• The KTM has 0.3 of an inch more rear travel at 11.8 inches; the Husqvarna has 11.5 inches
• The KTM has a half-inch taller seat height at 37.7 inches; the Husqvarna has 2 inches

On the Track

The differences are small on paper, but what about on the track? Both engines are nearly identical and offer a ton of mid- to top-end power. That’s a strong suit of the Austrian engines; they pull much further than you’d expect and carry gears even better than some of the Japanese bikes. The green map (the lower button on the handlebar switch) improves torque feel and gives the bike more pull on the bottom-end roll-on compared to the standard map, and it was our go-to on both bikes. I did find that the KTM seems to rev up a bit quicker than the Husqvarna, which could be credited to the opened-up airbox and the optional vented side cover. Note that both engines are unchanged for this model year aside from meeting the updated AMA sound regulations.

Suspension on both bikes is better than on the standard models. The rear end feels glued to the ground, and I was surprised by how much grip I could get away with in areas where other bikes slide out. I like Cone Valve forks for their improved front-end feel, and this setup offers better front-wheel comfort than the stock air forks, which can be vague and require more babysitting with air pressure. Both bikes excel in hard-packed conditions and can give you the confidence to make decisive moves even when a rut or a berm is not an option. Although these bikes may look similar on paper, they differ significantly on the track.

Verdict

At 6 feet tall, I gelled with the KTM more than the Husqvarna. The lower seat height, though only half an inch lower, is noticeable, and the ProTaper bar bend made the bike feel much smaller thanArticles the KTM. It’s easy to move around on and can make lines in flat corners that other bikes just can’t. However, that lowered stance didn’t feel as comfortable for me and my taller frame. Shorter riders will likely have different opinions, but the KTM suited me better than the Husqvarna.

Both bikes offer great value, too. With the Factory Edition models, you get a package deal that bundles those upgrades at a reduced price. The top-of-the-line exhaust, wheels, clamps and suspension clearly justify the price bump. The only reason one might not consider the Factory Editions a good deal is if you have personal sponsors that restrict you from using the parts on these bikes. Otherwise, you can just stick on your numbers, adjust the sag, and go racing on near-factory motorcycles.CN

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Click here to read the KTM 250 SX-F Factory Edition vs. Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition in the Cycle News Digital Edition Magazine.