Motorcycle builder, KTM->ke1954, has made a serious name for itself in the industry with some of the most versatile and awe-inspiring enduro bikes in the market. Taking their expertise and know-how from their success at the MX World Championship Series, KTM has crafted a fleet of bikes that are as versatile as the sun is hot.

One of the more popular bikes is the new 350 EXC-F->ke3040, which combines the ultra-easy handling of a 250 with the powerful performance of a 450. Taking the two and building a bike out of it, KTM has come up with a bike that offers maximum chances of victory for professionals and maximum fun factor for amateurs.

The extremely wide rev range and powerful performance of the DOHC high-tech four-stroke and the efficient rideability of the new 350 EXC-F set the tone for previously unattainable enduro characteristics. The new 350 EXC-F's state-of-the-art 349cc four-stroke engine excels with an extremely wide usable rev range and the performance of an engine with much greater displacement. A laterally positioned balancer shaft, which acts as the drive for both timing chain and water pump, eliminates the vibration typical of this model type, ensuring a smooth ride.

The 350 EXC-F also has a Keihin engine management system with an electronic fuel injection for spontaneous responsiveness and maximum performance from the engine. Another critical element of the 350 EXC-F is the crankshaft, which KTM engineers focused on to reduce the reciprocating weight and fine adjustment of the rotating masses. With this, KTM managed to combine minimum vibration with an outstanding free-revving nature and optimum traction, resulting in a bike that just makes your adrenaline pump every time you get a chance to ride it.

Find out more about the KTM 350 EXC-F after the jump.

2012 KTM 350 EXC-F

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F
  • Engine/Motor: 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine
  • Transmission: 6 gear, claw shifted
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Engine

The new 350 EXC-F's compact, state-of-the-art four-stroke engine excels with an extremely wide usable rev range and the performance of an engine with much greater displacement. A laterally positioned balancer shaft, which acts as the drive for both timing chain and water pump, eliminates the vibration typical of this model type.

In the cylinder head with two overhead camshafts, four titanium valves are actuated by extremely lightweight, carbon-coated cam levers. This elaborate valve train, the ultra-light pistons and the new 350 EXC-F's extremely short-stroke engine facilitate speeds of up to 13,000 1/min.

The balancer shaft not only eliminates vibration, but also acts as an intermediate shaft for the valve train and as the drive for the water pump. This intelligent multi-functionality makes a key contribution to the compactness and low weight of the new 350 EXC-F's engine.

The new 350 EXC-F's engine is equipped with two oil pumps. A pressure pump lubricates the engine and clutch and cools the ignition, while a suction pump draws oil from the crankcase, using it to lubricate the transmission. At the same time, negative pressure arises in the casing, which provides an additional boost to engine power.

Frame

The new 350 EXC-F's lightweight frame made from high-quality chrome-molybdenum steel is distinguished by an extremely high level of lateral stiffness. It is also excellent at absorbing jolts introduced by the suspension system, whereby the playful handling and comfort of the 350 EXC-F have been further optimised.

Bodywork

The new 350 EXC-F's bodywork with the very slim seat and spoiler lines, plus excellent contact points, perfects the bike's ergonomics, making handling even simpler and more precise. The long rear fender protects the rider very effectively from swirled up stones.

Chassis and Suspension

-The new 350 EXC-F's lightweight cast aluminium swingarm accommodates the WP shock absorber almost centrally, in order to load the swing arms more evenly. The PDS shock absorber with adjustable rebound and high/low-speed compression damping works with high progression, in spite of the direct linking.

-The new 350 EXC-F is equipped with the latest WP upside-down fork with wide adjustment ranges. The sensitive responsiveness and outstanding damping of the open-cartridge fork with 48 mm outer tubes are a perfect complement for the 350 EXC-F's playful handling and precision.

Wheels

Practically unbeatable in terms of weight and stability, the wheels have CNC-machined hubs, Excel rims, zinc/nickel-coated spokes and aluminium nipples. They reduce the unsprung and gyroscopic masses, hence boosting the playful handling of the new 350 EXC-F.

Electric Starter

The new 350 EXC-F is equipped with both a kickstarter and an electric starter. The drive for the electric starter is integrated into the generator cover instead of the engine case, so the bike can be converted into a pure kickstarter simply by replacing the generator cover.

Specifications

Design

Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, spark-ignition engine, liquid-cooled

Displacement

349.7 cm³

Bore

88 mm

Stroke

57.5 mm

Starting aid

Kick starter and electric starter

Engine lubrication

Forced oil lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps

Primary gear ratio

24:73

Final drive

14:52 (13:52)

Cooling system

Liquid cooling system, continuous circulation of cooling liquid with water pump

Clutch

Wet multi-disc clutch / hydraulically operated

Ignition system

Contactless, controlled, fully electronic ignition system with digital ignition timing adjustment


Quotes

ultimatemotorcycling----"In the cylinder head with two overhead camshafts, four titanium valves are actuated by extremely lightweight, carbon-coated cam levers. This sophisticated valve train, the ultra-light pistons and the new 350 EXC-F's extremely short-stroke engine facilitate engine speeds of up to 13,000 rpm."