2017 KTM 350 EXC-F

2017 KTM 350 EXC-F

You don’t just become the best seller. You have to earn it. With mud, sweat and gears. The power-to-weight ratio of its compact DOHC engine is spot on for any terrain and situation. It will answer the call of any trail with precise handling and even tougher suspension. No matter how mud-caked your face is, that smile will shine through. When When you find the end of the trail, you will know what we’re talking about.

• ENGINE

he new 350 EXC-F engine features a design with similar dimensions to the 250 EXC-F, but delivering 450-style power. This fuel-injected powerhouse has been redesigned in order to make it more compact and lighter, while delivering better torque and power figures over the entire rev range. The new architecture with an optimized shaft configuration makes the engine 20mm shorter, which contributes to mass centralization and easier rideability of the new bike. A major benefit of the new design is the weight reduction by 4.2 pounds, down to a stunning 62.8 pounds. And that’s including the comfort of an electric starter. The power curve now reaches for the sky over the entire length of the rev range. This makes the new 350 EXC-F brilliantly suited to all riders looking for the ultimate combination of power and weight.

• CYLINDER HEAD

The centerpiece of the compact DOHC engine is this cutting-edge cylinder head. It features two overhead camshafts with friction-optimized finger followers boasting a 30% harder DLC coating and a reworked timing drive optimized for impressive low-end torque. Four lightweight titanium valves with new valve springs and retainers and high-flow ports maximize the flow rate for an optimal power band and outstanding performance across the seemingly endless rev range of 12,000rpm. By then, you’re way past the sound barrier. Two new lateral brackets allow an efficient fixation of the engine to the frame and reduce vibrations.

• CRANKSHAFT

The 350 EXC-F’s crankshaft features a stiffer design and employs a shorter connecting rod, which makes for an overall compact and lightweight engine with a snappy power delivery. A plain big-end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells runs directly on the crank pin. This design is a major prerequisite for the extremely high engine speeds and the unrivaled maximum power of this 350cm3 engine. Not only that, it also enhances the engine’s durability, allowing long crankshaft service intervals – a customer benefit in terms of time, effort and cost.

• ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The state-of-the-art Keihin Engine Management System with electronic fuel injection features an all-new 42mm throttle body. Thanks to its unique injector position, the engine’s response gives a whole new meaning to the word ‘instantaneous’. Separate circuits for cold-starting and idle make on-site adjustments easy. Push the throttle back when the engine is warmed up and the cold start mode disengages.

• ELECTRIC STARTER

The 350 EXC-F is fitted with an electric starter as standard, which is a clear advantage when things get gnarly. A strong starter motor made by Mitsuba powered by a reliable lithium ion battery and KTM’s proven starter drive will fire up time again at the push of a button