The new KTM 350SX-F!

[FlangMasterJ]

Press release here: http://www.1190adventure.com/KTM-News.223.20.html?nodeID=107658&cHash=67a4eb11d0

[That Guy]

Thats a cool looking machine alright. Nice.

And that little 125 would be a cool bucket racer!

[vazza]

Haha, its been my wallpaper for a while now :P!

[scott411]

interesting they stayed with electric start, i know it has not been that quick to start bikes here in nz, and it is heavier than a kick start

[takitimu]

interesting they stayed with electric start, i know it has not been that quick to start bikes here in nz, and it is heavier than a kick start

It'll be fascinating to see how they make their power, if it's reasonably linear it'll make one heck of a Cross Country weapon, though that electric start will cost it off the start.

I guess the proof will be in the laptimes, if they are good it'll make for a fascinating next few years.

[scott411]

yeah i think it will be a awesome size for a cross coutnry bike, it will be interesting to see how alessi goes on it, he is an awesome starter, but horsepower rules on long soft start straights, be interesting for sure,

[FlangMasterJ]

The power of a 450 in a 250 chassis only means one thing. Faster lap times.

I think Alessi is going to give the 450's a run in the outdoors next season aboard the 350F.

My boss/friend has already got one ordered. :yes:

[takitimu]

That was one quick order :)

http://www.dirtrider.com/features/141_0911_ktm_350_sx_f_with_linkage/index.html

has some good info in there, sounds like Evert's went linear with the power, but used EFI to get low end.

I'm actually a bit of a 250 convert at the moment, though who knows by the time this actually arrives.

[FlangMasterJ]

That was one quick order :)

http://www.dirtrider.com/features/141_0911_ktm_350_sx_f_with_linkage/index.html

has some good info in there, sounds like Evert's went linear with the power, but used EFI to get low end.

I'm actually a bit of a 250 convert at the moment, though who knows by the time this actually arrives.

Great link! (no pun intended)

What's the youtube vid of?

Can someone embed it here? I can't view it for some reason.

[Reckless]

here mate!

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GI6zDT4hVyg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GI6zDT4hVyg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[FlangMasterJ]

here mate!

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GI6zDT4hVyg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GI6zDT4hVyg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Aaarrgh fuck it! It still doesn't work. Can you be a champ and post the link?

[Reckless]

you mean this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI6zDT4hVyg&feature=player_embedded

[FlangMasterJ]

That's better. Cheers mate.

[flyingcr250]

ive got my bike striped down to the frame at the moment, i think im gunna paint the frame orange!

[honda_power]

i dont like the orange frame at all... or the shrouds... or even the idea of a 350.

The first step in 350s taking over 450s and making shit even more expensive...

Black forks and frame of the 08's looked way cooler

[flyingcr250]

i dont like the orange frame at all... or the shrouds... or even the idea of a 350.

The first step in 350s taking over 450s and making shit even more expensive...

Black forks and frame of the 08's looked way cooler

i reckon the frame looks horny as!:love:

but the plastics look weird:bash:

[FlangMasterJ]

A poster sized pic for ya.

Just printed and laminated an A1 to stick up at work. I can dream can't I?

[trailblazer]

i like it think it looks cool. :niceone:

[klx kid]

is it just me or is the tank very big?

[little.whittle]

bet its bigger than yamahas 450's crappy 6litre tank haha. Think its like 8 litres

[flyingcr250]

im a diehard 2t fan, but i can honestly say i would buy one of these if not just for the looks..........

[FlangMasterJ]

First look at Alessi's 350.

[flyingcr250]

First look at Alessi's 350.

whats that funny looking thing on the bottom of the rear shock???:rolleyes:

are they released to the public yet, or are they purely a factory race machine?

[Pierce]

i dont like the orange frame at all... or the shrouds... or even the idea of a 350.

The first step in 350s taking over 450s and making shit even more expensive...

Black forks and frame of the 08's looked way cooler


Yes personally I think its pretty damn hideous. the 08's looked way nicer. while everyone else (japs) are making their bikes look sexier... ktm makes theirs look worse haha.
I'd say the 350 would be the way to go for 4t's though, def a better size bike/engine IMO

[Pornstar]

Nup, I rekon they look sexy as, awesome if they do an EXC the same. One for me please

[vazza]

I think thats the nicest looking motocross machine created. I would like one to sit in my garage just to look at. :rolleyes:

[little.whittle]

Garage... :lol: itd be in my room! :rolleyes:

[flyingcr250]

garage :lol: itd be in my room! :rolleyes:

ha ha ha yea the missus can sleep in the spare room:devil2:

[takitimu]

I reckon it looks damn cool, the proof will be in the racing, but damn it has potential as a Cross Country/MX/Enduro machine,

The 4/ manufacturers need to do something to stem what is turning into a flood of people going back 2/ & this might be the start, along with the new husky 250 where the top sits about as high as a 250/2 showing how a 4/ can be made easy to do valve clearances etc.

[FlangMasterJ]

Some more pics

[FlangMasterJ]

and one more

[vazza]

Nice find Flang!!

I wonder if they will make the EXC range look like this... Seriously the nicest looking bike I have ever seen.

[noobi]

but ktms dont need linkages, right?

be interesting to see if all ktm models will evolve off the frame and suspension concept of the 350SXF, or whether the 350 will be a frenkenbaby and other models stay will the oval tube frame and PDS

that linkage is really low down too, would think it would be in the way a little bit if your not always on a MX track
:crazy:

[Danger]

OMG what an ugly KTM with that orange frame! Yeah and they don't "need" linkages but Motocross Action has convinced the US MX crowd that they do. I always laugh when I read the other US mags KTM bike tests, "the suspension was surprisingly good" because they have all been brainwashed to expect something below par from Motocross Action, and Jody is a bunnie on a bike by the way, despite what he might have you believe LOL.

[4stroke]

it looks like a road cone... be good on the eye if the frame wasnt orange, maybe black or silver?

[Crasherfromwayback]

You can't use/ride a 450...buy a 250

[Pornstar]

You can't use/ride a 450...buy a 250

"Only a sith talks in absolutes"

[Crasherfromwayback]

"Only a sith talks in absolutes"

And only a manufacturer that can't compete head to head with others invents it's own class.

[Ride it till the red]

And only a manufacturer that can't compete head to head with others invents it's own class.

Or a manufacturer that see's a large gap in the market with obvious demand and quite possibly large sales/interest?

A manufacturer that isn't afraid to try new things? To please their customers?

I don't like KTM's at all for the record, they just plain don't sit right with me personally. But I do like the way they do things and the idea's behind their bikes. The EXC range has a huge appeal and I wish I did enjoy the ride of them as there isn't many competitors making similar bikes in quantitys that provide enough second hand buying options in NZ. Just as the idea of a 350 seem's perfect to me, a bit more exciting than 250's which I find a little boring in more open riding and lighter and more flickable/useable than the big 450's (which I went for). The IDEA excites me, I hope it works as well for them as the EXC's have and I will make a point of test riding one when the time comes.

My 2c

[Pornstar]

Or a manufacturer that see's a large gap in the market with obvious demand and quite possibly large sales/interest?

A manufacturer that isn't afraid to try new things? To please their customers?

I don't like KTM's at all for the record, they just plain don't sit right with me personally. But I do like the way they do things and the idea's behind their bikes. The EXC range has a huge appeal and I wish I did enjoy the ride of them as there isn't many competitors making similar bikes in quantitys that provide enough second hand buying options in NZ. Just as the idea of a 350 seem's perfect to me, a bit more exciting than 250's which I find a little boring in more open riding and lighter and more flickable/useable than the big 450's (which I went for). The IDEA excites me, I hope it works as well for them as the EXC's have and I will make a point of test riding one when the time comes.

My 2c

Wise words indeed

[camchain]

From November issue ADB mag, KTM's off-road product manager says they are using linkage on GP bikes but still undecided for production MX bikes.

For enduro range he says KTM will definitely stay with PDS system because:
- more ground clearance
- shock easier to remove
- less maintenance
- less weight
- winning plenty of championships

(BTW he also says FI two strokes 'still a little way off' because 2 stroke models able to meet current emissions regs)

Your Jedi mind tricks will only work on the simple minded, pornstar

[vazza]

Nice find there cam, thats good news. Was abit worried that the enduro models would be going linkage.. I wouldnt be happy.

[Reckless]

And only a manufacturer that can't compete head to head with others invents it's own class.

I never read anywhere the 350 is meant to begin a new class?? I read the Husagurg 390 delivered way enough useable power and they could then design a lighter framed bike. We all know Husa is the testing ground for Ktm so I can only assume they have taken that theory and developed the 350sx. I personally don't think its an attempt to start a new class, I reckon, they think 450 horsepower and weight is unnecessarily to go fast, and they'll take on the 450's in the open class with this 350 model. Good luck to them I reckon they are correct and this thing will fly. MX does depend more on the pilot than any other sport so we shall have to wait and see? It'll be interesting to watch this and our Josh on the Aprillia! Shit I wish Ktm had of got him! Ah well let the games begin LOL!!!:scooter:
Just another angle??

[Crasherfromwayback]

Or a manufacturer that see's a large gap in the market with obvious demand and quite possibly large sales/interest?

A manufacturer that isn't afraid to try new things? To please their customers?



Actually mate...it was a bit of a wind up!



I never read anywhere the 350 is meant to begin a new class?? I read the Husagurg 390 delivered way enough useable power and they could then design a lighter framed bike. We all know Husa is the testing ground for Ktm so I can only assume they have taken that theory and developed the 350sx. I personally don't think its an attempt to start a new class, I reckon, they think 450 horsepower and weight is unnecessarily to go fast, and they'll take on the 450's in the open class with this 350 model. Good luck to them I reckon they are correct and this thing will fly. MX does depend more on the pilot than any other sport so we shall have to wait and see? It'll be interesting to watch this and our Josh on the Aprillia! Shit I wish Ktm had of got him! Ah well let the games begin LOL!!!:scooter:
Just another angle??


I hope it doesn't actually see the end of the 450's though...like how the 450's killed off 500 two strokes. I could ride a 125 two stroke faster round a moto-x track if that's what I wanted to do now days...but it's not. I want that much power and torque avail in any gear at any time that I don't know what to do with it. That's half the fun/challange to me.

[kezzafish]

I want that much power and torque avail in any gear at any time that I don't know what to do with it. That's half the fun/challange to me.

Totally agree with that point. That's the same reason that half of us take our ridiculous 450 MXers up the cuntiest track we can find in Karapoti, wires and the like. It's a blast.

But yeah the 350 sounds like a brilliant idea for racing, and that bike looks awesome if nothing else

[telliman]

regardless of power and big bike/little bike, Alessi is gona kill it this year,he already has the best starts in the ama and if he can stay fast for the entire race, something he couldnt do on the 450, he will start the begining of the end of the 450 in this class, there are so many riders who would suit this bike so much more than the 450s!

[Crasherfromwayback]

Totally agree with that point. That's the same reason that half of us take our ridiculous 450 MXers up the cuntiest track we can find in Karapoti, wires and the like. It's a blast.

But yeah the 350 sounds like a brilliant idea for racing, and that bike looks awesome if nothing else

Yeah my sickness started at 15 when I got an RM400!

[camchain]

Ha ha. The sickness and the cure is the same thing for crasher and kezza. I'm the opposite (at the moment anyway). I like smaller engine and using all of it.

Talk from the governing bodies about reducing 450 class to 350 seems to have died off. Kind of hope they stick with status quo. I like the idea of premier pro class being a glamour-big-banger, but it'll be real interesting to watch how this 350 goes.

Can't remember who it was, but fairly recently a rider did a round of NZ MX Nationals on 250 in 450 class. He was too quick for comfort and it didn't go down well Lol.

New gen high performance 4 strokes are the sex but I reckon DRZ400 has a near perfect 4t trail bike engine, good usable power spread and with it's lower state of tune, easy to maintain.
'State of the art' 250's have similar peak power to humble DRZ but you have to rev it to get it, & more revs means more piston, valve train wear etc. Seems weird the 250 - 450 thing has persisted for so long. For weekend warriors, who cares about engine capacity? Just build an engine with power characteristics that suit majority of riders.

Few years ago Stephan Merriman said 35hp was plenty for a dirt bike - Just before he went to Aprilia lol.

[telliman]

when vilipoto was in the lites he cosistently laid down quicker times or there abts than bubba on the 450, im not saying the ama will restrict, but i think the manufacturers are abt to realise wat a few have already known,

[FlangMasterJ]

Can't remember who it was, but fairly recently a rider did a round of NZ MX Nationals on 250 in 450 class. He was too quick for comfort and it didn't go down well Lol.

What still sticks in my mind was Villopoto getting the holeshot on his 250F against the big bikes at MXoN and leaving them for dead.

This 350 is going to be impressive.

[camchain]

What still sticks in my mind was Villopoto getting the holeshot on his 250F against the big bikes at MXoN and leaving them for dead.

This 350 is going to be impressive.
Would like to have seen that. I managed a couple of pretty memorable holeshots (Rookie class GNCC mini-cluster starts) on the mild mannered KLX300. Power to the ground plus determined sneaky late braking. The 350 should turn a bit better than a 450 as well.

Wouldn't be at all surprised if the 'powers that be' decide start straights will be a bit longer this season though! Hey, if 450 power can really be used by mortal man, why not build special oversize tires for a real arm-stretching, trench digging monster?

I see you have the 350 kitted job flange, I think old school has one too. I rode one a while back, thought it was real nice engine.

[FlangMasterJ]

I see you have the 350 kitted job flange, I think old school has one too. I rode one a while back, thought it was real nice engine.

Yeah it was nice. Too bad some other fucker thought it was nice too.

[vazza]

Yeah it was nice. Too bad some other fucker thought it was nice too.

Haha, I lol'd. That sucks.

Dale linked me to the 350kits you can get for late model 250EXCF's. Rather expensive, I think they're $1800US. Not keen.

[camchain]

Yeah it was nice. Too bad some other fucker thought it was nice too.
Uh oh, sorry about that, salt in wound.
I think only the earlier models can go out to 350cc. Later ones only about 280cc? -Athena kit. Not to worry, 350 dirt bikes will be all over the show in a couple of years after huge success of this 3-fiddy?

[Crasherfromwayback]

Few years ago Stephan Merriman said 35hp was plenty for a dirt bike - Just before he went to Aprilia lol.

I flatted with that maniac for two years when I was in Brisbane. His factory TYZ had around 28 HP...but way too much torque for me to use!

He's a sick fucker!

[FlangMasterJ]

Uh oh, sorry about that, salt in wound.
I think only the earlier models can go out to 350cc. Later ones only about 280cc? -Athena kit. Not to worry, 350 dirt bikes will be all over the show in a couple of years after huge success of this 3-fiddy?

Come on guys. There are few company's that do a 350 for the new generation four stroke.

[noobi]

Come on guys. There are few company's that do a 350 for the new generation four stroke.

yea but it involves altering/changing the crank, a different rod, and a different piston and liner. cost $1800 USD, and you have to send your engine to them.
google HT racing