KTM 350 XC-F review

[motor_mayhem]

Reckon the SX-F makes a pretty fine enduro/trail bike as is, it has some shortcomings, but they are a lot less than most MX bikes used as trail bikes.

I think that's probably spot on there. When I watched SuperX in auks the 350's were only mid pack, so maybe not as good for MX/SX but I can definitely see for your below average to excellent trail riders, 350 is probably the perfect size and weight as 450's on trails seem to be mostly underutilised and a bit heavy on the tighter stuff and 250's may end up working pretty hard through some bits and not have that bit extra when you occasionally need it

[oldguy]

OH BTW remind me who won mx1?? Was it Tony Cairoli what was it he was riding?

Cairoli would have have won even if he was still riding a yamaha, something like his third MX1 title?
With Ben moving back to Europe to race, and riding for Kawasaki, this should be very interesting, he will give Cairoli a run for his money, I hope, fingers cross(just wish he'd would stop getting injured before the season starts}

350XC-F
Whats wrong with the 300EXC? you think KTM would let Chris Birch or Paul Whibley test ride one?

[That Guy]

I've haD a 350 for about a month now having come from a 450. Just my opinion but on most Mx tracks in NZ I reckon there are only about 30 riders in NZ who can get a 450 to sing for a full length race. The rest of us are just not fit enough nor good enough to use a 450 properly, especially for more than 2 laps at race pace.

Despite the weight being about the same, the 350 feels 250f light compared to any 450 I have ridden. I reckon the reason is less enertia coming from the smaller engine. The 350 is a heap easier to change lines on, and doesn't just barge it's way through the track, it kind of goes where you think it to go, not like a 450 which tells you where its going and that you need to hang on. It is more like a 250 with more torque to save you in little mistakes than an under powered 450 to ride I think.

The result has been for me I can go a lot faster for longer, have more fun being the boss of the bike rather than the bike being the boss of me, and in the end as I am not anywhere near NZs top 30 Mx riders- I am enjoying riding more than ever...which is the whole point for me these days!

[peadub]

I've haD a 350 for about a month now having come from a 450. Just my opinion but on most Mx tracks in NZ I reckon there are only about 30 riders in NZ who can get a 450 to sing for a full length race. The rest of us are just not fit enough nor good enough to use a 450 properly, especially for more than 2 laps at race pace.

Despite the weight being about the same, the 350 feels 250f light compared to any 450 I have ridden. I reckon the reason is less enertia coming from the smaller engine. The 350 is a heap easier to change lines on, and doesn't just barge it's way through the track, it kind of goes where you think it to go, not like a 450 which tells you where its going and that you need to hang on. It is more like a 250 with more torque to save you in little mistakes than an under powered 450 to ride I think.

The result has been for me I can go a lot faster for longer, have more fun being the boss of the bike rather than the bike being the boss of me, and in the end as I am not anywhere near NZs top 30 Mx riders- I am enjoying riding more than ever...which is the whole point for me these days!

That sums the bike up perfectly That Guy! The 350 is ideal for the 97% of us that ride for the enjoyment of it
KTM will have three versions of it for 2012 The EXC will have PDS and a wide ratio 6 speed along with a road kit (to meet ADR requirement)

[Reckless]

Cairoli would have have won even if he was still riding a yamaha, something like his third MX1 title?

Ah oldguy I was just winding Barty up mate! LOL!! Bit of friendly stick at his sensitive Ktm spot LOL!!!
All good fun I'd do the same round the camp fire when we are up the farm!

[oldguy]

Ah oldguy I was just winding Barty up mate! LOL!! Bit of friendly stick at his sensitive Ktm spot LOL!!!
All good fun I'd do the same round the camp fire when we are up the farm!

Know worries mate, I don't take anything to seriously, some times i try to be funny and it comes out wrong when I read it back to myself after postingdoh.