KTM 350 EXC-F vs SXF vs XCF vs XCFW [Specs & Differences]

The KTM 350 filth bike fashions are fairly a bit totally different, so how are you aware which is finest for you? Or perhaps you shouldn’t even be contemplating one…

Both means, you’re in the precise place if you wish to know what sort of bike the KTM 350 is, why it might or is probably not best for you, and what to anticipate when shopping for and driving one.

What’s the KTM 350?

It’s a 350cc liquid-cooled 4 stroke Enduro bike, which is mainly a high-performance path bike. The engine relies on the motocross race bike, however there are just a few totally different fashions for the KTM 350 which might be tuned barely otherwise. 

Who’s it for?

Relying on which mannequin you get, which I’ll cowl the variations in a minute, the KTM 350 is nice in case you’re an grownup that’s a minimum of 5’8” tall and desire a 4 stroke filth bike with aggressive traits for racing, path driving, or twin sport driving. 

Is it good for rookies?

In case you’re driving on the street or simple and flat gravel trails, you would possibly be capable to deal with one, however for essentially the most half, I don’t advocate shopping for a KTM 350 in case you’re a newbie or simply getting again into filth bikes after 20+ years for a few causes.

The 350cc 4-stroke engine has quite a lot of energy, so in case you begin driving within the woods or on tight and technical trails, it’s very simple to seize an excessive amount of throttle and have the bike bounce out from below you – I hear about this occurring far more typically than I’d like.

In case you’re an entire newbie or desire a path bike that can assist construct your confidence quicker, then I extremely advocate beginning on a filth bike that’s made for rookies – they’re cheaper, simpler to journey, and simpler to keep up.

350 EXC-F vs SXF vs XCF vs XW-F

• EXC-F: Road authorized twin sport with energy tuned down and softer suspension – full lights and plate for street and filth driving
• SX-F: Motocross bike with the lightest and most aggressive energy and suspension package deal
• XC-F: Cross-country race bike with shut ratio transmission and stiffer off-road suspension
• XW-F (changed XCF-W): Enduro bike with wider ratio transmission and barely softer suspension with headlight/tail gentle

KTM 350 vs Husqvarna 350 vs Gasoline Gasoline 350 – is there a distinction?

Since KTM purchased Husqvarna and Gasoline Gasoline inside the final a number of years, lots of the filth bikes between these two firms are very related, and their 350cc filth bikes aren’t any totally different.

Apart from the totally different colours of plastics, there’s little or no distinction between every model’s 350 – Suspension elements, airbox design, and different minor elements to barely have an effect on the worth (Gasoline Gasoline is often the bottom MSRP out of the three sister manufacturers.

Engine traits

KTM first got here out with the 350cc dimension filth bike in 2011 to bridge the hole between a 250F that’s barely underpowered for larger or extra skilled riders and the 450F that’s too exhausting to deal with in case you’re a weekend warrior. It’s a liquid-cooled, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine that has respectable torque at low RPM, however nonetheless likes to be revved excessive like a 250.

What to anticipate when driving the 350

The 350 EXC-F is the smoothest and tamest engine out of the 350 fashions, however even it has some “snap” to the throttle response, making it more durable to regulate and extra exhausting in case you don’t have correct driving approach and good throttle management.

With that mentioned, when you get into the midrange RPM, it actually begins to select up acceleration and pulls onerous virtually to the rev limiter round 12,000 RPM, which suggests it has a broad energy curve, however it’s a must to get above 4,000 RPM to get into the meat of the facility – decrease than that and also you’ll really feel it “chugging” and begging to downshift so that you just don’t flame out/stall.

Horsepower

The KTM 350 SXF and XCF are very related in the case of the engine package deal – they each make about 50 rear wheel horsepower at slightly below 9000 RPM, in response to Dust Rider’s dyno, whereas the EXC-F mannequin makes about 35 HP – sure it’s about 15 HP lower than the opposite 350 fashions.

Why is the 350 EXC-F so underpowered in comparison with the SX-F & XC-F fashions?

Though the engine platform is basically the identical because the MX and enduro race bike engines, the EXC-F is a twin sport motorbike, which signifies that it’s road authorized, which additionally means there are a lot stricter necessities to be authorized.

This forces KTM to “choke up” the consumption, engine, and exhaust to fulfill EPA and/or different laws to make it authorized to promote in each state or nation.

Can the EXC-F be “uncorked” to be just like the SXF and XCF?

Whereas it’s a lot simpler to begin with a race bike if you would like all that energy, perhaps you need the road authorized advantage of the EXCF – then sure, you’ll be able to modify or improve sure elements to deliver that 35 horsepower up near 50 HP.

The primary issues you’ll want to uncork your KTM EXC-F 350 are:

Why HP doesn’t imply a lot

In case you’re a path rider like me, you’re not going to make use of half of the horsepower 90% of the time since you’re solely ¼ to ½ throttle and within the midrange of the RPM, which signifies that most of us may get away with a 20 HP path bike.

Except you could have the expertise and ability to maintain the RPM within the 7000-10000 RPM vary, the low-end and midrange torque numbers are way more necessary as a result of that’s the place most of us spend nearly all of our time whereas path driving on single-track trails.

In case you’re racing motocross or high-speed off-road programs, comparable to desert/hare and hound, then the height horsepower is important.

Prime velocity

Very similar to peak HP numbers don’t matter, filth bike high velocity doesn’t imply a lot until you’re drag racing or holding it large open within the desert. With that mentioned, relying on which KTM 350 mannequin you select, the max velocity is about 70 mph on the SXF (MX bike) mannequin and about 90 mph on the EXC-F (twin sport) mannequin.

A easy gearing swap will change the highest velocity and acceleration of your filth bike. For instance, going to a smaller rear sprocket (Amazon) will improve the highest velocity whereas shedding just a little little bit of acceleration – a great compromise for twin sport driving if you wish to cruise at a decrease RPM and don’t want a very low 1st gear.

Transmission variations

There are 4 KTM 350 filth bike fashions with barely totally different transmissions. The wide-ratio transmissions have gears which might be spaced additional aside, making every gear extra usable (much less shifting), whereas the close-ratio transmission has gears which might be nearer collectively.

This makes it simpler to maintain the facility within the meat of the RPM vary and have higher acceleration as you’re upshifting, however it additionally requires extra frequent shifting.

These are the KTM 350 transmission variations:

• EXC-F: 6-speed, wide-ratio – 1st gear is pretty low for some reasonable path driving, whereas sixth gear is taller than common for increased cruising speeds on the street.
• SX-F: 5-speed shut ratio – 1st gear is pretty tall with all 5 gears being nearer collectively so it’s simpler to remain in the precise RPM for racing motocross
• XC-F: 6-speed shut ratio  – 1st gear is pretty tall with all 6 gears being nearer collectively so it’s simpler to remain in the precise RPM for racing off-road
• XW-F (changed XCF-W): 6-speed, wide-ratio – 1st gear is pretty low for some reasonable path driving, whereas sixth gear is taller than common for increased cruising speeds on filth roads

Reliability

Being a high-performance engine that’s made for racing, the KTM 350 would require noticeably extra upkeep than a newbie path bike in the long term, however that doesn’t imply it’s noy dependable. In truth, in case you’re doing common oil and filter adjustments and protecting the air filter clear, all KTM 350 fashions might be surprisingly dependable – relying on the way you journey it.

How lengthy will the engine final earlier than needing a rebuild?

In case you’re an professional rider that rides at excessive RPM and is continually hitting the rev limiter, you’re going to want the engine rebuilt prior to later – it doesn’t matter what filth bike you select. You’ll be able to anticipate to want a rebuild within the 20-50 hours vary with these circumstances.

Nonetheless, in case you’re an informal path rider or twin sport rider that’s simple on the throttle and rides within the low to midrange RPM, you would simply get 200+ hours or 3000+ miles earlier than something must be finished to the engine, assuming you’re doing correct upkeep.

Suspension

As soon as once more, there’s a spread of variations between every KTM 350 filth bike mannequin, however they’re all high-performance in comparison with a newbie path bike. That’s not essentially good, particularly in case you’re new to driving filth bikes off-road.

Why? These “race bikes” are made to be ridden quick, so in case you’re driving too slowly, the suspension will really feel stiff and harsh, making it uncomfortable and fatiguing in your arms, wrists, and arms.

Entrance forks & rear shock

KTM has made small and enormous updates to every 350cc mannequin through the years, so I’m simply going to check the primary variations of what you’ll be able to anticipate for any 12 months 350 primarily based on the sort of filth bike you choose.

Listed here are the sensible suspension variations between every KTM mannequin:

• EXC-F: The softest suspension out of the group – it’s made for twin sport driving, which is a variety of pavement, gravel roads, and gentle to reasonable path driving
• SX-F: Stiffest suspension that’s made for one factor – racing motocross with massive jumps, whoops and tough terrain on MX tracks
• XC-F: Stiff for racing, however barely softer than the SXF mannequin as a result of it’s made for off-road driving and might deal with small jumps and whoops earlier than bottoming out
• XW-F (changed XCF-W): Noticeably softer than the XCF mannequin – made for the extra informal path rider whereas nonetheless being stiff sufficient for skilled riders.

Suspension adjustability

All of those KTM 350’s are made for the common person who’s about 5’10”-6’0” and 160-180 lbs. You’ll be able to alter the compression and rebound damping to get a barely stiffer or softer feeling, however in case you’re a lot lighter or heavier then you’ll most likely want totally different springs and/or suspension re-valve.

When must you contemplate a suspension re-valve?

With that mentioned, I extremely encourage you to journey the inventory suspension settings earlier than sending your forks and shock out for a $1500+ re-valve. In case you don’t understand how the inventory suspension elements carry out and the way you need them to carry out otherwise, then the tuner just isn’t going to know what “higher” means once you inform them to “make it higher”. 

This goes for any filth bike – it will probably prevent quite a lot of money and time in case you simply spend just a little little bit of time attempting to grasp your filth bike. It’s additionally a enjoyable problem and makes it thrilling when you can also make a change in your filth bike and see a constructive distinction that makes you extra comfy whereas driving!

Measurement & Dealing with

All KTM 350 fashions have across the similar seat top (37.6”), which is about as tall because it will get for a dust bike and is a cushty dimension in case you’re 5’10”-6’2” relying in your inseam size. With that mentioned, the seat top doesn’t matter as a lot when you’ve mastered the primary methods for path driving.

In case you’re a newbie and have quick legs like me or are below 5’10”, this full-size filth bike will really feel tall – as in it’s simple to tip over once you come to a cease in case you don’t have good steadiness.

When you begin shifting it’s not an issue and also you shouldn’t be placing a foot down whereas driving since you don’t have full management over the bike, however it does provide you with extra confidence in case you’re simply beginning in case you can put a foot down with out worrying about falling over half the time.

Weight specs between the fashions

KTM has at all times been at or close to the highest in the case of having the lightest filth bike in its class. Nonetheless, I imagine they could be a little misleading or simply not even checklist the specs in the case of the precise weight of their filth bike fashions. 

For instance, all 4 of the KTM 350 filth bikes vary from 225-232 lbs in response to the specs I may discover on their web site. That’s very gentle for a 350cc filth bike, however there are two issues I see…

Are the weights correct?

The listed weights are “with out gas”. Which means you’ll be able to add 12-15 lbs to every bike for the precise “moist weight” – a sensible quantity for driving since you don’t begin driving with an empty gas tank.

The opposite potential drawback is that the 350 EXC F twin sport mannequin is the 2nd lightest out of the 4. It SHOULD be the heaviest as a result of it has essentially the most tools to make it road authorized (lights, blinkers, horn, mirror, exhaust, and so on…)

Mannequin 12 months historical past & adjustments

• 2011: First 12 months of the 350 SXF (Motocross bike)
• 2014: Reliability updates to the engine
• 2017: Main replace to all bikes (extra energy and fewer weight)
• 2020: Chassis updates to make it flip and deal with higher
• 2024: EXC-F mannequin will get related updates to earlier 12 months different 350 fashions to enhance general efficiency & dealing with

Worth

MSRP ranges from $10,699 for the 350 SX-F to $12,149 for the EXC-F mannequin, however then you definately even have so as to add supplier charges and taxes, which could possibly be one other $1-2k out the door.

In case you don’t thoughts shopping for a used filth bike, you could find them within the $4000-8000 vary relying on the 12 months, situation, and mannequin. You’re native market provide & demand additionally play a job within the worth of filth bikes.

Is it road authorized?

The one KTM 350 mannequin that’s street-legal from the manufacturing facility is the 350 EXC-F in case you register it for the street. The XF-W (XCF-W) mannequin has a headlight and tail gentle, however it’s made for off-road use solely and requires just a few different elements to fulfill the road authorized conversion guidelines.

Is the 350 EXC-F good for driving on the street?

For a twin sport motorbike, the 350 EXC-F is extraordinarily gentle, which makes it a great off-road bike in case you’re a extra skilled rider who can deal with 35+ horsepower. It could possibly deal with driving on the freeway, however it’s not essentially the most comfy twin sport bike for lengthy pavement rides for just a few causes.

Light-weight twin sport bikes get pushed round extra, which is extra tiring whereas cruising at 55+ mph. The engine can also be pretty “buzzy” at increased speeds, which might get annoying and exhausting as nicely. There’s additionally no actual wind safety, so that you’re going to get quite a lot of wind (and bugs) in your face.

Any frequent points?

There are often some points with the primary mannequin 12 months of a brand new technology (when 90-100% of the bike is new/up to date), however for essentially the most half, all KTM 350 filth bike fashions are good if they’ve been nicely maintained.

Specs & dimensions

These are essentially the most correct specs I may discover for all 4 KTM 350 fashions:

	350 EXC-F	350 SX-F	350 XC-F	350 XW-F
Engine	350cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke	350cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke	350cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke	350cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke
Transmission	6-speed large ratio	5-speed shut ratio	6-speed shut ratio	6-speed large ratio
Seat Top	37.8” (96cm)	37.7” (96cm)	37.6” (95cm)	37.4” (95cm)
Weight (w/out gas)	229 lbs (104 kg)	225 lbs (102 kg)	230 lbs (104.5 kg)	232 lbs (105.2 kg)
Gasoline Capability	2.38 gal (9 L)	1.9 gal (7.2 L)	2.24 gal (8.5 L)	2.24 gal (8.5 L)
Horsepower	35 HP	50 HP	50 HP	50 HP
Prime Velocity	90 MPH	70 MPH	75 MPH	85 MPH
Worth (New MSRP)	$12,149	$10,699	$11,399	$12,149

Is the KTM 350 the precise filth bike for you?

Nonetheless can’t resolve if the KTM 350 filth bike is best for you or which mannequin to decide on?
Listed here are some sensible professionals & cons of those bikes:

Execs:

• Energy to weight ratio is nice – loads of energy and good dealing with
• All years have EFI and electrical begin
• EXC-F is a superb twin sport bike if you wish to do tougher path driving
• XW-F (XCF-W) is nice in case you’re a talented rider who likes tight & technical path driving
• XC-F mannequin is nice for professional racers or high-speed path driving
• SX-F is nice for motocross
• Extra energy than 250 however is much less tiring than a 450
• 4 strokes can last more earlier than needing a rebuild
• No mixing gasoline

Cons:

• Extra energy than any newbie wants – simple to twist the throttle and lose management
• Costly
• Barely extra upkeep in comparison with a lower-performance path bike
• Elements might be costlier than Japanese-brand filth bikes

Six Days mannequin – what’s it?

Yearly KTM releases a brand new & unique-looking “Six Days” mannequin that doesn’t carry out otherwise than the usual mannequin however appears totally different. They mannequin it after the nation colours that’s internet hosting that 12 months’s Worldwide Six Days Enduro race (ISDE) with totally different plastics, graphics, and a few anodized elements on the bike.

350 EXC-F vs 350 XC-F

The primary distinction is that the EXC-F 350 is a twin sport bike that’s road authorized with full lights, softer suspension, and a milder engine tune, whereas the XC-F 350 is an off-road race bike with stiffer suspension and an aggressive and highly effective engine tune.

What to search for when shopping for a used KTM 350

There are such a lot of issues to examine on a used filth bike, however there are just a few specifics that individuals typically overlook to search for that find yourself with you shopping for an unreliable filth bike. Take a look at this video beneath for the primary issues I have a look at to know if a used filth bike is sweet or unhealthy.

Then click on right here to study the highest 5 errors consumers make when shopping for a used bike.