Beskrivelse

You don’t just become the bestseller. 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 the wild with precise handling and tough suspension. No matter how mud-caked your face is, that smile will shine through. When you find the end of the trail, you will know what we’re talking about

Bodywork

KTM R&D, KISKA Design and the factory racers had their

say in shaping the plastics with one goal: complete harmony

between rider and bike. Perfect ergonomics and contact points

provide maximum comfort in movement on the EXC-F. The I-beam

structures of the front and rear fenders guarantee maximum stability

and a low weight thanks to well thought-out construction and mounting.

They also stay cleaner for longer. Clever brake hose routing on

the front number plate prevents wear and tear.

Graphics

New graphics convey the READY TO RACE character of

the 2018 KTM EXC-F model line.

Engine

The KTM 350 EXC-F engine features a design with similar

dimensions to the KTM 250 EXC-F, but delivering 450-style torque

and power over the entire rev range. The architecture with an

optimized shaft configuration makes for excellent mass centralization

and effortless rideability, at only 28.5kg. That’s including the comfort

of an E-starter. This makes the KTM 350 EXC-F brilliantly suited to

adventurers looking for the ultimate combination of power and weight.

And it’s Euro IV homologated, so it’s green and KTM orange at the same time.

Cylinder head

The centerpiece of the compact DOHC engine is this cutting-edge

cylinder head. It features light, dual overhead camshafts with

friction-optimized cam followers boasting a hard DLC coating.

Four lightweight titanium valves and high-flow ports maximize

the flow rate for an optimal power band and outstanding performance

across the seemingly endless rev range of 12,800rpm. Two lateral

stays allow an efficient fixation of the engine to the frame and reduce vibration.

Crankshaft

The KTM 350 EXC-F’s crankshaft utilizes a short connecting rod,

making for an overall compact and lightweight engine with

a snappy power delivery. A plain big (bottom) end bearing with two

force-fitted bearing shells runs directly on the crank pin. This design is a

must for the extremely high engine speeds and the unrivaled power

of this 350cc engine while also enhancing the engine’s

durability for long crankshaft service intervals.

Engine management system

The state-of-the-art Keihin engine management system

with electronic fuel injection features a 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.

E-Starter

The KTM 350 EXC-F is now fitted with an E-starter as standard,

which is a clear advantage when it comes to crunch time in the heat

of battle. A strong starter motor made by Mitsuba will fire time and time

again at the push of a button. Even under extreme conditions, thanks to

its heat resistant O-ring.

Transmission

The engine is fitted with a precise 6-speed Enduro transmission,

with solid shift engagement thanks to a special low-friction

coating on the shift forks. An advanced ´No Dirt´ gear shift lever

design prevents mud or dirt build-up in the joint for trouble-free rides.

All KTM 4-stroke engines are fitted with a gear position sensor that

syncs the power curve to each gear. In MY18, the transmission shaft

gets a new C4 bearing that has a bigger overlap in the case.

This means reliability even under extremely hard conditions.

Think GP-level riding. In knee-deep sand.

Balancer shaft

To balance the mass forces, the engine uses a multifunctional

balancer shaft that also drives the water pump and timing chain.

Cylinder and piston

Inside the cylinder, with a bore of 88mm, thumps a reliable

box-type piston made by CP. Its crown geometry is adapted

perfectly to the high-compression combustion chamber (12.3:1),

where its rigid structure and low weight maximize performance.

Thanks to low oscillating masses, the engine revs freely with plenty of power.

Clutch

The KTM 350 EXC-F employs the KTM-developed DDS clutch

(damped diaphragm steel) with a wear-free steel basket

and extremely heat resistant clutch plates and new, nitrated

steel liners. This clever design employs a diaphragm spring instead

of the usual coil springs, making for considerably easier clutch action.

A diaphragm spring also leaves sufficient space for a damping system

to be integrated into the clutch hub. The goal is traction, but durability

is as well. Light operation and telepathic amounts of control are standard

with this hydraulic Brembo actuated clutch.

Crankcases and engine covers

The design of the die-cast crankcases allows for a centralized

shaft configuration, moving the crankshaft close to the bike’s

center of gravity. All hail mass-centralization! The engine covers

feature an advanced surface structure to reduce the wear caused

by the rider’s boots. Because that would be a pity.

Frame

The high-tech, lightweight chrome-moly steel frame has a knack

for easy handling, outlandish rideability, precise cornering

and excellent stability. You can also count on high torsional

rigidity and low longitudinal stiffness. This results in better absorption

of the energy created from the front and rear suspension sucking

up jumps and bumps. In short: more comfort and less rider fatigue.

Laterally attached, lightweight engine head stays (the connection

between cylinder head and frame) contribute to a reduced vibration level.

Two threaded inserts in the lower cradle tubes allow for safe fixation

of an optional skid plate. The engineers could pull off all that, while

making their frame a big fat kilogram lighter than that of the lightest

competitor on the market. In addition, it is easier to maintain, easier

to work on and supplies more space for the tank and other components.

The bike also features an extra-light subframe made of stable

aluminum profiles, which tiptoes the scales at less than 900g.

Footpegs

Sophisticated ´No Dirt´ footpegs prevent jamming up of the pegs,

even when digging in deep ruts. The pegs on the EXC models are

6mm higher than the ones used on SX models, which benefits ground

clearance. But you can swap them at will.

Swingarm

This state-of-the-art swingarm allows for an optimized mounting

position of the PDS shock absorber, providing more progressive

action. Furthermore, the cast aluminum design guarantees lower weight

and a perfect flex behavior. The single-component casting process also

eliminates any inconsistencies and weak points.

Rear suspension

The PDS is kind of a KTM trademark where the shock absorber is

directly connected to the upper side of the swingarm. This setup

boasts the best possible mounting geometry and provides amazingly

progressive damping. The shock absorber is mounted close to the centerline,

which means nearly symmetrical loads for the swingarm and frame and more

space for the exhaust system. A second piston works together with a

closed cup (instead of a needle) towards the end of the stroke and is supported

by a progressive shock spring for exceptional bottoming resistance. Various

machined and anodized components and a distinctive WP color trim make this

a valuable, high-end product compared to the less refined shock absorbers of the competition.

Front suspension

The WP Xplor 48 upside-down fork is a split fork developed by

WP in close collaboration with KTM. It is fitted with a spring on

both sides but features separated functions for each fork leg:

compression damping is fitted on the left side, while rebound is on

the right. The forks can easily be adjusted for compression and rebound

with the twist of a dial on the top of the forks. New outer fork tubes and

a reworked setting make for more sensitivity, improved damping

behavior and a reduced weight. In addition, a sealed hydro-stop guarantees

excellent resistance to bottoming-out. Due to high-quality materials and

a state-of-the-art production process, the new WP Xplor 48 fork – with

approx. 300mm of travel – has outstanding response and damping characteristics.

A comfortable preload adjuster can be retrofitted and allows for a simple spring preload

setting in three steps without tools (standard, +3mm, +6mm).

Brakes

You can’t brake any harder, better, faster or stronger. High-tech

Brembo calipers are combined with lightweight Wave brake discs.

The steel-flex front brake hose has efficient protection and there’s an integrated

channel for the speedometer cable. First you outrun them, then you outbrake them.

Triple clamp

The EXC-Fs are fitted with forged triple clamps with an offset of 22mm,

ensuring a solid grip of the fork and precise handling. The handlebar is adjustable

forwards and backwards over 4 positions, so the EXC-F will fit you like your favorite gloves.

Handlebar

KTM engineers know how to handle handlebars. This tapered unit,

made of high-strength aluminum by NEKEN, features a

throttle assembly with a robust aluminum body and easy free-play

adjustment. An ODI volcanized grip sits on the right, while on the left

side of the bar a comfortable ODI lock-on grip requires no glue or wire to

secure it. You can retrofit two interchangeable throttle cams, for different

response characteristics to suit your specific needs. With an optional map

select switch you can select an alternative power characteristic and activate the

unique traction control, a major benefit under wet riding conditions.

Air filter box

The air filter box design offers maximum protection of the air

filter against soiling, while ensuring maximum airflow in a quiet

way. The large Twin Air filter is mounted in a stiff cage, which at the

same time holds the system in place. This design is so simple; you can pop a

fresh one in with a face full of mud – without tools and in seconds.

Fuel tank

The lightweight polyethylene tank has a capacity of 8.5 liters.

You will always be able to see how much fuel remains at a glance,

thanks to the see-through plastic. By pushing the orange release

button in the center of the fuel tank cap, the bayonet mechanism makes

refueling quick and easy. It is fitted with an integrated fuel pump system and

a fuel level sensor. Additionally, the fuel line features a 90° connector to the

tank for better protection against damage.

Exhaust system

Noise limits are a real challenge for every manufacturer.

Therefore, KTM has put a lot of effort into the development

of its exhaust systems. All 4-strokes are fitted with a short

muffler, mounted as close to the engine as possible. This means

more power, extra mass centralization and better rideability.

An advanced internal design reduces the noise sufficiently to sit

safely below the noise limit, while still providing the engine response

and performance that is expected from a KTM.

Wheels

The EXC-F’s wheels feature lightweight, CNC machined hubs and

high-end Giant rims guaranteeing maximum stability at

minimum weight. The wheels are fitted with MAXXIS tires – perfect

for surefooted performance off-road and stability on-road.

Battery & Wiring harness

A strong lithium ion battery breathes life into the engine and

contributes to low vehicle weight. The lightweight battery and wiring

harness are centralized in a compartment above the air filter box, allowing

the mechanic to remove the subframe without getting in conflict

with the electronics. A happy mechanic is a good mechanic.

Cooling system

KTM’s proven cooling system routes the coolant from the

cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to aluminum

radiators made by WP. Thanks to flow optimized internal circulation

and CFD-calculated ventilation, the system is superbly efficient. In addition,

new radiator protections improve heat dissipation. Especially in the mud.

They are also integrated into the front part of the shrouds to protect

the radiators in a crash.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

ENGINE

CHASSIS