
KTM 350 EXC-F 2018:Built to get wild
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
Design | 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine |
---|---|
Displacement | 349.7 cm³ |
Bore | 88 mm |
Stroke | 57.5 mm |
Starter |
Electric starter |
Primary drive |
24:73 |
Transmission | 6-speed |
Clutch | Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics |
EMS | Keihin EMS |
CO2 emissions | 87.4 g/km |
Fuel consumption | 3.77 l/100 km |
CHASSIS
Frame design |
25CrMo4 steel central-tube frame |
---|---|
Rear suspension |
WP Xplor PDS shock absorber |
Suspension travel (front) | 300 mm |
Suspension travel (rear) | 310 mm |
Front Brake | Disc brake |
Rear Brake | Disc brake |
Front brake disc diameter | 260 mm |
Rear brake disc diameter | 220 mm |
Chain | X-Ring 5/8 x 1/4" |
Steering head angle | 63.5 ° |
Ground clearance | 355 mm |
Seat height | 960 mm |
Tank capacity (approx.) | 8.5 l |
Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel) | 104 kg |