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BIKES: 2013 KTM 350 SX-F First Ride
KTM continues to refine its one-of-a-kind 350 SX-F motocross bike. Discover what it’s like to ride in this off-road motorcycle review.
The 350 SX-F offers 250-like handling with top-end engine power similar to that of the 450 class. (Photo: MotorcycleUSA.com)
The Orange Brigade continues to perfect its one-of-a-kind KTM 350 SX-F motocross bike. For 2013, this European-built motorcycle sports a number of technical updates including an upgraded chassis and engine for enriched handling and acceleration experience around the moto track.
CHASSIS
Contrary to the Japanese brands, KTM continues to employ a steel-trellis main frame which provides favorable chassis flex characteristics. Updates for ’13 include a reinforced headstock and the engine cradle tubing is now fabricated from thinner material which nets slight weight reduction. Lastly, the frame is now painted silver instead of black.
New triple clamps hold the WP fork that houses custom spring rates (0.49 kg/mm), valving, and lighter weight fork oil engineered specifically for the demands of Southern California motocross tracks which can include big jumps, whoops and rough and choppy terrain. Above, a slightly taller Renthal 827 Fatbar handlebar was fitted (equivalent to a standard 996 bend) paired to tacky dual-compound grips.
The rear suspension is a mix of old and new. Although the shock body and spring (5.8 kg/mm) is the same it has updated valving and functions in a linkage with lighter fasteners. The aluminum swingarm was modified for enhanced rigidity and the rear axle and hub bushings are new, too, necessitating the use of a triangle stand with a larger diameter plug. The wheels continue to be sourced from Excel and are laced with black corrosion-resistant spokes to machined aluminum hubs. Each wheel is shod with commercially available Dunlop Geomax MX51 tires in sizes 80/100-21 front and 110/90-19 rear.
More chassis upgrades come in the form of re-styled bodywork including a new front fender with a heavier duty and more angular design that helps prevent movement when it’s coated from the underneath with mud. The front number plate was also reshaped. Both radiator shrouds as well as the airbox covers are produced with the graphic imbedded into the plastic for superior wear resistance. Speaking of the radiators, it’s new also and fabricated with a stronger aluminum for enhanced durability in a crash or tipover.
The fuel tank continues to offer nearly a 2.0 gallon capacity and is compatible with the larger 2.51-gallon tanks that come standard on the XC off-road models. Lastly the fuel cap is now a conventional screw-on type compared to a tab-style quarter-turn.
ENGINE
When compared directly to the 450 Motocross class it’s no surprise that the 350’s smaller 349cc Single always felt a little down on power. So engineers worked feverishly to broaden the powerband and give it a little extra top-end oomph. The engine cases are now produced in a different manufacturing method which allows for lighter weight and more precise tolerances. It also eliminates the previously optional kickstart gear which means the bike is electric start only.
Inside there is a new forged piston, paired to a Pankl connecting rod sourced straight from Toni Caroili’s factory racebike. The crankshaft is also new and said to be more durable. Extra power was also obtained by modifying the intake and exhaust ports inside the cylinder head. Lastly some of the valvetrain components including the intake valve springs, washers and retainers were upgraded to allow the engine to spin another 1400 rpm higher boosting redline to 13400 revs. A different exhaust pipe was also fitted utilizing KTM’s Header Resonator System which improves power while adhering to noise level mandates
The engine’s electronics also received some attention in the form of a larger diameter throttle body and new fuel-injector sourced from the RC8R superbike. The throttle position sensor was also made to be more durable and the idle adjustment and high idle, cold start functions are no longer on the same knob. Other improvements include more durable rubber fittings on electrical components for better resistance to normal wear and tear.
For the rest of this article visit MotorcycleUSA.com
CHASSIS
Contrary to the Japanese brands, KTM continues to employ a steel-trellis main frame which provides favorable chassis flex characteristics. Updates for ’13 include a reinforced headstock and the engine cradle tubing is now fabricated from thinner material which nets slight weight reduction. Lastly, the frame is now painted silver instead of black.
New triple clamps hold the WP fork that houses custom spring rates (0.49 kg/mm), valving, and lighter weight fork oil engineered specifically for the demands of Southern California motocross tracks which can include big jumps, whoops and rough and choppy terrain. Above, a slightly taller Renthal 827 Fatbar handlebar was fitted (equivalent to a standard 996 bend) paired to tacky dual-compound grips.
The rear suspension is a mix of old and new. Although the shock body and spring (5.8 kg/mm) is the same it has updated valving and functions in a linkage with lighter fasteners. The aluminum swingarm was modified for enhanced rigidity and the rear axle and hub bushings are new, too, necessitating the use of a triangle stand with a larger diameter plug. The wheels continue to be sourced from Excel and are laced with black corrosion-resistant spokes to machined aluminum hubs. Each wheel is shod with commercially available Dunlop Geomax MX51 tires in sizes 80/100-21 front and 110/90-19 rear.
More chassis upgrades come in the form of re-styled bodywork including a new front fender with a heavier duty and more angular design that helps prevent movement when it’s coated from the underneath with mud. The front number plate was also reshaped. Both radiator shrouds as well as the airbox covers are produced with the graphic imbedded into the plastic for superior wear resistance. Speaking of the radiators, it’s new also and fabricated with a stronger aluminum for enhanced durability in a crash or tipover.
The fuel tank continues to offer nearly a 2.0 gallon capacity and is compatible with the larger 2.51-gallon tanks that come standard on the XC off-road models. Lastly the fuel cap is now a conventional screw-on type compared to a tab-style quarter-turn.
ENGINE
When compared directly to the 450 Motocross class it’s no surprise that the 350’s smaller 349cc Single always felt a little down on power. So engineers worked feverishly to broaden the powerband and give it a little extra top-end oomph. The engine cases are now produced in a different manufacturing method which allows for lighter weight and more precise tolerances. It also eliminates the previously optional kickstart gear which means the bike is electric start only.
Inside there is a new forged piston, paired to a Pankl connecting rod sourced straight from Toni Caroili’s factory racebike. The crankshaft is also new and said to be more durable. Extra power was also obtained by modifying the intake and exhaust ports inside the cylinder head. Lastly some of the valvetrain components including the intake valve springs, washers and retainers were upgraded to allow the engine to spin another 1400 rpm higher boosting redline to 13400 revs. A different exhaust pipe was also fitted utilizing KTM’s Header Resonator System which improves power while adhering to noise level mandates
The engine’s electronics also received some attention in the form of a larger diameter throttle body and new fuel-injector sourced from the RC8R superbike. The throttle position sensor was also made to be more durable and the idle adjustment and high idle, cold start functions are no longer on the same knob. Other improvements include more durable rubber fittings on electrical components for better resistance to normal wear and tear.
For the rest of this article visit MotorcycleUSA.com
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