Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
[[{“value”:”Road and trail: KTM’s lightweight dual sport gets a full redesign for 2024. (KTM/)Say what you will about KTM, but you can’t say the Austrian dirt bike manufacturer is afraid to try new things. That’s certainly the case with this year’s ground-up redesign of the KTM 350 EXC-F, which according to KTM only shares 5 percent of its build sheet with last year’s 350. The 350 EXC-F is designed as a lighter and more nimble version of KTM’s top-of-the-range, 500 EXC-F street-legal dual sport.“With over three decades of racing experience and more than 126 World Enduro titles in the trophy cabinet, KTM has remained the weapon of choice when it comes to taking on the world’s toughest races,” KTM North America says in its official press release. “For the 2024 model year, the KTM EXC nameplate continues to raise the bar in the areas of performance, development, and innovation with its most radical transformation to date.”So what’s new on the 2024 350 EXC-F? In short, pretty much everything but the bike’s Brembo braking system. Engine, frame, suspension, you name it, KTM has gone faster, lighter, and more hard-nosed than ever with its nimble off-road enduro.The 2024 KTM 350 EXC-F gets all-new everything from the wheels up. (KTM/)Engine-wise the 350 EXC gets the same treatment as KTM’s flagship 500 EXC-F in that the motor is both lighter than the previous version and angled two degrees further toward the back of the bike. KTM says this rearward tilt (along with a repositioned sprocket) helps consolidate the motorcycle’s center of gravity while also boosting its anti-squat behavior.Related: The Best Dual Sport Motorcycles of 2024As for the chassis, the 350 EXC-F gets an all-new hydroformed steel frame, which KTM says has been engineered to deliver maximum straight-line stability and improved rider feedback. The rear shock mount has also been moved up and away from the chassis main tube, further enhancing anti-squat performance on acceleration.The 350’s engine is now lighter and tilted further rearward for improved center of gravity. (KTM/)Speaking of the shock, the EXC-F also gets all-new suspension in the form of a reworked PDS shock out back and a closed-cartridge WP Xact fork up front, both of which now feature completely tool-free adjustment for compression, rebound, and preload. The fork is now held by a pair of forged triple clamps, and benefits from a forged steering head to help reduce flex under load.Both the fork and shock of the 350 EXC-F now sport completely tool-free adjustment. (KTM/)Another major upgrade comes in the form of KTM’s new Offroad Control Unit, or OCU for short. This new system completely replaces the traditional fuse and relay setup of outgoing models with a compact module that continuously monitors inputs from both the voltage regulator and ECU.The new OCU completely replaces fuses and relays, flagging individual faults with LED indicators for easier trailside repairs. (KTM/)Whenever an over-current situation is detected, the OCU deactivates the offending component (ignition, fuel pump, fan, etc.), and then alerts the rider to the issue with a red LED. KTM says this system simplifies trailside electrical diagnostics and repairs while also eliminating the need to carry spare fuses.Related: Behind the Bars at KTM’s Insane Duke Fest in Puerto RicoOther major upgrades include a damage-resistant two-piece subframe, high-strength Giant alloy wheels laced to CNC-machined hubs, and a new LED headlight which KTM says is three times brighter than previous versions. As you might expect for a bike with 95 percent new parts, we’re only scratching the surface of the new 350 EXC-F’s bells and whistles here, but suffice it to say we’re looking forward to more seat time on the EXC-F this year.2024 KTM 350 EXC-F Technical Specifications and Price
PRICE:
$12,499
ENGINE:
350cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
BORE x STROKE:
88.0 x 57.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO:
13.7:1
FUEL DELIVERY:
Keihin EFI w/ 42mm throttle body
CLUTCH:
Wet, multiplate DDS; Brembo hydraulic actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE:
6-speed/chain
CLAIMED HORSEPOWER:
NA
CLAIMED TORQUE:
NA
FRAME:
Chromoly steel, central double cradle
FRONT SUSPENSION:
48mm closed-cartridge WP Xact fork, fully adjustable (tool free); 11.8 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION:
WP Xplor PDS shock, fully adjustable (tool free); 12.2 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE:
260mm disc, Brembo hydraulics
REAR BRAKE:
220mm disc, Brembo hydraulics
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR:
Giant alloy/spoked; 21 in./18 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR:
Continental TKC 80; 90/90-21 / 140/90-18
RAKE/TRAIL:
26.1°/NA
WHEELBASE:
58.6 in.
SEAT HEIGHT:
37.9 in.
FUEL CAPACITY:
2.2 gal.
CLAIMED DRY WEIGHT:
249 lb.
WARRANTY:
6 mo.
AVAILABLE:
August
CONTACT:
ktm.com”}]]
