KTM 350 EXC-F Displacement Test in 2017

The Enduro KTM 2017 range is all new, all hot and already proven as early test in honor of today’s 350 EXC-F 2017. Still will the success of KTM sales age? Here is the answer by test.

This is not a surprise, after radical changes in the cross range KTM 2016; it was the turn of enduro to do the same. As always, Austria waste no time and lift the veil in front of the world in its new generation of enduro, and this is the part of the domain “Les Comes” in Spain that the designation is made with KTM to discover and test these vintages 2017 honoring the 350 EXC-F, displacement “means” now can be described as essential as that Kate is still the best-selling simply enduro bike in France.

350 EXC-F on a diet!

As it was the case last year at the cross, the common thread of Austria was the hunt of weight and if we sometimes say that it is not at the expense of the equipment, so this year, which is not exactly the case, unfortunately. The first consequence of this hunt kilo more than force, replaced by the starter motor electrical to awaken the EXCF 2017 valve. Certainly, in this trial, not causes us no problem, but the real pilots in enduro probably not haunted by the disappearance of a solution of backup in case of failure of the battery… always in terms of equipment, we are not hiding our joy last year to finally find a motor protector carrying initially the Enduro KTM. So the joy is short-lived as the Austrian returned again in 2017 damage. Well, you can be sure, apart from those details that bother, new EXCF remain more than ever “Ready to Race”, as evidenced by the many small details that they were temoignees of the factory, the quality of teams and almost perfect finish.

An impressive row of KTM Enduro and an excellent track tend arms, waiting for just a minute to take the handle of the 350 EXC-F 2017!

The 350 having more fun

It is no surprise to complete the first laps, we are in familiar territory. Already, in terms of ergonomics, we follow in KTM standards. However, the motorcycle is refined between your knees, the handling is intuitive. Hangers seem to start a pronunciation comfort and perfectly down each small shock. Our route takes us on the day of large plates of very hard stone that highlight the effectiveness of the new WP Xplor suspensions. The grip on the rear wheel is excellent; the PDS being relevant made a very good job. In summary, in enduro normal use, we will not be able to blame them much, but maybe a faster driver found the limits of suspensions and will pass at least through the Setup to strengthen the whole. Settings of suspensions which are also now all within the top of the fork bars.

New suspension, chassis reviewed thoroughly, the centralization of masses and weight loss, this is a bike that is gaining control facility. Fun and accurate, the 350 EXC-F becomes a little more fun in 2017. And when the pace is accelerating, the KTM is stable. You know, the more fragile stone is not among others, thus the KTM calmly cash without giving too cold sweats its pilot! Well played.

Austrian or Swiss army knife…?

More compact, but no less powerful, driving the KTM 350 EXC-F 2017 ad again as a formidable practice commitment enduro. The grip is very easy with precision to handle very nice gas. Silence can be wrapped around the streets through the participation of a higher gear, mono is strong enough to get very low curves without the risk of completely stifle the bike. It is also possible that “ask the brain” and the whip block 350 cm3 without being overcome by the power. Basically, you can use one like this KTM, adapts to any type of control, a Swiss army knife!

But that is not really new to the 350, which seems to change is the engine braking and the inertia of the bike lighter decline, with the key to a more natural feeling. The handlebars of bicycles of enduro test also could be a new button, optional but very interesting. In fact, these last two maps of control motor, here a “standard” and “performance”, but mostly this feature incorporates an unusual novelty on a bike for enduro: the “traction control”. Yes, Yes, you read correctly! Not very convinced at the beginning, should recognize that the management of this “trakcheun conetraule” finally seemed well thought! Far from being intrusive, electronic assistance makes that you bike more efficient in difficulties, such as on slippery slopes, and can also be a special asset to avoid commas all over. The future is in…

Can the 500 and 450 EXC-F still fight?

You will say that it is irrelevant to talk here about large displacements of Austria… Not necessarily. Because after a day of test for KTM’s enduro 2017, what has really made the question, the Sisters of the 350 are still relevant? It is true that the power of 450 and 500 EXCF phenomenal engine offer, they are now more affordable and natural considerably less braking motor before… but when we tested the 350, personally problems to see the interest of a greater displacement of enduro hard unless you live in the middle of the vastness of Australia or America….Test Finding and Comments: the correct answer?

It is clear that KTM flew once more with its 350 EXC-F 2017. More easy to grip with a more “light”, a well-balanced framework and comfortably by WP Suspension, an engine that can do everything being almost not fail… the KTM 350 is what more is nearly time for the ultimate weapon in Enduro. The comparison between the 350 EXC-F 2017 and their direct competitors, as the 300 Sherco SEF-R or RR 350 Beta, the risk of being rude and informative! But evolution is, obviously, pays, and this year will be extended an additional €200 for the last date of enduro KTM in addition, priced at €9.755.

This KTM 350 EXC – F 2017 expected market price: €9 755 (20/05/16)

And will be available at late June 2016.