Dirt Rider was out today to get the first ride on the 2011 KTM 350 SX-F, one of the most talked about machines of the decade. By going rogue and ignoring the rules, or guidelines, KTM has once again built a bike that fit into the need, seemingly answering a question a lot of riders have asked and no one has answered. Until now.
The 350 is just that, a 350. Smack-dab in the middle of where current 250Fs and 450Fs are. It is like that in weight feel (245 pounds, full of gas) and in power. A great place for the vast majority of riders who need more than a 250F has and not as much as a 450F offers.
The 350 SX-F was four years in the making, the engineers trying a few different engine configurations before settling on this one. Like most modern motocrossers it features DOHC, but all four of its valves are titanium and it's the only one with Formula 1-style finger followers like those employed on the KTM RC8 superbike. These let the valves open quicker and farther for higher rev capability, and sure enough the 350 revs to a stratospheric 13,000 rpm.
KTM invited the U.S. moto-press to the new Pala Raceway south of Temecula, California, not far from where the company's West Coast operation is based. Strangely, given that the venue just landed an AMA national (at Glen Helen's expense), we were limited to the Vet track. But it turned out this track suited the 350 perfectly, as it had plenty of short straights and tight turns that played up the bike's rapid acceleration and stellar handling.
Spesification
Engine
type Single cylinder,
4-stroke
Displacement 349.7 cc
Bore
x stroke 88/57.5 mm
Compression
ratio 13.5:1
Starter Electric starter/12V 3
Ah
Transmission 5 gears
Carburetor Keihin EFI, throttle
body 42 mm
Control 4 V/DOHC with finger
followers
Lubrication Pressure lubrication
with 2 oil pumps
Engine
lubrication Motorex, SAE 10W50
Primary
drive 24:73
Final
drive 14:50
Cooling Liquid cooled
Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch,
operated hydraulically
Ignition Keihin EMS
Frame Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4
Subframe Aluminium
Handlebar Renthal, Aluminium Ø 28/22 mm (1.10/0.87")
Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")
Rear suspension WP-Monoshock with linkage
Suspension travel front/rear 300/330 mm
Brakes, front/rear Disc brakes 260/220 mm (10.24/8.66")
Rims, front/rear 1.60 x 21"; 2.15 x 19" Excel
Tires, front/rear 80/100-21"; 110/90-19"
Chain 5/8 x 1/4"
Main silencer Aluminium
Steering head angle 63.5°
Wheel base 1495±10 mm
Ground clearance (unloaded) 375 mm
Seat height 992 mm
Tank capacity approx. 7.5 liters
Weight (no fuel) approx. 103.9 kg
