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| 2012 KTM 350 XCF W Reviews Pictures |
For 2012 KTM has done the off-road conversion for you, with a wider-ratio transmission and engine modifications that make the aggressive power band more appropriate for off-road racing. The new frame uses the non-linkage WP PDS shock, which KTM swears works better off-road. A host of improvements to the clutch, engine cases, fork, triple clamps, rear suspension shock position and ergonomics highlight the major changes. KTM also improved the electric-start system and added a more powerful 190-watt electrical system to power FIM enduro-legal lighting.
At the KTM 2012 XCF-W press launch at the Inyan Kara AMA National Enduro in Wyoming we had the chance to try all of the new KTM cross-country bikes before picking one to race. The bike felt acceptably light, handled better at speed than the two-strokes and had the smoothest power band this side of an XR100. The electric starter fires the bike up pretty quickly, but to be honest, the bike starts faster when you use the kicker. While we have ridden plenty of supped-up 250F motocross bikes that pull harder, we knew from experience that the workman-like power band of the 350 would make it an excellent enduro race bike.
The KTM 350XCF-W gets amazing traction, thanks to that incredibly smooth power band. We’d love to try the close-ratio XCF version! We never thought we'd say that about a KTM, but this bike feels solid at speed. Brakes are beyond excellent. We're chronic rear brake draggers and have overheated KTM rear brakes in the past to the point the wheel wouldn't turn. In any case the bike didn't stall easily and never flamed out, farted, barfed or did anything but run nicely.
The clutch might be a little too light; a couple times, when running wide open in top gear under a heavy load, we felt it slip a little. A stiffer preload setting on the clutch diaphragm spring might help. Would we race it again? It felt light enough, was solid and handled well. We'd even use it for moto; the 350XCF-W would be a good Vet-class motocross bike, especially on rough and slippery tracks.
So who should buy this bike? The 350XCF-W would be a fun hardcore play bike too.
At the KTM 2012 XCF-W press launch at the Inyan Kara AMA National Enduro in Wyoming we had the chance to try all of the new KTM cross-country bikes before picking one to race. The bike felt acceptably light, handled better at speed than the two-strokes and had the smoothest power band this side of an XR100. The electric starter fires the bike up pretty quickly, but to be honest, the bike starts faster when you use the kicker. While we have ridden plenty of supped-up 250F motocross bikes that pull harder, we knew from experience that the workman-like power band of the 350 would make it an excellent enduro race bike.
The KTM 350XCF-W gets amazing traction, thanks to that incredibly smooth power band. We’d love to try the close-ratio XCF version! We never thought we'd say that about a KTM, but this bike feels solid at speed. Brakes are beyond excellent. We're chronic rear brake draggers and have overheated KTM rear brakes in the past to the point the wheel wouldn't turn. In any case the bike didn't stall easily and never flamed out, farted, barfed or did anything but run nicely.
The clutch might be a little too light; a couple times, when running wide open in top gear under a heavy load, we felt it slip a little. A stiffer preload setting on the clutch diaphragm spring might help. Would we race it again? It felt light enough, was solid and handled well. We'd even use it for moto; the 350XCF-W would be a good Vet-class motocross bike, especially on rough and slippery tracks.
So who should buy this bike? The 350XCF-W would be a fun hardcore play bike too.