2017 KTM 350 SX-F Review and Specification

August 25, 2016

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The all-new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F is an incredible bike with powerful engine newly launched by KTM Company. This bike has a great history of winning MX1 World Championship in 2010; the Red Bull KTM athlete has dominated the class abroad with this sturdy bike with five consecutive world championship titles. This bike comes with a great combination of 450 style muscle and the agile of the 250. The bike has an impressive electronic, braking, and chassis system. The review of new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F is written here.

2017 KTM 350 SX-F – Specs

Engine

The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F comes with a powerful engine of 349.7 ccs. The engine of the bike has a compact and very lightweight of about 27.2 kg. The DOHC design of this engine comes with lightweight titanium valves, and DLC coated finger follower allows for lively by high engine characteristics. The engine has a latest electronic fuel injection system and electric starter; it comes with an extremely wide usable speed range. The engine is extremely responsive, high-performing and incredibly efficient rideability. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F shares the same layout as the new 2017 KTM 250 SX-F, its handling is similar as the 250 SX-F, but it is resulting mainly from reducing the moving masses to a minimum. The cylinder head contains two overhead camshafts with friction optimized finger followers that include DLC coating and high-flow ports.

There are four lightweight titanium valves with maximum flow rate for an optimal power band and outstanding performance across the seemingly endless rev range of 13,400 rpm and power peaking at 58 hp. The engine of the bike contains lateral brackets which are made up of aluminum instead of steel which allows an efficient fixation of an engine in the frame and it reduces the weight as well. The bike has the incredible crankshaft that utilized a short connecting rod, which makes the engine compact and lightweight with a snappy delivery of power. The bike has a plain big end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells which run directly on the crank pin. The design of the engine is excellent; it supports the extremely fast engine speeds and unrivaled maximum power of the 350cm3 driving force. The design also enhances the engine durability, which allows long crankshaft service intervals which are a customer benefit in respect of time, effort, and cost. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F comes with a counter balance shaft, which at the same time drives the water pump and timing chain. The engine of the bike is fitted with a different electric starter as standard, which has a distinct advantage which it comes with crunch time in the heat of battle. The bike has a high starter motor which is made up of Mitsuba and is proven starter drive will fire up the track, doesn’t worry about the kick just push the start button and wins the race. The bike has a state of the art Keihin Engine Management System with electric fuel injection that contains a throttle body of 44 mm. Due to the use of injector which has a unique position, the engine is extremely responsive. The bike has a separate system for the cold start as well. The bike has a lightweight ECU which contains a unique traction and launch control system for lightning quick response. The rider can even unleash more powerful mapping via the handlebar map switch. The bike has a short cylinder with a bore of about 88 mm with a box-type piston made by CP. It has a crown geometry which is adapted perfectly to the high compression combustion chamber with a ratio of 14:1, where it is rigid structure and low weight shine. The engine is both snappy and reliable, which is possible only through small oscillating. The bike has a reliable five-speed gearbox features of a special surface treatment on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear for best reliability. The bike has an advanced ‘No Dirt’ gear lever design which prevents the dust from blocking the joint of the lever and it ensures a safe activation of the transmission. The bike has a four stroke engine which is fitted with a gear sensor to provide the option of different engine characteristics for each gear.

The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F has a highly compact CSS clutch (coil spring steel) which features a wear-free steel basket fitted with seven clutch plates. These plates are extremely heat resistant due to their steel carrier disc. The Brembo hydraulic system of the bike provides a smooth and precise modulation. The design of die-cast engine cases reduces the weight which allows for very centralized shaft configuration. It will make with engine short and compact, while it also contributes to an efficient centralization of masses. The cover of the engine has a stable surface structure which minimizes the wear caused by the rider’s boots.

Chassis

The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F has a high-tech lightweight chrome-moly steel frame which has a knack for easy handling, excellent rideability, incredible stability and precise cornering. The rider can also count the torsional rigidity and low longitudinal stiffness. It will result in better absorption of energy which is created from the rear and front suspension, sucking up jumps and bumps. In other words, less rider fatigue and more comfort. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F bike has a laterally attached, lightweight aluminum engine head, which establish a connection between a cylinder head and frame, contributes to more precise cornering and the reduction of vibration level. The KTM engineers were able to design the body of a bike a kilogram lighter than the lightest competitor on the market. Moreover, it is easier to maintain, simpler to handle, easier to work, and it supplies more space for the tank and some other parts as well. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F contain an extra light subframe which is made by solid aluminum profiles that tiptoe the scales at less than 900 grams. The primary objective of the of the KTM engineers was to develop such bike which has a minimum weight as compared to the previous generation. The results of the effort of KTM engineers was the creation of 2017 KTM 350 SX-F, which is the slimmest and lightest bike in the competition even though it is equipped with 4-strokes and electric starter as a standard feature, while the game still needs to be kicked started. The bike has an incredible sophisticated ‘No Dirt’ footpegs to prevent smudging up the pegs, even when digging deep ruts. It the rider is looking for the highest position then you must think about new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F, which is 6 mm greater than the SX versions.

The design of the airbox offers maximum protection of the air filter against soiling while ensuring maximum airflow. The large twin air filter of the bike is installed in a wooden cage, which holds the system at the same time. The design of the airbox filter is so simple that rider can quickly pop a fresh one in with a face full of mud, without the need of any special tool. The brakes of the bike are high-tech Brembo which is combined with the lightweight wave disc made by Galfer. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F comes with rear brakes of 10 mm longer brake pedal. The KTM engineers focused on handlebars, to make moving handlebars for this awesome bike. The bike has a tapered one, made of high strength aluminum by NEKEN which is fixed in damping rubber mounting and it has two different positions. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F has lower handlebar clamps which are separated, while on the upper side, there is a new bridge type clamp which ensures more torsional stiffness. It is much easier to replace the bar of 2017 KTM 350 SX-F in a case of any crash or accident. The ODI vulcanized grip well sits on the right side, while on the left side, a comfortable ODI lock on the grip is mounted, which does not need any wire or glue to be fixed. The FIM noise limits are the real challenge for every manufacturer. Therefore, KTM engineers have put a lot of efforts in the development of such exhaust system which must be in the FIM noise limits. The four strokes of the engine are fitted with header pipes that have an incredible feature, an additional resonator system, and a small chamber connected to the tube. Moreover, the bike has a short silencer, installed close to the engine. It will reduce the overall weight of the bike and will cause better rideability. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F bike as an advanced design which will reduce the noise sufficiently to sit and ride safely below the FIM noise limit which is 112dB @ 2-meter max. The design of cast aluminum offers little weight and the perfect flex behavior. The single-component casting process not only eliminates any inconsistencies and inherent weak points which were created during welding but it also gives a better look as well. The fuel tank of the bike is lightweight polyethylene tank with a capacity of 7 liters of fuel. The filler cap has an inside thread which makes it easy and reliable to handle. The wheels of the bike have a lightweight; CNC-machined hubs and high-end Excel rims. These wheels provide a maximum stability and minimal unsprung weight. The wheels are shod with the latest Dunlop Geomax MX 3S tires. The seat of the bike is durable, and it offers a great comfort to the rider. The cooling system of the bike is working awesome. The cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to the aluminum radiators which is made by WP. With the help of the flow optimized internal circulation and CFD calculated air ventilation, this system is very efficient. Moreover, it is well thought out radiators guards integrated on the front part of the spoilers which provides the protection in case of crashes.

Design

The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F bike has a Kiska Design. The primary goal of the KTM engineers was to develop the complete harmony between bike and rider. The bike has a perfect ergonomic and a contact point which gives a maximum freedom of movement, sweet comfort and a low seat height, especially the rear part of the new position. The I-beam structure of the front and rear fenders of the bike are the best examples of such intelligent design, which ensures the maximum stability and low weight through construction and mounting. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F has a new sport type graphics; champs deserve this bike.

Suspension system

The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F has the incredible suspension system. The suspension system of the bike contains a lightweight WP AER 48 front fork; the 48 mm USD air sprung fork developed by WP in collaboration with the KTM engineers, is a split fork with the separate function for an each leg. It only means that damping functions are on the right side of the bike, whereas the air spring is on the left side. This left leg contains a two chamber system with a capsule air cartridge to prevent any loss of air pressure will keep the bike in position. The air spring is very easy to adjust to any rider weight via a single air valve. There are no special tools required, the air pump supplied with the 2017 KTM 350 SX-F will do just fine. The right leg integrated a damping cartridge that tailors to all rider damping needs. It can be adjusted according to the track conditions and according to the preference of rider. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F comes with the AER 48 which contains a redesigned outer tubes with better bending characteristics, smooth operation, and less friction. Due to this, they have lost the weight of 265 grams as well. These new folks are more comfortable and more sensitive than ever. The WP mono shock has been specially developed with the entire frame and swingarm architecture in mind; it also includes the linkage system and the WP AER 48 front forks as well. It contains machined and black anodized components, and it has a valuable, high-end product compared to roughcast reservoirs. There are a new setting and a softer color scheme which will let other competitors know about your excellent taste in suspension. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F bike has a top quality; CNC machined triple clamps that have been a trademark of KTM for many years. It ensures a precise handling; they support the flex characteristics. The upper triple clamps of the new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F contains a redesigned conjunction with the new fork tubes. The rubber damped handlebar fixation has been totally reworked, and the lower handlebar clamps are now separated, while on the upper side there is a new bridge type clamp which ensures more and more torsional stiffness and it can easily be replaced in case of any accident. Moreover, there is an hour meter which is fitted with the upper triple clamp to update the rider at the time of service.
Electronic system
The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F is equipped with a sophisticated new multifunctional handlebar map switch, which can perform three actions

Activation of the traction control
Activation of the launch control
Selection of an alternative power curve (advanced or standard)

The traction control is an unusual feature that no other bike has. It ensures efficient traction and better control of the dirt bike when accelerating. With the help of new map switch, the rider can quickly activate the launch control that provides more useful start out of the gate so that rider can comfortably ride the bike. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F bike can only reduce the maximum speed of the engine at the first moment of the start for better control. Just push the buttons when the engine idles and the new EFI control lamp installed on the upper triple clamps will let the rider ride safely. Moreover, the map switch gives the riders a chance to select an alternative, more robust route beside the standard configuration. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F has the best electric starter that has a unique KTM feature and a significant benefit at all levels of motocross racing. The bike has a super compact and lightweight 495 grams lithium-ion starter battery which provides life into the engine and contributes to low vehicle weight. The battery and the wiring harness are centralized in a compartment above the airbox that allows the machine to remove the subframe without getting into the conflict with the electrics. The new 2017 KTM 350 SX-F is started by just pushing the button which is the best advantage on this bike.