Real world KTM 350 EXC impressions? - Page 6

FechFech · 07-14-2012, 06:38 AM

I totally agree with CT DUAL-SPORT. I bought a 690E in 2009, which I still have. The 690E is perfect for for mixed tarmac / dirtroad riding. I used the 690E for a roadbook rally in Morocco in April 2011. The bike worked flawlessly, but it was too heavy for me, especially in rocky riverbeds and in sand dunes. I did the same rally this year with a 350 EXC-F, which was perfect for me. I kept the 690E as my "adventure" bike, i.e. I'm basically using it for what other people do with their 990 Adventures.

Cheers,

FechFech

vladg · 07-15-2012, 02:54 AM

As I'm thinking to get new KTM and I have a question.

I any one using stock gearing 15/45?
More frequently gearing is 14/50 and 14/48.

Please tell me your gearing and what was you maximum comfortable cruising speed and top speed?

I do race rally sometimes (500-700kms) and can't decide between 350 and 450 EXC. I like that 350 lighter and at the end of racing day I will still have some energy. I'm just 75 kg and race 04 WR450F and its realy top heavy bike for me with all rally parts on it. I know new 450EXC much lighter then WR450 but guess 450 will exhaust you more then 350 in multy days events.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

calltrex · 07-15-2012, 06:54 AM

Stock is 14/45

FechFech · 07-15-2012, 07:00 AM

Vladg,

I used 14 / 50 gearing on my 350 EXC-F for a roadbook rally in Morocco. Topspeed of the bike was about 140 km/h. What is a "comfortable" cruising speed depends. I had no wind protection on the bike (no rally fairing) and was standing on the bike most of the time. I found that I can ride 70 - 80 km/h for a long time, everything faster was tiring because of wind drag. The bike could handle more than that, easily. So I guess if you sit on the bike or have decent wind protection, you should be able to cruise at 110 km/h or more.

If you want a bike only for rallies, I'd go for the 450 EXC and kit it out with parts from Alberto Dottori (www.albertodottori.net). The 450 has more torque, which helps in sand and mud. It is only about 6 kgs more than the 350. The reason I bought a 350 and not a 450 is because I want to use the bike not only for rallies, but also for technical riding.

Either way, both the 350 EXC or 450 EXC are excellent bikes, you can't go wrong with them.

Cheers,

FechFech

vladg · 07-16-2012, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FechFech

Vladg,

I used 14 / 50 gearing on my 350 EXC-F for a roadbook rally in Morocco. Topspeed of the bike was about 140 km/h. What is a "comfortable" cruising speed depends. I had no wind protection on the bike (no rally fairing) and was standing on the bike most of the time. I found that I can ride 70 - 80 km/h for a long time, everything faster was tiring because of wind drag. The bike could handle more than that, easily. So I guess if you sit on the bike or have decent wind protection, you should be able to cruise at 110 km/h or more.

If you want a bike only for rallies, I'd go for the 450 EXC and kit it out with parts from Alberto Dottori (www.albertodottori.net). The 450 has more torque, which helps in sand and mud. It is only about 6 kgs more than the 350. The reason I bought a 350 and not a 450 is because I want to use the bike not only for rallies, but also for technical riding.

Either way, both the 350 EXC or 450 EXC are excellent bikes, you can't go wrong with them.

Cheers,

FechFech

FechFech I will use my new KTM mostly for trail riding (sandy woods, single and jeep trails) but sometimes (once or twice a year I'm racing rally (mostly for pleasure). We usually ride trails all day long (150-300 km a day) so 450 will really shine for me few times a year. Its only 6kg but engine's rotations masses is heavier and its make engine more smooth but heavier filling as well. KTM said they reduce rotations masses for 2012 450EXC for 15% and its a good thing.
Wish I can try both bikes before to buy it.
Thanks for reply.
Vlad.

mtntrails · 08-02-2012, 02:29 AM

In relation to the 500 EXC single cam setup, are valve adjustments more difficult with the dual cam setup on the 350 EXC?

vladg · 08-03-2012, 04:04 AM

I've got my 13 350EXC-F few days ago. Spend few days to make it "ready to race"

, got rid of all crap like horn and some el.wires, flush gas tank, check/fill some grease for wheel bearings and use a lot of cable ties to organize wires. And did a test ride today. YAHOOOOO

Its big step forward from my 04WR450F. Its feels light and quick respond on throttle turn. Its was really difficult to stay calm and keep engine in the middle RPM. But have to break in before begin to enjoy it.

Cool bike. So glad I got it.

I had 2 front sprocket with bike - 13 and 14. I install 13 and looks like good compromise.

axehead · 08-03-2012, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtntrails

In relation to the 500 EXC single cam setup, are valve adjustments more difficult with the dual cam setup on the 350 EXC?

Just use the special bolt to lock the crank and mark the cams before you pull them out. Line up the marks when reassembling.

It's not that hard, I did it myself without issues.

dvwalker · 08-22-2012, 06:18 AM

recently completed a 3 day 800mile adv type ride on my 350exc. No issues, bike ran great

. I would take the same bike in a heartbeat.

Because of the dusty trail conditions I ran a filter skin, but this made starting a bit more difficult due to the increased air flow constriction. There was a 30mi slab section at the end of the route that wasn't very much fun after a long day. My hand was going numb due to the vibs. I was standing most of the time on this ride, but the extra foam padding in the seat was real nice (seatconcepts.com)

Here's some pics from a single post up on a different thread...

ADVTuga · 10-28-2012, 03:14 AM

I´m having a blast with mine !

ADVTuga · 10-29-2012, 08:22 AM

One more

ADVTuga · 10-29-2012, 08:35 AM

One more

Gryphon12 · 11-13-2012, 11:59 AM

Ok, I don't have any personal reference points into the new KTM's and there aren't any 350's here to demo. So, here is my concern and my query:

There are 5 times as many posts on the 500 EXC/XC-W than on the 350. The dominant comments are that the 500 makes much more torque, and that it is more useable being accessible lower in the rev band, or more broadly across the rev band. [Also, the 500 has a higher top speed - I could care less.] Apparently, the 500 is outselling the 350 by a lot.

So how peaky is the power band, or rather the torque band, on the new KTM 350's? It has to be tons better than the very low torque WR250R, right? [The major complaint about the WR250R's power is that it is way too high in the rev band, and that the peak torque is insufficient.] How does the KTM 350 torque curve compare with a KLX250S with the 351 Kit added? How does it compare to the torque curve of the DRZ-400E? Or even the old DR350SE?

I've never felt the need for a 500cc class enduro, and can identify with past riders of past bikes who said that after a long day, the big torque of a 450/500 is more tiring that a 250/350 class bike. But I'm not hearing that about the new 500. Given the feedback so far, maybe the 500 is the way to go? Just what is the 350 EXC's niche? I'm just afraid that I'll never use all that the 500 has to offer and I hate buying more bike than I need. (In general, I like smaller, lighter bikes.) I'm searching for middle ground, and will buy KTM if I can find it there. The Japanese bikes just seem to have too many compromises.

So, can any imates who have ridden both the 350 and 500, and have good reference points to common Japanese bikes (esp. KLX-351) help me out here?

Saltydog86 · 11-13-2012, 12:53 PM

I went from a wr250r to the 350exc, so I'll give you a short opinion on that. The wrr is a heavy underpowered bike, I do not miss it at all. The 350 has more than enough power for everything I have rode it on. I have had it over 13'000', tight mountain single track and woods single track enduro events. It really shines on the tight stuff, log crossings and rocky creak beds are so easy with it. I geared it at 13/48 using the stock chain and still hit speeds up to 75mph with no issues. I do not ride alot of pavement with it, only to connect trails and jeep roads. I added a Rekluse to mine and that makes it even easier for me to use the power it has. I have a range of fuel that is just over 100 miles on the stock tank. I waffled with the 350 vs 500 when i was shopping but feel like for the stuff I ride this was the best choice.

BanhXeo · 11-13-2012, 05:24 PM

I got the '13 350 exc-f. To me, 350 is all I needed. Sorry can't compare it to any other bikes, but like everyone else that has the 350/500 I absolutely love it. As far as the 500 thread having more posts, I think most everyone that has a 350 is posting there. Hope this helps and hope you get a chance to ride one soon, only way to compare a bike imo. Trust me you will be hooked

07-14-2012, 06:38 AM	#76
FechFech Adventurer Joined: Apr 2009 Location: Confoederatio Helvetica Oddometer: 65	Kept my 690E and got an EXC-F 350 I totally agree with CT DUAL-SPORT. I bought a 690E in 2009, which I still have. The 690E is perfect for for mixed tarmac / dirtroad riding. I used the 690E for a roadbook rally in Morocco in April 2011. The bike worked flawlessly, but it was too heavy for me, especially in rocky riverbeds and in sand dunes. I did the same rally this year with a 350 EXC-F, which was perfect for me. I kept the 690E as my "adventure" bike, i.e. I'm basically using it for what other people do with their 990 Adventures. Cheers, FechFech

07-15-2012, 02:54 AM	#77
vladg Adventurer Joined: Apr 2009 Location: Ukraine Oddometer: 32	Top speed As I'm thinking to get new KTM and I have a question. I any one using stock gearing 15/45? More frequently gearing is 14/50 and 14/48. Please tell me your gearing and what was you maximum comfortable cruising speed and top speed? I do race rally sometimes (500-700kms) and can't decide between 350 and 450 EXC. I like that 350 lighter and at the end of racing day I will still have some energy. I'm just 75 kg and race 04 WR450F and its realy top heavy bike for me with all rally parts on it. I know new 450EXC much lighter then WR450 but guess 450 will exhaust you more then 350 in multy days events. Correct me if I'm wrong. __________________ http://offroad-kherson.at.ua/

07-15-2012, 06:54 AM	#78
calltrex Adventurer Joined: Aug 2010 Oddometer: 25	Stock is 14/45 __________________ 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F

07-15-2012, 07:00 AM	#79
FechFech Adventurer Joined: Apr 2009 Location: Confoederatio Helvetica Oddometer: 65	This depends... Vladg, I used 14 / 50 gearing on my 350 EXC-F for a roadbook rally in Morocco. Topspeed of the bike was about 140 km/h. What is a "comfortable" cruising speed depends. I had no wind protection on the bike (no rally fairing) and was standing on the bike most of the time. I found that I can ride 70 - 80 km/h for a long time, everything faster was tiring because of wind drag. The bike could handle more than that, easily. So I guess if you sit on the bike or have decent wind protection, you should be able to cruise at 110 km/h or more. If you want a bike only for rallies, I'd go for the 450 EXC and kit it out with parts from Alberto Dottori (www.albertodottori.net). The 450 has more torque, which helps in sand and mud. It is only about 6 kgs more than the 350. The reason I bought a 350 and not a 450 is because I want to use the bike not only for rallies, but also for technical riding. Either way, both the 350 EXC or 450 EXC are excellent bikes, you can't go wrong with them. Cheers, FechFech

08-03-2012, 04:04 AM	#82
vladg Adventurer Joined: Apr 2009 Location: Ukraine Oddometer: 32	I've got my 13 350EXC-F few days ago. Spend few days to make it "ready to race" , got rid of all crap like horn and some el.wires, flush gas tank, check/fill some grease for wheel bearings and use a lot of cable ties to organize wires. And did a test ride today. YAHOOOOO Its big step forward from my 04WR450F. Its feels light and quick respond on throttle turn. Its was really difficult to stay calm and keep engine in the middle RPM. But have to break in before begin to enjoy it. Cool bike. So glad I got it. I had 2 front sprocket with bike - 13 and 14. I install 13 and looks like good compromise. __________________ http://offroad-kherson.at.ua/ vladg screwed with this post 08-03-2012 at 04:16 AM

08-02-2012, 02:29 AM	#81
mtntrails Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Mount Airy, MD Oddometer: 317	In relation to the 500 EXC single cam setup, are valve adjustments more difficult with the dual cam setup on the 350 EXC?

08-22-2012, 06:18 AM	#84
dvwalker Working to ride Joined: Jul 2009 Location: Orygun Oddometer: 667	recently completed a 3 day 800mile adv type ride on my 350exc. No issues, bike ran great . I would take the same bike in a heartbeat. Because of the dusty trail conditions I ran a filter skin, but this made starting a bit more difficult due to the increased air flow constriction. There was a 30mi slab section at the end of the route that wasn't very much fun after a long day. My hand was going numb due to the vibs. I was standing most of the time on this ride, but the extra foam padding in the seat was real nice (seatconcepts.com) Here's some pics from a single post up on a different thread...

10-28-2012, 03:14 AM	#85
ADVTuga Paulo Lança Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Portugal Oddometer: 247	I´m having a blast with mine ! __________________ http://www.trailaventura.com/

10-29-2012, 08:22 AM	#86
ADVTuga Paulo Lança Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Portugal Oddometer: 247	One more __________________ http://www.trailaventura.com/

10-29-2012, 08:35 AM	#87
ADVTuga Paulo Lança Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Portugal Oddometer: 247	One more __________________ http://www.trailaventura.com/

11-13-2012, 11:59 AM	#88
Gryphon12 Studly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Carnation, WA USA Oddometer: 687	Torque curve on the 350? Ok, I don't have any personal reference points into the new KTM's and there aren't any 350's here to demo. So, here is my concern and my query: There are 5 times as many posts on the 500 EXC/XC-W than on the 350. The dominant comments are that the 500 makes much more torque, and that it is more useable being accessible lower in the rev band, or more broadly across the rev band. [Also, the 500 has a higher top speed - I could care less.] Apparently, the 500 is outselling the 350 by a lot. So how peaky is the power band, or rather the torque band, on the new KTM 350's? It has to be tons better than the very low torque WR250R, right? [The major complaint about the WR250R's power is that it is way too high in the rev band, and that the peak torque is insufficient.] How does the KTM 350 torque curve compare with a KLX250S with the 351 Kit added? How does it compare to the torque curve of the DRZ-400E? Or even the old DR350SE? I've never felt the need for a 500cc class enduro, and can identify with past riders of past bikes who said that after a long day, the big torque of a 450/500 is more tiring that a 250/350 class bike. But I'm not hearing that about the new 500. Given the feedback so far, maybe the 500 is the way to go? Just what is the 350 EXC's niche? I'm just afraid that I'll never use all that the 500 has to offer and I hate buying more bike than I need. (In general, I like smaller, lighter bikes.) I'm searching for middle ground, and will buy KTM if I can find it there. The Japanese bikes just seem to have too many compromises. So, can any imates who have ridden both the 350 and 500, and have good reference points to common Japanese bikes (esp. KLX-351) help me out here? __________________ 1990 Honda NT-650 Hawk-GT Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Gryphon12 screwed with this post 11-13-2012 at 02:06 PM

11-13-2012, 12:53 PM	#89
Saltydog86 village idiot Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Hinckley/Wheaton Illinois Oddometer: 831	I went from a wr250r to the 350exc, so I'll give you a short opinion on that. The wrr is a heavy underpowered bike, I do not miss it at all. The 350 has more than enough power for everything I have rode it on. I have had it over 13'000', tight mountain single track and woods single track enduro events. It really shines on the tight stuff, log crossings and rocky creak beds are so easy with it. I geared it at 13/48 using the stock chain and still hit speeds up to 75mph with no issues. I do not ride alot of pavement with it, only to connect trails and jeep roads. I added a Rekluse to mine and that makes it even easier for me to use the power it has. I have a range of fuel that is just over 100 miles on the stock tank. I waffled with the 350 vs 500 when i was shopping but feel like for the stuff I ride this was the best choice. __________________ 12 KTM 350 EXC-F 09 KLR 650 12 Genuine Stella 05 Yamaha XT225 03 Honda Goldwing GL1800

11-13-2012, 05:24 PM	#90
BanhXeo Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2012 Location: Chico, CA NOR-CAL baby Oddometer: 174	I got the '13 350 exc-f. To me, 350 is all I needed. Sorry can't compare it to any other bikes, but like everyone else that has the 350/500 I absolutely love it. As far as the 500 thread having more posts, I think most everyone that has a 350 is posting there. Hope this helps and hope you get a chance to ride one soon, only way to compare a bike imo. Trust me you will be hooked __________________ 2013 KTM EXC-F SmugMug: http://ktmrider.smugmug.com/

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