KTM 350 EXC-F Get any love around here?

Recently a couple of my dirt biking buddies have added dual sport bikes to their garages, and I am sick and tired of hearing about the fun that they are having without me! I have an opportunity to pick up a brand new '13 KTM 350 EXC, at a significant discount, and I have a very well sorted/farkled KTM 300 2 stroke that I could sell pretty easily in the spring. I am thinking that the 350 would be good in the trails (re-geared and Rekluse added of course), plus I would be able to use it for dual sport rides as well. Anyone own one? Your thoughts?

Read this thread and you'll get everything you need.
http://www.omraoffroad.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=11373&sid=bf176371784ed8ffbc6f4c71d520e85b

Read the Thumpers bike specific index thread: http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=366046
It contains all the archive threads for various bikes and there is one for the 350,500

You can also search google using "site:advrider.com ktm 350" to find all the previous advrider threads on the 350.

Good luck with the decision!

Thanks! Didn't think of using Google-Fu against ADVrider. Lots of info!

I did this:

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=794731

with my 350 EXC-F last year and couldn't have been happier with the bike. About 3'000 km in Morocco, and zero problems with the bike.

Cheers,

FechFech

Dave Moen... got a brother with first name that begins with P?

Good idea on the 350. So nice to have a plate, so nice.

I absolutely love this thread. Been on my "to do" list ever since you originally posted it! I might have to go read it again now

Hey Ned,

No "P"s on my branch of the family tree!

I think that a 350 will be mine this week.....

This years "Raid Passion Desert Maroc" starts on April 28 in Ifrane in Morocco:

http://www.sudexpe.com/raid-passion-desert-maroc.html

I'm aware that Portland, Oregon isn't exactly around the corner from Morocco, however ;-) Btw, I've been in Portland a number of times (on business), like the city very much.

Cheers,

FechFech

Decision made, I'm the owner of a shiny new 350EXC! Got a great mid winter deal on one from Vernon Motorsports. Can't wait for spring!

Ohhhh...jealous now

At least with the plate you can ride it a bit while waiting for the snow to come off. That's what I'm telling myself waiting for the Chilcotin country to thaw out.

That's going to be a bit of a wait! Lots of snow this year. I have studded tires on my 30, but that is going to be sold, so I won't be riding it again, need to get it ready for it's beauty pics. I can't bring myself to taking a brand new bike out in the winter so I can tell that spring is going to come slow this year!

im excited to hear how you like it, i have been trying to decide between a 3002t and the 350. i think the 350 just might be the best ONE bike. im thinking of buying a 350 xc and plating it here in wa, i think (hope) it will make a good trail bike, i love singletrack, the gnarlier the better, hence the 300, but i think the 350 will make a way better dual sport, and if its got enough pep i will sell my 08YZ 450 that powers my timbersled mtn horse and it will be my year round steed!

The 300s are great, I love mine and have spent the last 4 years making into the ultimate intermediate woods oriented fun-wagon, but it's time for new adventures. One of the guys I ride with the most has a 690R, since he got that, his seat time on his 300 dropped off a bunch. Another riding buddy has a 950SE, riding with them is a big part of the reason I got the 350. With a light, agile bike I may have a fighting chance of keeping them in sight on the trails! The countryside around here is tailor made for some epic dual sport adventures, really looking forward to the new scoot!

I bought a Husaberg FE 350 and love it. I know the XC has more hp and less tq down low.
Im a 300 lbs ST and fire road rider and the 350 has enough power to make me happy (I have fmf megabomb and Q4). Plus the 350 feels like a 300 in the tight ST. Yes I have owned 5 300 KTM XC-W. The 350 has crisp clean throttle response at low rpm,
I also have mine plated. It does very good on the hwy for a small 4t. It does much better than my 2013 ktm 300 I had plated.

So to me the 350 beats the 300 long shot.

With a couple of months to get ready for riding, the new scoot is going to need a few things.

Protection - hand-guards (Highway Dirt Bike looks interesting for their integration of mirrors, and my GS has me spoiled for heated grips, so a clean integrated switch mount is another plus. Skid plate - I am intrigued by "composite" bits. The KTM unit looks like a bit of a dirt scoop in the front. Anyone tried the TM or Hyde piece?

Handling. I am going to give it a season or two on the stock dampers. Sprung for my weight however. I have a Scotts damper sub mounted on my 300, I think it will make a move over to the new bike.

Drive train. I've been spoiled by an auto-clutch on my 300, it is a magical thing. High on the to-do list for the 350. Re-gearing for trails is also in order I guess. Still trying to figure out what to try first! I didn't notice if the chain has a master-link or not. Sticking with the stock chain length would be nice.

That's probably about all I can get away with at the moment. My wife was very encouraging about getting a new bike, but one can get carried away farkling!

Is this just too pretty to get dirty? I think not!



Uploaded with ImageShack.us



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Nice looking bike man! Planning on picking mine up in a few weeks :) Couldn't be more stoked!

Is the orange trim on the rims stock?

Howdy all!

And yes, the 350 EXC-F simply rocks.

Back in November of 2011, I got one of the first 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F's in Oregon (USA). Having some time on my hands, I decided to "start from the beginning" and "do it up right."

What I did was take a 'brandy-new' Katoom from Day 1 all the way through initial check-out, break-in and riding.
I documented all of the set-up procedures and tips that I have accumulated over the years through personal trial-n-error (woops! well, that didn't work very well) and the fantastic wealth of information from all of the riders and bike builders on KTMTalk.com.

I also documented what I think are the best aftermarket additions and "bling" for this bike. Not every one will agree with some of these set-ups and/or tips ... but they are the ones that have worked best for me over many, many years of riding and all are proven.

One other thing. A LOT of the tips will seem to be *VERY* basic to most experienced riders and racers. But one of the reasons that I am doing this at such a basic and detailed level is for all those brand-new motorcycle riders who have just joined our sport and can use all the help they can get. This is my way of helping pay back all those peeps on KTMTalk.com who helped me out when I first started riding KTMs and Husabergs back in 2002.


Here's the thread: "2012 350 EXC-F: Building the Perfect "Wee Beasty"

http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=440785&st=0


I wanted to re-load it onto Adventure Rider.
But the dang thing is now up to 60 pages ... :huh
I might do it one of these days when I get caught up (... ...) but until then ...

Here are some "teaser" pics:


Here's the final pilo 'o emissions stuff. Hoo-boy! Total weight savings: 1.42 lbs !! <!--emo&:--><!--endemo-->




Man ... everything is so much cleaner and accessible now!!
{.... insert big, happy sigh here....}






















BTW, I try to keep an updated Index Page on the last page of the thread if you get lost and need help navigating.
And I hope no one thinks I am trying to spam this thread! Just trying to help out fellow 350 owners.

I finally gave in an created the Index Page around page 40.
Because I was starting to go nuts as well trying to find things!
And I was supposed to know where they were!


Cheers! E-Ticket

--------------------------------

Wee Beasty Page Index: Updated 2/14/2013


Here are the page-links to the "starting points" for the listed topics.
The topics may run for several pages or be a single entry.

NOTE: It is not an exhaustive list of everything covered.
The page index is simply to make it easier to find the starting point for a given topic. Which may then run on for several pages.

I'll continue to update the index as more material, posts, and tips get posted.

Cheers! E-Ticket
===========================

Page 1
&#8226; Prepping/greasing new wheels, axles, and wheel spacers
&#8226; Installing KTM Organic brake pads on the rear brake
&#8226; Using heat gun to move the end of a graphic "a little"
&#8226; Turning KTM "self-retracting" kickstand into a normal kickstand
&#8226; Installing footpeg springs
&#8226; Removing gas tank and initial internal inspection
&#8226; Pics of engine area (w/ gas tank removed), emissions equipment, and below seat
&#8226; Pics of air box, filter, and internal view of intake manifold
&#8226; Installing Shorai battery
Page 2
&#8226; Routing and zip-tying various wires above air filter
&#8226; Anti-seize on seat bolt; using duct tape to keep bolt clean
&#8226; Installing KTM, quick-release, plastic skid plate
Page 6
&#8226; Initial start-up of engine and engine break-in procedure
&#8226; First engine oil change; cleaning filter screens and drain plug
Page 7
&#8226; Pulling and draining fuel tank; remove fuel pump and wiring assembly; cleaning fuel tank,
pics of fuel pump; reassembly of fuel tank
Page 11
&#8226; Installing the 10 micron Golan "Super Mini" filter
&#8226; Removing the KTM, black, 10 micron, in-line fuel filter
&#8226; Final Golan filter setup tips
Page 12
&#8226; Installing the KTM "sock filter" in the neck of the gas tank
Page 13
&#8226; Installing the Akropovic slip-on exhaust and 92db spark-arrestor insert
Page 14
&#8226; Removing the ECU; remapping the ECU
&#8226; Testing de-smogify steps; actual de-smogify procedure
Page 15
&#8226; Relocating horn to location near swingarm
Page 17
&#8226; The "beginning" of the starting capacitor discussion (it runs for several pages)
Page 20
&#8226; Starting discussion point on adjusting valves
&#8226; Actual step-by-step procedure for checking and adjusting the valves

>>>> 2012 KTM 350 EXC-F: Check/Adj valve clearances, "Building the Perfect Wee Beasty"

&#8226; Preparing cooling system for change-over to Engine Ice coolant
Page 21
&#8226; Installing KTM radiator fan and Engine Ice coolant
&#8226; Installing lower-temperature rated sensor in radiator
&#8226; Installing Bulletprood Design (BPD) radiator guards
&#8226; Installing heat shield on gas tank (behind radiator fan)
Page 31
&#8226; Initial comments on suspension spring selection
&#8226; Discussion on installing the DJH Manual Cam Chain Tensioner (CCT)
&#8226; Step-by-step procedure for installing the DJH Manual Cam Chain Tensioner (CCT)

>>>> '12 KTM 350 EXC-F: Installing a DJH Manual CCT
Page 32

&#8226; More Akropovc pics
&#8226; Installing the P3 Exhaust Shield on header pipe
Page 33
&#8226; Changing gearing to 13-52T
&#8226; Upgrading to Dirt Tricks' "Ironman" sprockets
&#8226; Installing TM Design Chain Guide
&#8226; Installing the Bulletproof Design Guard for chain guide
Page 36
&#8226; Excellent pictures of 2013 quick-disconnect w/ 20 micron filter (thanks blackwidow!)
Page 39
&#8226; Using 9v battery to allow kick-starting a 350 that has a dead battery (thanks, daju!)
Page 41
&#8226; Modifying the brake pedal (to reduce clutch cover damage)
&#8226; Installing KTM HardParts Carbon Fiber (CF) clutch Cover Guard
&#8226; Installing the KTM HardParts Billet Oil-Fill Plug
Page 42
&#8226; Swingarm clean up and greasing / Heim joint protection
&#8226; Mounting the Bulletproof Designs guard for the rear brake rotor
&#8226; Installing the KTM HardPart Clutch Slave-Cylinder Guard and Dirt Tricks 13T Countershaft Sprocket
Page 43
&#8226; Installing the Side Frame-Guard Protectors
&#8226; Installing DID "X-Ring" 520 VT2 Chain (for 13-52T gearing)
Page 44
&#8226; Tightening the Countershaft Sprocket Bolt
&#8226; Aligning the Chain (align rear axle to parallel w/ swingarm pivot bolt)
&#8226; Setting the Chain Slack (with swingarm "level"/full tight)
&#8226; Marking the chain adjuster bolts for easy adjusting (<<< BIG TIP!!)
&#8226; Replacing Spring on Shock (from stock to PDS-4) and setting initial preload
Page 45
&#8226; Installing the SAR Flush-Mount LED Turn Signals on the "Stock" Rear Fender
Page 46
&#8226; Installing the 2012 350 XCF-W Rear Sub-Fender on the 2012 350 EXC-F
&#8226; Mounting the SAR Flush-Mount, LED Turn Signals on the 2012 350 XCF-W Sub-Fender. (More on Page 47 as well.)
&#8226; Mounting the License Plate on the 2012 350 XCF-W Sub-Fender
&#8226; Installing the "Troy" Rear Tugger Strap
Page 47
&#8226; Installing the Front, Sicass Racing (SAR) LED Turn Signals
&#8226; Installing the SAR LED-Compatible Flasher Unit. (Needed if you run LED turn signals at both front and rear.)
Page 48
&#8226; Why Mount a Scott's Steering Stabilizer and Sub-Mount?
&#8226; What Comes in Scott's Steering Stabilizer and Sub-Mount Kit
&#8226; Removing the Forks and Triple Clamp
&#8226; Installing the Clamp-on Tower for the Scott's Steering Stabilizer
&#8226; Reassembling and Torquing the Triple Clamps
&#8226; Setting the Height of the SSS Tower Pin
&#8226; Check for Clearance Issues on the Scott's Steering Stabilizer
&#8226; "Low-Profile" Bolt for the Triple Clamp Pinch Bolt

Page 49
&#8226; Fastway / Pro-Moto Billet Handguards ... and big foam rubber, flappy, handguard shields
&#8226; CEV Replacement Headlight / Turn Signal /Horn Switch
&#8226; Removing the Forks and Triple Clamp
&#8226; Malcom Smith Racing (MSR) Folding Mirror
&#8226; KTM HardParts Fork Bleeders
&#8226; Considering Moving the Ignition Switch ......
&#8226; Backup Ignition Key
&#8226; "AYHIN" Front Tugger Strap
Page 51
&#8226; CORRECTION on type of Honda brand/Loc-Tite type used on Wee Beasty
Page 54
&#8226; Dunlop D803 trials tire rubbing on mud flap


Cheers! E-Ticket

Man...that seems like a great thread to read but without a login to KTMTalk, its a no go.