2012 KTM 350 XCF-W Review


2012 KTM 350 XCF-W

When the project was announced KTM 350cc, riders and media were excited about the prospect of a lightweight and easy to use open-class machine. When the bike arrived, however, said the motocross media slightly lighter than the 450 and had a lot less torque, revs like a 250F. However, the machine won races in motocross worldwide, as well as KTM had great success in off-road racing with passengers on board 350SX converted motocross bikes.
In 2012, KTM off-road conversion for you, with the transfer of a more extensive modifications to the engine and the power curve is suitable for more aggressive off-road racing it. Under the new applications of non-WP PDS shock linkage, sweareth KTM works better off road. A series of improvements in the clutch, the engine cases, fork, tripleclamps, the position of shock rear suspension and ergonomics point out the changes. KTM also improved the electric starter and added a more powerful 190 watts of electrical power for FIM-legal enduro lighting. The new exhaust system and spark arrested quiet, and the tamper-proof setting EFI to ensure that "green label" from the EPA and California.
2012 KTM 350 XCF-W

In 2012 KTM XCF-W press release on the AMA National Enduro Inyan Kara in Wyoming had the opportunity to ski all new KTM test for choosing a road bike. Unconditional two-stroke lovers, we are expected to know the 300XC-W opt for the race. This opinion changed quickly when we boarded the W-350XCF. The bike was acceptable light, treated better at the speed of the success of two years and had a smoother power band on this side of an XR100. If journalists swap bikes for the day was always the 350 that could not wait to walk again, and became the bike of the other models were tried. With only two 350S available to the media for the races that we have the elbows and broke their way to the front line to reserve 350XCF-W as our AMA National racing!
How does it feel? Well, hop on your bike and you will feel that is only slightly lighter than the 450 version. The new plastics are rider ergonomics improved, so the bike is instantly comfortable, sitting or standing. All normal-isms are clearly KTM KTM engines have become more dominant than ever, but keep the KTM, which means they are a little different to assemble and bind to different sizes of bras that Japan offers. One thing is certain, none of the KTM feels cheaply made, and everything is designed to be functional.
2012 KTM 350 XCF-W

The hydraulic clutch uses a diaphragm type only new source that is adjustable for preload. The attraction of light and progressive feel are excellent. Although EPA compliance, the 350 has a strong, instant gas and a satisfying exhaust note and quiet. The electric starter fires the bike rather quickly, but to be honest, the bike goes faster when using kicker.
350 to run hard through the gears and feel a bit disappointed at first. There is no success in low and no increase in raw power. The 350XCF-W has a power curve flat and featureless that speed well beyond 450 is signed. Travel back to back against the KTM250XCF-W and it is clear that the 350 makes more power at all points, but never enough to intimidate or even all that exciting. Although we have a lot of riding dirt bikes 250F rigged to throw harder, he knew from experience that the labor relationship as that of the 350, which makes it an excellent enduro racing.
Here are some random notes from our test in the National Enduro Inyan Kara:
2012 KTM 350 XCF-W    

The KTM-W-350XCF incredible traction, thanks to the very smooth power delivery curve. The power delivery is to inspire trust, and you always know what will happen, no surprises.

    
-Overrev! This bike will scream (the limiter is set at 12,000 revolutions per minute), so do not waste the work in exchange for half of the forest. Not much low end torque, but has a good hook on the top of the power curve where it starts to breathe hard! The speed in second gear prevents the feeling of dancing Cappy-second gear third key. We like the close-ratio version of XCF test!
Although not required, the link 350 with the frequency that makes it a 250F or a two-stroke, lack of low range clutch shot requires some zap out the corners and obstacles that a surprising jump of 450 more with a single movement of the accelerator.
-The stability is excellent. I never thought I would say that about a KTM, but the bike feels solid at speed. We had also encouraged an amount exceeding 80 miles per hour in sixth gear a few times in the desert-like Kara Inyan transfer paths.
-The brakes are more than excellent. Disappear and are not super-strong and progressive. We trawlers chronic and rear brakes overheated KTM back in time to the point where the wheel is turned. This is certainly the case in the new 350, not a sign of rear brake problems all showed. For the record, there is very little engine braking, at least compared with a 450.
-The 350 will never feel as heavy as a 450, and in fact as good as the 250 in the forest. This is a comfortable all day bike races.
2012 KTM 350 XCF-W

The electric-start fights if you happen to stop the bike when it's hot, start with a lot before the engine finally re-lit. We have noticed with other brands of the four-stroke engines "green label" EFI, so maybe it's a leaner fuel / air that is causing this. In any case, because the bike is not easy and never flamed out, he threw a fart, vomit, or did nothing but run very well.
-The link may be a little too light, a few times, are when running wide open in top gear in a heavy load, we found a little slip. A rigid preload adjustment on the coupling membrane might help.
-The fork is great. We have never had the urge to even touch a clicker. He had a big bump compliance and small is still able to absorb hits and even some faces abrupt jump with no problems.-The rear suspension is a bit better than the previous systems of IBS, but the rear of the engine still revels by rapid containment walls of sand and cries and flew through his travels at high speed G-outs, sometimes to the point of making us nervous. After adjustment for these things, the back started with roots and small logs. We slowed down the rebound and compression increased, which helped a little, and took post on the rubbish trail hard. We could have a better place if we had more time to experiment, but we must wonder why KTM not only a link in shock as they did in the version of motocross.
So how in the 350 Inyan Kara? Fourth in class! Do we race again? Of course! The bike was sweet to drive, but there were enough grain for the open areas without ever rebellious. He was pretty light, sturdy and easy to implement. With more time to optimize the rear suspension, we are sure that it is better use of the material.

2012 KTM 350 XCF-W
If this is our bike staff, we were taken to a specialist KTM suspension to determine effects on us. KTM dealers can use the EFI closed circuit racing, and we would do that and add a less restrictive pipe to the power curve a little more pressure. We'd like clutch spring tension to increase, a clove or two added to the rear sprocket to the gap of the second turn of the third to help, added a skid plate and radiator guards and go racing! Even, I would use for bikes, 350XCF-W would be a good vet motocross class, especially in rough and smooth tracks.
So who should buy this bike? Well, we, to begin with. If you are a runner and a 450 is too aggressive or large, you will love the 350. You can not but more reliable than a souped up to 250F and nearly related to the 450S of things open. In the forest is large, the gnarlier tighter and better paths. The W-350XCF a hardcore bike would be fun to play. We love it, but if you want one is better in line behind us!

2012 KTM 350 XCF-W