We drove: KTM EXC 2015
However, we tried almost everything, only we did not sit on the EXC 125 buzzer, because because of the steep and long muddy slopes we are not drawn to follow them. The terrain was desperately slippery, it had rained all last week, and the soil, most like clay, had turned into slippery slush in the forests. Most of the traction was in wet grass as we drove over rough terrain over pastures.
Under these conditions, the EXC-F 500 was simply too large for entertainment purposes. The motorcycle is demanding, in the KTM enduro range it is the heaviest in the hands and, above all, so powerful that it does not need second, third or fourth gear at all. On slippery surfaces, it was difficult to transfer at least some of this power to the ground and acceleration. Cruel! Ideal for residents of Primorye who have little rain and therefore mostly drive overland.
Even more than well-built muscles, we were interested in the comparison between the EXC-F 450 and EXC-F 350. The former is generally the most reliable choice, great enduro for all types of terrain and very well balanced when it comes to ride quality and performance and net power. Therefore, enduro is the best-selling in our country, there is no doubt about it. Well, the EXC 350 is a rival at home to a slightly larger brother. It boasts a powerful engine and, above all, a significantly easier ride.
After much deliberation and several direct driving exchanges between the two, we opted for a lower volume. The engine is powerful, with good cornering and plenty of torque for climbing and hard acceleration, and above all, it impressed us with its lightness and docility. For the amateur rider, this is an absolutely perfect enduro bike. Professionals will be able to reach their full potential, and beginners will also not have too much work to do on themselves and with a bike that is more forgiving than the EXC 450-F. A good example of a 350 being faster than a 450 is in cross-country where Tony Cairoli regularly wins with a weaker engine.
But KTM not only improved the four-stroke line, but also touched the two-stroke lines and, above all, improved their power transmission. The EXC 300 is still a great choice for those who like to go to extremes, but it's not easy for the less experienced. That's why the 250-stroke EXC XNUMX delivers the perfect weight-to-power ratio. Among other things, it has excellent brakes (well, the brakes are excellent on all models tested) and it is one of the best enduro machines in the world, of course, for those who own the character of two-stroke engines. The XNUMX-stroke engines also boast a standard electric starter, which comes in handy in difficult moments when negotiating forest obstacles. But it's already a standard for enduro machines, introduced by none other than, you guessed it, KTM.
So with a revamped or slightly revamped and slightly improved range of motorcycles, KTM is heading in that direction. No matter which orange SUV you choose, you won't miss it. But if you ask us, you're betting your money on the EXC 350F winner, preferably with a more prestigious and quality six-day equipment package.
Prepared by: Petr Kavchich
