Parallel test: KTM EXC 350 F and EXC 450

Content

In addition to the new 350 EXC-F, we have installed a 450cc Resident model.
Differences are barely noticeable from afar
100 "cubes" of difference: wild bull and slightly less wild bull.
More volume can be started in a higher gear.
The EXC-F 350 is also competitive in the E2 class.
The difference is also felt in the braking.
Technical data: KTM EXC 350 F
Technical data: KTM EXC 450

text: Petr Kavčič, photo: Saša Kapetanovič

Bob-bob, we both rode the KTM EXC 350 F and EXC 450 at JernejLes, which is a mix of motocross track, solo track and demanding enduro.

In addition to the new 350 EXC-F, we have installed a 450cc Resident model.

We could only test the new three hundred and fifty that we had on samples, but something was missing in it, because the question remained. We also invited the legend of domestic races and the Dakar star to participate. Peaceful Residentwho happily joined the test and brought his KTM EXC 450 with him. It was slightly modified and equipped with an Akrapovic exhaust system, which added torque and power to an already powerful engine. In short, the comparison is not entirely fair for the smaller KTM, but after driving both on the same day, we can draw several conclusions on the same track that (we believe) will help you determine which one is more appropriate. for you.

Differences are barely noticeable from afar

A cursory glance at two motorcycles standing side by side does not show much difference to a superficial glance. Frame, plastic, front fork, swingarm - everything is almost the same, there are slight differences in the details. But when you start both engines at the touch of a button, the larger one immediately sounds a little quieter in bass (well, partly this is also the result of a competition exhaust), and after a few turns, it becomes immediately clear where you are sitting. Even before we talk about the impressions of the trip, we note that we were delighted with the new engines, as direct fuel injection works great!

100 "cubes" of difference: wild bull and slightly less wild bull.

When you sit high in the saddle on one or the other and hold them behind the wheel, you don’t feel much difference, but when you tighten the throttle, it immediately becomes clear who is who. 450 is a wild bull, 350 is a slightly less wild bull. The big KTM has more inertia, or it has different gear masses, giving it a heavier look than the 350cc version.

The huge difference is when you get inside bend... Three hundred and fifty twist dives on their own, while four hundred and fifty need to be guided with more strength and determination. As a result, a more powerful engine also requires a better driver who is able to maintain concentration at every moment of driving and who knows where to look while driving. Good physical fitness and driving technique result in a higher speed than a smaller engine. Somewhere you also need to know more power and torque, and the biggest benefit is that you need to move the gear lever much less for a smoother, faster ride.

More volume can be started in a higher gear.

Corners and technical sections of the track are moved in "higher gear" with a 450cc engine. See what means less work and better time. But not all recreational enthusiasts are as well-prepared as the 450cc engine demands. See, and this is where the EXC 350 F comes into play. Because corners are easy to hop on and less tiring on technical terrain, you can stay focused and ready to react when needed for longer. In short, driving with a smaller KTM is less demanding and, undoubtedly, more pleasant for the recreationalist, since there will be less stressful situations. However, in order for the baby to compete with the big one, it is necessary to specifically translate it into revolutions, open the throttle valve and thus hold it. The 350 spins beautifully, with incredible ease, and under the helmet you laugh as you race over bumps or jump at full throttle. Drivers who are close to two-stroke engines will undoubtedly love the smaller KTM as it feels somewhat similar.

The EXC-F 350 is also competitive in the E2 class.

What both volumes mean in racing, we could see in the 2011 season at the Enduro World Championship, where there were many 300-inch cubic motorcycles in the E2 class (motorcycles with a volume of 250 cc to 3 cc). KTM, however, showed some delivery and became their first racer. Johnny Aubert With the EXC 350 F, he had to end the season ahead of schedule, but in the races he has driven, he has proven that the 350cc engine is ideal for the 450cc competitors. Last but not least, in this most massive class, Antoine Meo celebrated overall victory in the race before the finish in a Husqvarna TE 310, which is slightly smaller than the KTM. Thus, an apparently good driver can compensate for slightly less torque and power with lighter handling.

The difference is also felt in the braking.

But before summing up the observations, one more fact, perhaps important for many. While driving, a big difference in braking is felt. A larger engine causes more braking on the rear wheels when you turn off the gas, while a smaller engine does not have that much effect. This means that the brakes need to be applied a little harder for the braking to be just as effective. The brakes and suspension, as well as the components that make up both motorcycles, whether plastic, levers, handlebars or gauges, are of the highest quality and represent the best deal. You can ride the box bike right on the race or on serious enduro tour, no refitting or off road motorcycle accessories shopping required. For this, KTM deserves a clean five!

Face to face: Peaceful Resident

I thought for a long time which one I would ride this season. In the end, I opted for a 450cc bike, mainly because my Dakar is also equipped with the same displacement engine, both training and racing with a 450cc enduro bike. See fit better with my story. I would summarize my thoughts on this test as follows: 350 is ideal, lightweight and undemanding for outdoor enthusiasts, and 450 I would choose for serious racing.

Face to face: Matevj Hribar

It's amazing what a difference in skill! When I switched from 350cc to 450cc EXC, I almost drove straight into the fern in a closed corner. The "small" is as obedient as a two-stroke, but (like a two-stroke) it requires a more attentive driver to be able to select the right gears, since the difference of those 100 "cubes" in the lower rpm range is still noticeable. On the 350, the only thing that bothered me was poor ignition (electronics tuning?) and a light bike front end that likes to lose traction when cornering, especially when accelerating - and driving style adjustment (position on the bike). would probably eliminate it.

Technical data: KTM EXC 350 F

Test car price: € 8.999.

Engine: single cylinder, four stroke, liquid cooled, 349,7 cc, direct fuel injection, Keihin EFI 3 mm.

Maximum power: for example

Maximum torque: for example

Transmission: 6-speed, chain.

Frame: tubular chrome-molybdenum, auxiliary frame in aluminum.

Brakes: front discs with a diameter of 260 mm, rear discs with a diameter of 220 mm.

Suspension: 48mm front adjustable WP inverted telescopic fork, rear adjustable WP PDS single damper.

Gume: 90/90-21, 140/80-18.

Seat height from the ground: 970 mm.

Fuel tank: 9 l.

Wheelbase: 1.482 mm.

Weight without fuel: 107,5 kg.

Seller: Axle, Koper, 05/663 23 66, www.axle.si, Moto Center Laba, Litija - 01/899 52 02, www.motocenterlaba.com, Seles RS, 041/527111, www.seles.si.

We praise: ease of driving, brakes, the engine rotates perfectly at high speeds, high-quality assembly, high-quality components.

We scold: too light front in the standard suspension setting and fork and transverse geometry, price.

Technical data: KTM EXC 450

Test car price: € 9.190.

Engine: single cylinder, four stroke, liquid cooled, 449,3 cc, direct fuel injection, Keihin EFI 3 mm.