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Say what you will about KTM, but you can’t say the Austrian dirt bike manufacturer is afraid to try new things. That’s certainly the case with this year’s ground-up redesign of the KTM 350 EXC-F, which according to KTM only shares 5 percent of its build sheet with last year’s 350. The 350 EXC-F is designed as a lighter and more nimble version of KTM’s top-of-the-range, 500 EXC-F street-legal dual sport.
“With over three decades of racing experience and more than 126 World Enduro titles in the trophy cabinet, KTM has remained the weapon of choice when it comes to taking on the world’s toughest races,†KTM North America says in its official press release. “For the 2024 model year, the KTM EXC nameplate continues to raise the bar in the areas of performance, development, and innovation with its most radical transformation to date.â€
So what’s new on the 2024 350 EXC-F? In short, pretty much everything but the bike’s Brembo braking system. Engine, frame, suspension, you name it, KTM has gone faster, lighter, and more hard-nosed than ever with its nimble off-road enduro.
Engine-wise the 350 EXC gets the same treatment as KTM’s flagship 500 EXC-F in that the motor is both lighter than the previous version and angled two degrees further toward the back of the bike. KTM says this rearward tilt (along with a repositioned sprocket) helps consolidate the motorcycle’s center of gravity while also boosting its anti-squat behavior.
As for the chassis, the 350 EXC-F gets an all-new hydroformed steel frame, which KTM says has been engineered to deliver maximum straight-line stability and improved rider feedback. The rear shock mount has also been moved up and away from the chassis main tube, further enhancing anti-squat performance on acceleration.
Speaking of the shock, the EXC-F also gets all-new suspension in the form of a reworked PDS shock out back and a closed-cartridge WP Xact fork up front, both of which now feature completely tool-free adjustment for compression, rebound, and preload. The fork is now held by a pair of forged triple clamps, and benefits from a forged steering head to help reduce flex under load.
Another major upgrade comes in the form of KTM’s new Offroad Control Unit, or OCU for short. This new system completely replaces the traditional fuse and relay setup of outgoing models with a compact module that continuously monitors inputs from both the voltage regulator and ECU.
Whenever an over-current situation is detected, the OCU deactivates the offending component (ignition, fuel pump, fan, etc.), and then alerts the rider to the issue with a red LED. KTM says this system simplifies trailside electrical diagnostics and repairs while also eliminating the need to carry spare fuses.
Other major upgrades include a damage-resistant two-piece subframe, high-strength Giant alloy wheels laced to CNC-machined hubs, and a new LED headlight which KTM says is three times brighter than previous versions. As you might expect for a bike with 95 percent new parts, we’re only scratching the surface of the new 350 EXC-F’s bells and whistles here, but suffice it to say we’re looking forward to more seat time on the EXC-F this year.
