into , then a 350 will satisfy you with just that bit more control whilst maintaining a thrill from its ripping top end when you want to stretch your arms out . On the other end of the scale , if you ’ re a 250cc rider looking for more , you could adapt to this machine very quickly to find most of the 250cc class handling and weight feel benefits , but with significantly more lower and top end increases to do “ more ” without a dramatically bigger feel .
2ND OPINION
It has been a while since I tested a pukka dirt bike – this pandemic thing has had its issues . Anyway , this new 350 KTM is impressive . Simply put , it is the best , fastest , and most complete 350cc dirt bike I have ridden . Somehow the power delivery is reminiscent of a strong 250 two-stroke in the aggressive map – it punches hard , is very responsive and has you shifting gears pretty quickly . But you are hauling arse ! It is a giant step forward from early versions that were soft off the bottom , but with a ridiculously high revving and intense top end – perhaps factories do listen to magazine test riders after all ? In map one it is less aggressive and more linear with a long and wide useable rev range , much better for the less fit rider , or long days with tricky conditions . The KTM also has traction control – which I
couldn ’ t try . It would be very interesting to ride this machine in Riverhead Forest , mid-winter in the aggressive mode , but with the TC on . I ’ m thinking real punch in that slippery crap , but without wild wheelspin ... it could be a recipe for success . However , serious wheelspin has the benefit of keeping the rear tyre clean . The suspension , handling and brakes are top shelf . The WP air forks are plush and progressive , almost on the soft side for my 100kg-plus frame , which should make it ideal for a younger , lighter quick rider . Rear shock action is excellent . As usual , the brakes are strong and progressive with great feel at both ends – stoppies will be your friend . Likewise , the steering / handling mix is spot on . Dirt bikes at this level really are getting difficult to fault in a general sense ... it really does become more about personal preference . I really like the KTM 350XC-F , it is bloody excellent and truly living up to KTM ’ s “ ready to race ” motto for most riders . The engine is very strong with real choice in how you set power delivery . Everything else is at least excellent and it looks cool – what is not to like ? Well , argh , okay , I am not really sold on the winglets on the back of the front guard . What is that about ? Down force ? Less mud on the radiator ? Styling ? Oh well , it is only a detail . Well done KTM , this is a very complete machine . JOCK MCLAUCHLAN
KIWI RIDER 57