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Comparison test: KTM 350 EXC-F against KTM 450 EXC

KTM competition enduros in the test: 350 against 450

With the new 350 EXC-F, KTM is now fighting on two fronts in the most popular enduro class. Will the new concept of the 450 league dig the water in the future? MOTORRAD has tested it.

To the 350 cm³ motocross model from KTM doesn’t need many more words: World Championship title in the MX1 class (up to 450 cm³) in 2010, current sales hit – it is logical that this success story in enduro sport should be continued. The protagonist for this is called the 350 EXC-F. In fact, the hybrid concept for this discipline seems even more logical than in the Crosser. After all, tricky enduro terrain favors the strengths of the 350 concept: simple controllability and nimble handling.

Comparison test: KTM 350 EXC-F against KTM 450 EXC

KTM competition enduros in the test: 350 against 450

Jahn

The WP spring elements iron away uneven terrain with ease.

However, its weaknesses (acceleration at the start and acceleration on grippy terrain) lose their importance in the undergrowth. KTM also delivers the benchmark: the 450 EXC, which has also been heavily modified for the 2012 season. Especially since the duo are like eggs when it comes to chassis. The slim plastic parts taken over from the motocross models both have PDS struts hinged directly to the swingarm, just like the enduro bikes. The engines, on the other hand, are fundamentally different.

Two overhead camshafts, which operate the four titanium valves via rocker arms, signal the concept of the 350, which is geared towards revving. A single-cam engine with two steel (exhaust) and two titanium valves (intake) emphasizes the focus of the 450 unit, which is more on compact design and stable technology. The propellant of the 350 EXC-F presses an impressive 47 hp onto the test stand roller. Just one less than, for example, a 450cc Husaberg (48 hp) measured by MOTORRAD and only four less than the 51 hp EXC 450. But what’s the name of it? What matters is on the pitch. Start: no problem. E-starters are state of the art at Sportenduros.

Petrol injections meanwhile too. This technology, which replaces the carburettor for the first time in the 450 series, works just as inconspicuously as it is efficient. The differences between the engines are already apparent in the first few meters of the quickly completed special test. The 350 unit hangs softly on the gas, runs smoothly and smoothly. And yet it immediately shows its potential. With every flick of the gas, the single pushes forward, feeling more like a 450 than a 250 engine in the lower rev range.

To activate the afterburner a little later. The increase in torque from 5000 rpm (see diagram on the right) literally catapults the 350 forward and then lets the little engine cheer unabashedly into the highest tours. The fact that the use remains very easy to control and the ability to overspeed saves many gear changes on short straights – that is exactly what makes this wonderfully easy-to-drive motorcycle so attractive.

With the 450 EXC, you can’t pull the cable quite so carefree on the dry and poor grip arches. Their engine, which incidentally has been lightened by a sensational 2.5 kilograms thanks to the die-cast housing and many detailed modifications, requires a more experienced pilot.

But if you can use the advantages of the powerful acceleration and the potent middle with a finely regulating throttle hand, the 350 pilot has to take a long time. Nevertheless: On terrain with little traction, the 350 EXC-F forgives significantly more driving errors and can therefore be moved more quickly by Otto normal endurists over longer distances.

And something else stands out: although the fork and shock absorber of the two bikes are identical, the rear of the 350 EXC-F swallows hard acceleration edges noticeably more effectively than its big sister due to the lower engine reactions.

KTM 450 EXC versus 350 EXC-F: performance diagram.

There is no substitute for displacement: the power and torque of the 350 are well below those of the 450 EXC. In practice, the differences play a less important role than in the diagram. For information: The motocross sister model of the 350 EXC-F, the 350 SX-F, develops 52 hp and weighs 105 kilograms.

Change of location to a driveway with loose scree and stone steps. Basically not the strengths of the KTM enduros, which are tuned with lively engines and relatively stiff chassis. Throttle up and through: With this, the 450 rider usually gets a spinning rear wheel. Put your feet on the pegs and jump up the heels with the responsive engine like a trial rider with short thrusts of the throttle and controlled use of the clutch – this is how the 450 mm driver maneuvers up. As long as he has mastered his driving skills.

In this situation, the 350 offers a wider range. It offers enough bite in the lower speed range to easily lift the front over the edges, but with its soft power output it also delivers noticeably more grip than the 450. The fact that at 109 kilograms it is the lightest four-stroke sport enduro ever weighed by MOTORRAD can only help.

Even if this value undeservedly takes a back seat to the hardly less sensational weight of the 450 EXC of 111 kilograms (2011 model: 114 kilograms). Last change of location. A sandy motocross track.

Deep berms, plenty of traction. The hour of the 450s finally strikes. The powerful pulling force, the superior performance across the entire rev range, that’s what makes the big bike hit the wall with the 350.

Even the slightly more agile handling does not save the little sister here – and also on any other non-slip terrain. Which in the end only confirms the basic tendency: under ideal conditions, in motocross-oriented operations and in expert hands, the 450 EXC is more potent than ever. Under all other conditions, the 350 EXC-F can hardly be moved any less efficiently, but all the more stress-free. A good combination.

MOTORCYCLE test result

Jahn

KTM 350 EXC-F or KTM 450 EXC? Visually, almost identical – but which bike has more bite?

KTM 350 EXC-F
The 350 can do almost everything just as well as the 450 EXC – and it adds something on top of it with impressive revving, better running smoothness and great controllability.

KTM 450 EXC
In expert hands, the 450 remains the top dog in its class. But more power and more punch also have disadvantages: the line for errors is narrower on the 450 EXC.

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