2016 KTM Four-Stroke Motocrossers Revealed

KTM makes a lot of changes to its World and National Championship-winning four-stroke MX models.

2016 KTM 350 SX-F
KTM’s 350 SX-F gets a major makeover

2016 KTM 350 SX-F
2016 KTM 350 SX-F

It should come as no surprise that KTM’s mid-displacement open-class motocrosser sports similar updates to those of its larger and smaller siblings. KTM says that the DOHC engine of the 350 SX-F features a completely new construction in order to make it even more compact and powerful. New engine cases redesigned to centralize the rotating mass of the crankshaft and clutch while reducing overall length and weight. The Keihin Engine Management System with the 44mm throttle body, new launch control and multiple engine maps is also found on the 350.

The 350 also gets new cylinder head combustion chamber geometry, optimized ports, new camshafts, new timing, new finger followers and new valve springs for improved power and reduced weight. A new lightweight forged bridged box-type piston by CP, new shorter connecting rod mated to a new shorter, stiffer crankshaft contribute to a light engine feel and strong power delivery.

Its five-speed transmission features wider gears with a new surface treatment on the second, third and fourth gears along with a special low-friction coating on the shift forks to provide precise and easy shifting. Shifting is accomplished through the KTM’s new “No Dirt” shift lever that prevents dirt from fouling the lever joint to ensure proper shifting in any condition. Power to the transmission goes through a new CSS (Coil Spring Steel) one-piece clutch that has been completely redesigned for improved oil supply for better cooling, durability and lighter weight.

The 350 SX-F also receives the 1.1lb Lithium-Ion starter battery, a WP flow-optimized radiator design a new exhaust header and new lightweight silencer designed to increase power and contribute to mass centralization.

Same as the 250, the 350’s steel frame is said to provide 20% higher torsional rigidity with 30% less longitudinal stiffness for improved handling and energy absorption, and it also uses the new, smaller, lighter subframe design made with new aluminum profiles and the new, lighter swingarm that features a revised internal structure to match the new frame characteristics.

WP 4CS (Four Chamber System) Fork has been specifically designed for motocross and features revised damping settings optimized for the new chassis. The 350’s WP shock has also been revised to work with the new chassis, utilizing a new linkage/pullrod system.

The “No Dirt” footpeg, CNC-machined upper triple clamp and rubber damping system, new Neken handlebars and ODI lock-on grips are all found on the 350, along with super-lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC-machined hubs, high-end Excel rims fitted with Dunlop GEOMAX MX32 tires.

2016 KTM 350 SX-F Specs
Engine Type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement: 349.7cc
Bore / Stroke: 88.0 / 57.5mm
Compression Ratio: 14.0:1
Starter/Battery: Electric starter / 12V, 3Ah
Transmission: 5 gears
Fuel System: Keihin EFI, 44mm throttle body
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Primary Ratio: 24:73
Final Drive: 14:50
Cooling: Liquid Cooling
Clutch: Wet Multi-Disc CSS-Clutch, Brembo Hydraulics
Ignition: Keihin EMS
Frame: Central Double-Cradle Type 25CrMo4 steel
Subframe: Aluminum
Handlebar: Neken, Aluminum Ø 28/22mm
Front Suspension: WP Suspension USD 4860 MXMA 4CS
Rear Suspension: WP monoshock 5018 BAVP DCC w/linkage
Suspension Travel Front/Rear: 300mm/11.81 in; 300mm/11.81 in.
Front/Rear Brakes: Disc Brake 260mm/10.24 in.; 220mm/8.66 in.
Front/Rear Rims: 1.60×21, 2.15×19 Excel
Front/Rear Tires: 80/100-21 in.; 110/90-19 in. Dunlop MX32
Chain: 5/8 x 1/4 in.
Silencer: Aluminum
Steering Head Angle: 26.1º
Triple Clamp Offset: 22mm
Wheelbase: 1,485mm ± 10mm / 58.5 ± 0.4 in.
Ground Clearance: 370mm / 14.6 in.
Seat Height: 960mm / 37.8 in.
Tank Capacity, Approx: 7.2L / 1.9 gal.
Weight (without fuel), Approx: 101.4 kg / 223.5 lbs.

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