KTM EXCF350 (2011 - on) Review

One of the best fork set ups to date, even better than the AER forks on the new models, brakes are Brembo, so it goes where you point it, stops well and does the intended job very well. Comfort ? If you want that, get a cruiser, these bikes are not intended to be comfortable, well, you'll be comfortably in front of a CRF

Brilliant. pulls from nothing up the the 13000 rpm redline like a scalded cat, it will punish you for poor throttle control though

WP, Brembo, Excel... all good quality parts are used to build these, I've put 35+ hard hours on this bike now, with nothing but the standard service schedule, a flat battery so far, hardly an issue, just pop out the kickstarter, and off you go

Oil changes every 15 hrs gets a bit costly, but these are high performance, thus maintenance bikes. I do all my servicing and repairs, I would think it would get expensive if you took it to a dealer each time

WP open bath forks are the best stock forks I have witness for tight, rocky/rooty terrain, but at higher speeds, they start to get harsh and divey.

The motor is simply amazing. The power band is unbelievably wide. You can often stick it in one gear, and leave it there for a long time.

No problems in over 6 years of ownership! I have not even had 1 valve move yet!

Normal consumables - Chains, sprockets, tires and filters have been the only requirements.

I added a Rekluse automatic clutch. Pricey - at $900 US - but it allowed me to keep the tall 14/45 gearing - which makes this bike a joy on the pavement. I also installed a Terr-X lowering kit, which is owner reversible, and lowered both ends by 35 mm.