I think this was a good move on KTM's part. They just grabbed a new share of the market (like Suzuki with the GSXR750), and I think it's a good option for 450 riders too. It's got more power than most ppl need, but has less weight to wear out the rider!
, the 350 SX-F uses a liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder engine. The piston slides 57.5mm inside the 88.0mm cylinder bore which equates to exactly 349.7cc of combustion volume—placing it right in between that of a 250F and 450F machines. Fuel is compressed to a ratio of 13.5:1, which is the highest measurement of any KTM off-road bike and signifies the potential
Watch the the 350 SX-F in action as we tear it up at Pala Raceway in our 2011 KTM 350 SX-F First Ride Video.for serious engine performance across its 13,000-rpm rev range. Other hot-rod techniques include the dual camshafts driving the four titanium valve-equipped cylinder head.
Similar to the 250 SX-F, the 350 uses a dual-pump engine lubrication system. It also employs a balance shaft which acts as a water pump and camshaft drive thereby reducing engine vibration while helping to maintain petite engine dimensions. Also shared between models is the Keihin electronic fuel-injection system.
The system makes use of a single fuel injector that sprays into a 42mm throttle body. There is no fast idle or choke/cold-start knob and the system automatically meters fuel/air ratio based on atmospheric conditions. Spent fuel is passed through a stainless-steel header (without a head pipe-mounted external resonator) and a long aluminum muffler.
CHASSIS
The biggest news in the chassis department is the incorporation of a traditional linkage-equipped rear suspension system. That’s right, the Austrian’s finally succumbed to the alleged benefit of a linkage. In fact, it’s now employed it across the entire ’11 SX-F line. The 2-strokes however still retain the direct PDS-style rear suspension as it is claimed to still be superior for that application.
A longer WP gas-charged shock absorber attaches between the redesigned upper frame mount and linkage located below the cast aluminum swingarm (which is also new and is constructed from a single cast of aluminum without welds). Over a foot of rear suspension travel is available. The shock has received some updates including a new piston and bushings to compensate for the greater shock shaft velocity. The shock still retains adjustability for spring preload, high and low-speed compression, and rebound damping.
Source=Motocycle-usa.com
Engine: Liquid-cooled 350cc Single, DOHC, 4-valve
Bore/Stroke: 88.0 x 57.5mm
Compression Ratio: 13.5:1
Starting: Electric (optional kick-start)
Fueling: Keihin electronic fuel-injection
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, hydraulic actuation
Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive
Final Drive Gearing: 14F/50
Frame: Chromoly steel
Front Suspension: WP 48mm fork; 2-way adjustable for compression and rebound damping; 11.8-in. travel
Rear Suspension: Linkage-equipped WP 5018 gas charged shock absorber; 4-way adjustable for spring preload, high/low-speed compression, and rebound damping; 12.48-in. travel
Front Brake: 260mm disc with Brembo dual-piston caliper, stainless-steel brake line
Rear Brake: 220mm disc with Brembo single-piston caliper, stainless-steel brake line
Handlebar: Tapered Renthal
Tires: Bridgestone M59 80/100-21, M70 110/90-19
Steering Head Angle: 26.5 deg.
Wheelbase: 58.86 in.
Ground Clearance: 14.76 in.
Seat Height: 39.06 in.
Fuel Capacity: 7.5 liters/1.98 U.S. gallons
Claimed Dry Weight: 230.2 lbs.
MSRP: $8499
