Words: Ryan Marmont

An option that’s somewhat overlooked in the KTM range is the mid-sized 350 SX-F, which for 2016 – like the 250 and 450 SX-Fs – benefits from an all-new chassis and motor that impressed immensely during the new model launch at Ironman Raceway in the US.

The 2016 KTM 350 SX-F motocross entry put a smile on my face as soon as I cracked the throttle open, suitable for riders who have the ability to pilot a powerful bike but without the strength to take on a 450.

In the past when riding the 350, it kind of felt like a fast 250F, which made it difficult to race against 450s. However in saying that, it’s a multiple MXGP World Championship winner in the hands of Antonio Cairoli, so in the right hands it’s a hugely capable machine.

Everything for 2016 is new: Chassis, suspension, bodywork and a more powerful fuel-injected engine. it’s also received an overall weight reduction of a touch over three kilograms. An essential point in the new construction was to create even more compact dimensions in order to achieve a more effective centralisation of mass for improved rideability.

The 350 SX-F now features a new generation shock that has been made in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm. The new design shock clevis contributes to a 12mm shorter shock length and the linkage system has been lengthened, so provides for 10mm more travel (even with a 12mm shorter shock).

That also allows to the shock to have a 48Nm spring apposed to a 57Nm in the previous model, which helps to reduce forces and hydraulic lock on the shock for cooler operating temperatures. It has allowed the bike to be very stable at speed.

The power delivery on the 350 took a few laps to get comfortable with. It’s a bike that can hold its own against a 450 now – it’s fast! – and with the combination of the weight savings you can really push hard in the corners to make up time.

However the transition to the mid-size KTM took a few jumps until I got the right feeling in the air. Because it’s powerful but light, when it come to judging the distance of the jumps I was over-jumping the first few times, but I soon got my eye in and the bike felt more than comfortable.

The 2016 350 SX-F has still got the WP 4CS forks with a revised setting and feel much better than the previous model. Like on each of the KTMs now, engineers have got the fork using all of the travel without hitting a hard spot mid-stroke, providing the bike a nice, well-balanced feel.

A new feature to the KTM range for 2016 is a launch control setup, which reduces the maximum RPM during the start procedure and is activated by the same switch used for changing between maps.
At idle speed the rider switches from one map to the other, engaging the launch control so the rider can then hold the throttle wide-open.

Once the clutch is let out the bike returns to normal operation, enabling you to consistently get out of the gates. I had the opportunity to put it to the test and, depending on the track surface, this feature could be the difference in getting that all important holeshot and bragging rights that go with it – especially on a 350.

As an MX1 bike, the 350 SX-F feels is narrow through the centre of the bike ergonomically, but KTM have cleverly designed the rear wider so when in the stance position you can feel the chassis beneath you, giving you increased feeling and area to grip to.

KTM has used a different brand of handlebar in 2016, as Neken replaces the Renthals that were fitted last year and is a comfortable handlebar that should suit a wide range of riders. With a new rubber-mounted design added to the top triple clamp, you still have room for adjustment with the placement of the handlebars and they can be turned 180 degrees for even further adjustment.

You’ll also appreciate the ODI lock on grips, which are a great addition to the 2016 KTM range as standard equipment; both comfortable to ride with and super-easy to change when the need replacing.

We also see the addition of a lithium battery in 2016 for greater starting and additional weight reductions – just one of the finer details that KTM haven’t overlooked in a complete overhaul of the models.

When it comes to changing the air filter this is a simple procedure with no tools required. The filter has just two clips either end and they simply click into place, giving you that peace of mind knowing that you have the filter in the right place and no dirt is entering the motor.

A mid-size motor option may not be suitable for every rider in the market, however for those that are the 2016 KTM 350 SX-F is a capable motocross bike with the potential to challenge even the best of the 450s. You’ll need to ride it correctly to extract the most from it, but once you do, the results will be hugely rewarding.

Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au for further information on the range to be announced by KTM Australia, including an official release date and local pricing for the 2016 KTM models.

For an insight and initial test on the entire 2016 KTM SX-F and SX range available at the launch while we continue to work on the standalone bike reviews, follow this link on MotoOnline.

A full Gallery from the launch at Ironman Raceway featuring Simon Cudby’s photography can be found now on MotoOnline by visiting this link.

And if you’re in search for complete technical information on the range, click this link for our ‘Bike’ feature on MotoOnline from when the bikes were first unveiled.