With the arrival of the new generation 350 SX-F the success story can continue. The dominance with which this machine has won one world championship title after another is certainly unrivaled... Since Tony Cairoli’s first win in the 2010 MX1 World Championship, his first year as a KTM factory rider on the 350 SX-F, the Red Bull athlete from Sicily has dominated the class with five consecutive world championships at the top tier of motocross aboard this nimble, but powerful bike including many, many race wins. The bike itself comprises of almost as much power as a 450, but with the agility of a 250 – so the basic idea is easily summarized, and has been a concept with success from the start.
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250 agility with 450 power
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Engine
The new DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) engine of the 350 SX-F features a completely new construction in order to make it even more compact and powerful than before. Fitted with the latest electronic fuel injection system, it has a very wide and usable power spread while still delivering high performance. The new design has made the engine 20 mm shorter than before, while reducing the weight by 2 lbs.
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Cylinder head
The new cylinder head features an improved combustion chamber geometry, two overhead camshafts with a friction-optimized super-fine surface, new finger followers with a 30 % harder DLC coating and high-flow ports. In conjunction with new valve springs and retainers for the four lightweight titanium valves (intake 36.3 mm, exhaust 29.1 mm) the flow rate has been maximized for an optimal power band with more performance across the entire range, which peaks at 13,400 rpm. The peak performance now is at 58 hp. |
Cylinder and piston
In the redesigned and shorter cylinder, with a bore of 88 mm, works a weight-reduced forged bridged box-type piston made by CP. Its new piston crown geometry is adapted to the new high-compression combustion chamber and stands out with its extra rigid structure and low weight. Thanks to the low oscillating masses, the engine is extremely lively. The compression ratio is14:1. |
Crankshaft
The new 350 SX-F's crankshaft is lighter and features a stiffer design than before. It utilizes a shorter connecting rod, contributing to the compact and light engine with a snappy power delivery. This design is a major prerequisite for the extremely high engine speed levels and the unrivalled maximum power of the 350 cc engine. Not only that, it enhances the engine's durability, allowing long crankshaft service intervals.
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Electric starter
The new 350 SX-F is fitted with an electric starter as standard, which a clear advantage when it comes to crunch time in the heat of battle. A new starter motor made by Mitsuba (modified for easy disassembly) and a weight reduced starter drive guarantees more efficient and reliable starting.
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Clutch
The highly compact CSS clutch (Coil Spring Steel) features a weight reduced, wear-free steel basket, and now seven instead of eight clutch plates, which are extremely heat resistant due to their steel carrier discs. In addition, a reworked inner hub and a pressure plate guarantees a better oil supply along with even better cooling of the clutch. A smaller master cylinder diameter of the Brembo hydraulic clutch system provides lighter pull and precise modulation.
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Engine management system
The completely reworked Keihin Engine Management System, with electronic fuel injection, features an all-new 44 mm throttle body, which provides instantaneous response and maximum performance thanks to a revolutionary injector position. The new ECU (Engine Control Unit) includes a launch control for more efficient starts with different maps according to the gear sensor selection. In addition, the rider can activate optional maps for a different power delivery via the map select switch on the handlebar. |
350 SX-F engine cases and covers
The completely new design of the die-cast engine cases allowed for a much more centralized shaft configuration. The engine is now shorter by 20 mm, contributing to a much more centralized mass. Newly designed engine covers made of magnesium feature an advanced surface structure reducing the wear caused by the rider's boots.
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Counter balance shaft
In order to balance the mass-forces, the new 350 SX-F engine uses a multifunctional counter balance shaft that also drives the water pump and timing chain. It features new sprockets fitted to the new timing chain |
Massive weight reduction
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Airbox
The new airbox design offers maximum protection of the air filter against soiling, while ensuring maximum airflow in conjunction with lighter intake snorkel that is made of a new material to reduce the deformation due to air intake pulse for improved performance. The new Twin Air filter is easier and safer to mount and can be changed without tools in seconds - a standard and original KTM feature. |
Battery and wiring harness
As in the past, all new SX-F engines are fitted with the proven electric starter - a unique KTM feature and a major benefit at all levels of motocross racing. For 2016 the SX-F range fits a super compact and lightweight 1.1 lb lithium-ion starter battery into a standard motocross bike, providing safe starting of the engine and reducing the weight by 2.2 lbs over the 2015 model! |
Seat
Ergonomically perfect, the new seat has a higher foam volume, which offers great comfort and durability, while weighing the same as the previous model.
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Newly designed chassis
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Frame
The new frame design provides approximately 20 % higher torsional rigidity and 30 % less longitudinal stiffness, with newly designed engine stays for less vibration. This increased flexibility results in better absorption of the energy created from the front and rear wheel loads supporting the suspension for more comfort and less rider fatigue. A 0.4° steeper steering angle and a 10 mm shorter wheel base contribute to better handling, and last but not least it´s lighter than the previous model. |
Footpeg
A new sophisticated "No-Dirt" footpeg solution prevents dirt from blocking the pegs and stopping them from returning to the proper position, even when digging in deep ruts. In addition the new footpegs are larger, more stable, lighter than on previous models and offer more grip.
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Bodywork
For the new generation of SX models the KTM factory riders were involved in shaping the bodywork together with the specialists from KTM R&D and Kiska Design. The goal was to achieve complete harmony between rider and bike down to the finest details. The results are all-new plastics that provide perfect ergonomics and contact points for the rider, maximum freedom of movement, a lower seat height of between 10 to 20 mm (rear end) and better comfort, especially in the rear part of the seat.
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Swingarm
The new SX-F generation features a reworked cast aluminum swingarm. The updated design offers reduced weight and an optimized flex behavior created with a single-component casting process. The weight reduction is 250 grams.
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Graphics
New modern in-mold graphics highlight the sporty character of the 2016 SX range of cutting-edge motocross bikes.
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Fuel tank
All models of the SX range have new lightweight polythene tanks with a capacity of 1.85 gallons and an integrated fuel pump. A filler cap with an inside thread makes for an easy and reliable closure.
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Handlebar
The new generation SX-F models are equipped with a new tapered handlebar made of high-strength aluminum by NEKEN, which is fixed in a new rubber damped handlebar clamp allowing the handlebar to be mounted in two different positions. All 4-Stroke models feature a new throttle assembly with model-specific throttle cams for different opening characteristics and new ODI grips featuring lock-on fixing clamp on the left-hand side. In addition the handlebar-mounted map switch allows easy selection of different maps and the activation of a launch control.
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Cooling system
The proven integrated KTM cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to newly developed aluminum radiators made by WP, which have a new filler cap system and are made of a stiffer alloy. Due to flow optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated air ventilation, the cooling efficiency has been improved by approximately 10% and the sophisticated radiator guards provide protection in case of a crash.
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State-of-the-art suspension
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Monoshock
The new generation of monoshock made by WP Suspension has been developed for the new SX models in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture that includes a reworked linkage system and new WP forks. The linkage system has a revised geometry and longer pull rods, which was tested last season in the KTM factory bikes. |
Triple clamp
Top quality, CNC-machined triple clamps have been something of a KTM trademark for years. Ensuring precise handling, they provide proper clamping force for correct flex characteristics, thus improving the action of the forks. For 2016 the upper triple clamp features a newly developed rubber damping system for the handlebar clamp in order to reduce the vibration levels felt through the handlebar. The clamps retain their forward and back adjustability for rider preference. |
Forks
The KTM SX-F models feature the advanced WP 4CS four-chamber closed cartridge fork with an updated setting for 2016. The 4CS fork has been specifically designed and adapted for motocross racing in the USA. |
Weight reduction
The main target for the KTM engineers when developing the new SX-F generation was a massive weight reduction in conjunction with improved handling. The resulting loss of 6.8 lbs is outstanding, making the new KTM models the lightest bikes on the track. |
Unrivalled handling
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Wheels
The 350 SX-F is fitted with lightweight, CNC-machined hubs, high-end Excel rims and new, weight reduced spokes with lightweight aluminum nipples providing maximum stability at minimum weight. The latest Dunlop Geomax MX32 tires have been developed with KTM factory racing in the USA and expert test riders. They guarantee perfect traction and outstanding performance. |
Brakes
High-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM off-road bikes, and now are combined with newly designed and weight-reduced Wave discs made by GALFER featuring improved heat resistance. Weight reduction is 63g on the front disc, and 32 g for the rear. This is the ultimate solution in braking technology. |