2012 KTM 350EXC (XC-W) Review
Chilly | Jun 27, 2011 | Comments 16
2012 KTM 350 XC-W
2012 KTM 350 XC-W
KTM Introduces 2012 Enduro Lineup
XC-W and EXC Models
When KTM decides to step up to the plate they do it in a big way. For 2012 there is a whole range of new enduro models, seven XC-W’s and two new EXC’s. New motors, frames, suspension, clutch and the list just goes on. I have had a chance to test ride a couple of the bikes now, so stay tuned for more ride reviews this coming week.
2012 KTM XC-W PDS Frame
But first off I want to look at the 350 line up. For the new year we get two additional models for the US, both with lights and one with a license plate. That makes four total models just in the 350 category. The enduro bikes are the newest generation PDS frames. To mellow out the power delivery they receive a heavier crankshaft and lower compression ratio. Ignition curves are also modified some to make the lively 350 easier to manage.
After just a brief ride I can tell you that the power output is way smoother than my long term 2011 350XC-F that I have become so fond of. The traction is excellent with all the power going directly to the ground, no fuss and no wheel spin. The suspension settings are much tamer than the racier cross county and moto versions.
2012 KTM 350 Motor
The XC-W and EXC versions will be nearly identical except for the standard lighting package. With 196 watts of stator output there will be plenty of juice to power just about every light and gadget imaginable. So for those of you who were waiting for the “every man” version of the ground breaking 350, here it is. Really the only choice now will be to jump at the XC-W or wait for the fall release of the EXC model to get a license plate.
2012 350XC-W in action
As for the long term test of my 2011 XC-F bike, I really have not found much to fault with it. If you have seen me out anywhere with it, you have probably heard me talk about how much I enjoy riding it.
2012 KTM XC-W PDS Frame
For me it is the best bike I have ever ridden. I don’t know if there is any more direct way to say it, I love it. As for durability, in over 40 hours of testing I have nothing to report. It gets an air filter and oil change every once in a while and that is about it.
Stay tuned for a full race report on the all new 2012 KTM 500XC-W that will appear on MotorcycleUSA this week.
Race testing new KTM at Wyoming National Enduro
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- 2012 KTM XC-W PDS Frame
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- 2012 KTM 350 XC-W
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- New design KTM clutch
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- 2012 350 XC-W gets lower compression ratio
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- 2012 KTM 350 Motor
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- 2012 350XC-W in action
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- Race testing new KTM at Wyoming National Enduro
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- Lined up alongside Patrick Koether
I rode my racing buddy’s 350XC this past weekend, I have to say I was inpress the way it handles, rides and the power is there if you want it all when you open her up she RIPS smoothly. I’ve been racing 300′s for years and the 350 feels lighter, more stable and not have to work as hard as I do with the 300. If I can come up with the green I would get the XC, is what I rode, very nice ride.
Finally rode the 350 today.
First impression:
Feels light and very well balanced
Rear brake feels weak compared to front but both work well
Power galore, a little chocked up witch s/a aftermarket pipes I’m sure would improve power but there is plenty
Suspension is great, softer than sx, as it should be but handled the whoops well
They got this one right outa da box!
The 450/505 should be powerhouses!
Paul
Can’t wait to the see mag reviews on all the xc’s
Sweet Andres!
Let us know!
Mine should be here soon
Paul
Picking up my 350 w today
Appears the KTM 350 XC-W is a little late, coming in around mid-Sept. according to my local dealer.
Any other folks have delivery dates in their area’s?
I live in NW New Mexico.
Come ride our trails !!!!!!
Do you know how they are going about the lower compression? Is it just a piston? Really want the plate, but would love to wake it up from the sound or it.
XC-W models should be arriving in dealers any time now. The US EX-c models are scheduduled for September.
In general, the US XC-W model is pretty much the same as the EX-C will be, except that it does not have all the street legal lighting paraphernalia. I expect the EX-C to have a more restrictive muffler. There was no word if the fuel injection mapping was going to be the same or not.
When will the xc-w models be available?
Chilly , Can you please tell me the differences between the xc-w & the exc also if the US exc & the Australian exc are the same . ( I’m heading to the states soon might buy one over there if they are the same ).
Chilly, Do you know if rekluse will be making an auto clutch for the 350 exc?
After riding a 2009 rmz450 for two years, mostly trail and fast single track, I’m going with a new 2012 ktm 350xc-w. I’m 6′ and weigh 215 ish….
I think this will be the bomb!
Thanks Chilly for all the nice talk on the net….
Paul
Thanks! I went down to my KTM dealer here in Bakersfield today to get an order going on a ’12′ DS Bike. I was going to order an EXC 450, but sine only the 350 & 500 will be available this year I am having a hard time deciding which one to order. I wiegh about 210 (220+ w/gear) but I am only 5’9″. I will most likely ride a combo of trail and desert, so I am torn. Any thoughts?????? Oh yeah, I was going to go with a Husaberg, but since the closest dealers are Moorpark or Fresno, I decided to get a KTM.
No, they are being slackers. I assumed they would get their act together and get it posted last week, but it will be some time this week.
What happened to the 2012 KTM 500XC-W review??? I have been looking for it all week. Is there more than one Motorcyle USA site????
Woo-hoo, it’s street legal!! THANK YOU, KTM!!!!
And thanks for the great write-up, Chilly!
Geez, they are going to sell so many of these 350s.
Cheers! E-Ticket
Chilly was nice enough to let me ride his beloved KTM 350 XC-F a few months ago out in Octitillo Wells. As an old guy(58)riding the KTM 350 was kind of magical. It turned, stopped, ran into and over stuff with ease. Comming from a steady diet of 525 and 530 KTM’s the 350 felt like it was 50 pounds lighter! It turned on a dime and gave 9 cents change! My regular riding partner on his KTM 525 comented that he had a hard time keeping pace with the little 350 even in the fast stuff. I know that KTM wasn’t really thinking of geratics when they made the 350 but for us old and “don’t think we are slow” guys it is a winner! Really easy to ride and lots of fun!