Rocky Mountain Dirt Riders

Guys,

Looking for some input on this bike

2012 KTM 350 XC-F

Is there any red flags or concerns from this year or model that anyone is aware of? All the reviews I've read online so far look quite positive.

It would be a new to me bike with only 20hrs and is set up with the nessasry bush riding accessories.

Thoughts and opinions are appreciated. It's a bit of a drive if I decide to go this route.

Thanks

GW

The engine for the 350 XCF changed in 2013. The 2013 model was the first of four of these that I owned and that was because the crank doubled in life on the KTM maintenance schedule from 12 to 13. 50 to 100 hours if memory serves correctly.

That told me that the reliability of the engine was acceptable to me, starting in 2013.

So that is my opinion of the 350XCF.

I've never been a 350 guy, but I second Dbs' opinion, I'd search for a 13+.

Thanks for the input guys!

GW

For what it's worth, I really liked my 2012 350 XCF. The 2013+ bikes had more powerful engines, but I didn't feel the 2012 was under-powered. I did have an aftermarket exhaust though, which boosted the bottom end grunt.

I also quite liked the forks - they are the closed-cartridge models. The valving was a little stiff for single track in stock form (at least with my heavier fork springs), but once revalved, they were excellent. Even with the stock valving, I think they might have been better than the 4cs forks are on my current 2016 350.

Dirtyboy makes a valid observation about the engine service schedules, but if you've found a 2012 with only 20 hrs... that seems very low! When I sold mine it had 124hrs and was still running great.

I believe the older cranks can be rebuilt with the newer plain bearings when the time comes.

There is 5 guys I ride with that have 350's
2011 - 350 SXF no issues, currently has 145 hrs on the bike, had a topend done at 100 hrs
2011 - 350 XCF no issues, currently has 140 hrs on the bike, only the valves checked at 50 and 100 hrs
2012 - 350 XCF he continually has the engine apart going back and forth on his 365 big bore kit, 100 hrs, no real bike issues (just rider mental issues on wanting to build a perfect bike)
2014 - 350 XCF a lot of issues, cam chain tensioner failed at 8 hrs (piston hit valves and buggered up head), intake cam failed at 50 hrs (suspect oil jet plugged), fuel pump failure at 80 hrs, currently has 110 hrs on the bike and seems OK now
2015 - 350 XCF no issues, currently has 40 hrs on the bike, engine has not been touched

mine is a 2011 - 350 XCF and I have 130-135 hours on the bike and have only checked the valves three time. This fall I plan on putting in new piston/rings, cam chain, tensioner, may split the bottom end if required.

I'm very diligent on my oil changes, clean air filter and run a tank fuel filter. (4 stroke rebuilds are expensive)

Nothing wrong with a 2012, the 2013+ do have more power, I swapped with the 2015 350 and there is a power difference but not earth shattering if you are riding single track. He said the same thing about riding my 2011.

I should add that my Berg 350 is getting on 180 hrs and has been a stellar bike to date. There are guys on KTM talk with 400+ hrs on these things, they are generally very reliable.

Thanks Team!

It's officially making my decision on a new to me bike much more difficult.

Choices at the moment:
2012 350 XCf 20hrs
2015 250 XcFw 6hrs
2014 250 XCF 10hrs

All within the 7G range

I classify myself as a advanced begginer to intermediate rider. Why are so many in the bush riding without the W?

Does that longer first gear make that big of a difference?

GW

I ride without the W because of the transmission gearing, engine tune, suspension settings. The XC/XCF is a rough ride when going slow over rough single-track but it smooths out when the speed increases. The engine is more aggressive and revs faster (smaller flywheel weight usually). It comes with a tall 1st gear and closer spacing between the gears makes it advantageous for faster riders. I see many riders with the XC/XCF that gear down their bikes and I question if an XCW/XCFW would suit them better?

The XC/XCF is a better moto-track bike.

Thanks Dirtyboy

GW

My bergs and huskys have the all xcf-w engine with wide ratio and 42mm throttle body because I like to lug and I like the smooth power. When I have tried others 350 XCFs they are more aggressive and abrupt power... my skills and preference aren't making that fun yet. Might make me faster though... or more injured... or both

I believe the 350 is also an optimum displacement... the torque makes magic!

The 350, like the 300 is a widely overrated platform.
Too much torgue, too "big", too everything for Alberta singletrack.

What you need is a new generation 250 XCF, torque is up enough to make it amazing in the tight stuff (no more screaming it it get going) and if you want to scream it, it gets going in a hurry. When you actually get in a hurry is when you realize just what a poor choice the 350 is (xc or XC-W or husky style). The 250 rides rings around the fad that is the 350.

Ironically I have a 16 in my garage with 170 ish hrs that is looking for a new home

Has new head by cycleworks Motorsports due to a careless moment on my part, top end done at 100 hrs along with head. KREFT Moto suspension (the only guy that actually fixes the 4CS for our riding).

Edited to add. In regards to XC vs XC-W, the choice almost always comes down to a riders preference and what they are looking for. For example I'm OK in the slow technical stuff to the point that an XC-W wouldn't be much of an advantage BUT I'm not really comfortable in the faster stuff and the setup of the XC-W starts to frighten me, where the XC will say (yes my bikes talk to me) "that all you got old man? I can handle alot more!" Like Dirtyboy said out of the box the XC tends to get better the harder you ride it. That's all personal preference though!

Best advice is to ignore thirtyseven's advice.

Disregard any advice by "350"scott!