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2019–2022 · Motocross · Buyer's Guide
350 SX-F (MY2019)
The Middleweight Moto Weapon
The Machine's Character
The 350 SX-F sits in a class of its own. It rides with the light, flickable agility of a 250 and makes power that shadows the 450s, with 57 hp from 350 cc arriving high up at 13,400 rpm. That makes it a purpose-built motocross tool for riders who want to stay competitive off the gate without wrestling a big bore for a full moto. This generation comes with standard switchable ride modes, traction control, and launch control, all run from the handlebar. The fork and shock are fully adjustable, so the chassis can be set up for a wide range of rider weights and skill levels.
This engine wants to be revved hard, and it rewards you when you do. It still stays tractable and predictable enough that you aren't fighting it lap after lap. It's built for the rider who races or trains seriously on a closed course and wants KTM's directness in a package that saves energy late in a moto. The honest caveat is the list of known issues on this generation: fork seizure, front spoke breakage, fuel leaks, a front brake master cylinder defect, and two faults that can kill the engine. On any used example, confirm every one of them has been dealt with before you hand over money.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 57 hp (42 kW) @ 13,400 rpm |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 350 cc |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Front Suspension Adjustable Standard
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
Safety
- Traction Control Standard
- Ride Modes Standard
- Launch Control Standard
Known issues
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Defective Front Hand Brake Cylinder
Defective machining of the hand brake cylinder can lead to early wear of the sealing cup, resulting in impaired braking performance.
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Engine Dies Due to Master Relay Switch Failure
The master relay switch can burn out or fail, causing the motorcycle to die while riding.
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Front Fork Seizure
The front forks can seize completely and jam into themselves, creating a collision risk for the rider.
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Fuel Pump Nut Leakage
Inadequate sealing of the fuel pump nut allows fuel to leak erratically.
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Molded Fuel Hose Leaks
Fuel hoses can leak from their arches and tips.
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Broken Front Wheel Spokes
Variations in the manufacturing process can cause individual spokes on the front wheel to break while riding.
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Engine Dies Due to Loose Starter Wire
The starter wire can snag on a fastener and tighten until handlebar movement restrains and unhooks it, causing the engine to die while riding.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the KTM 350 SX-F with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: KTM 350 SX-F vs. its rivals
Power
Displacement
Alternatives to the KTM 350 SX-F
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