KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days [2017-2020]: The Off-Road Specialist That Rewrites the Rulebook

Introduction

The KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Born from KTM’s relentless pursuit of off-road dominance and refined through the brand’s legendary Six Days International Trial participation, this machine straddles the line between lightweight agility and full-blooded enduro power. For riders who demand precision in technical terrain but refuse to compromise on adrenaline, the 350 EXC-F Six Days feels like a tailored suit of armor. Having thrown a leg over a well-maintained 2019 model, I can confirm this bike doesn’t just handle dirt—it craves it.

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Engine Performance: The Sweet Spot of Enduro Power

At the heart of the 350 EXC-F Six Days lies its 349.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine—a masterpiece of balance. With 45 HP (32.8 kW) on tap, this powerplant delivers a surprisingly broad torque curve that’s more tractable than a caffeine-deprived husky. The Keihin fuel injection system provides crisp throttle response, eliminating the bogging that plagues carbureted competitors when you’re wrestling through axle-deep ruts.

What’s remarkable is how KTM’s engineers have tamed the beast. The balancer shaft works overtime to reduce vibrations, letting you focus on picking lines rather than numbed fingertips. During my test ride, the engine’s character revealed itself: enough grunt to loft the front wheel over fallen logs in third gear, yet refined enough to prevent arm-pump during marathon hill climbs. The 6-speed transmission shifts with rifle-bolt precision, though I’d recommend upgrading to a billet shifter tip (available at MOTOPARTS.store) for those who regularly test the limits of boot durability.

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Chassis & Handling: A Scalpel in the Dirt

KTM’s chrome-molybdenum steel frame is the backbone of this bike’s legendary handling. With a dry weight of just 104.5 kg (230 lbs), the 350 EXC-F changes direction like a thought. The 48mm WP Xplor USD fork and WP Xplor PDS rear shock provide 300mm (11.8") and 310mm (12.2") of travel respectively—enough to swallow whoops whole while maintaining composure during high-speed chatter.

The magic happens in the details:
- Rake angle: 26.5° strikes a perfect balance between quick steering and stability
- Ground clearance: 355mm (14") lets you straddle rocks like a mountain goat
- Brembo brakes: The single 220mm discs (front/rear) offer progressive bite, crucial when descending shale-covered slopes

During a grueling uphill switchback section, the bike’s 960mm (37.8") seat height—while intimidating for shorter riders—paid dividends in leverage. Pairing the stock setup with a low-profile seat foam (we’ve got options) could make this bike accessible to a wider range of pilots.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

The 350cc enduro class is fiercely contested. Here’s how the KTM holds its ground:

1. Husqvarna FE 350

• Shares the same engine but wraps it in a composite carbon fiber subframe
• WP Xplor suspension vs. KTM’s identical setup—a tie
• KTM Advantage: Six Days edition includes factory-style upgrades like CNC-machined triple clamps

2. Yamaha WR250F

• 250cc engine lacks the KTM’s mid-range punch (35 HP vs. 45 HP)
• 116kg (256 lbs) wet weight feels portly compared to the Austrian
• KTM Advantage: Fuel injection vs. Yamaha’s carburetor—a generational gap

3. Honda CRF450X

• 450cc brute force appeals to desert racers but overwhelms in tight woods
• 124kg (273 lbs) weight penalizes technical riding
• KTM Advantage: Power-to-weight ratio (0.43 HP/kg vs. Honda’s 0.38)

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Maintenance: Keeping the Orange Beast Hungry

The 350 EXC-F Six Days demands respect in the workshop. Here’s your survival guide:

Valve Checks

• Intake: 0.10–0.15mm (0.004–0.006")
• Exhaust: 0.13–0.18mm (0.005–0.007")
• Frequency: Every 30 hours of hard riding. Don’t skip this—the DOHC head is intolerant of neglect.

Oil Changes

• Capacity: 1.0L (1.06 qt) with filter
• Grade: SAE 10W-50. We recommend Motorex Cross Power 4T for its shear stability.

Chain & Sprockets

• Stock setup: 14/48–52T sprockets with 5/8" x 1/4" chain
• Upgrade tip: Swap to a DID VT2 Enduro Chain for extended life in muddy conditions.

Critical Fluids

• Coolant: 1.2L (1.27 qt) of ethylene glycol-based mix
• Brake fluid: DOT 4/5.1. Bleed annually or after deep water crossings.

Spark Plugs

• NGK LMAR9AI-10: Gap it to 0.9mm (0.035") for consistent spark.

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The Verdict: Why This Bike Still Matters

Four years after its debut, the KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days remains a benchmark. It’s the Swiss Army knife of enduro—capable of carving up hare scrambles, technical trails, and even the occasional motocross track. While newer models have emerged, the 2017–2020 generation strikes a rare balance between accessibility and race-ready performance.

For owners looking to personalize their ride, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from WP suspension upgrade kits to ergonomic handlebar risers. Because in the world of off-road, the journey never ends—it just gets better with the right upgrades.

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Specifications sheet

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