KIWI RIDER 03 2019 VOL.2 | Page 34

KTM’s best-selling bike gets some major engine and chassis revisions for 2019. W ord is that the 350 XC-F is KTM’s biggest-selling model... worldwide. So, when you have a machine this popular you need to keep the ball rolling, keep pushing for a little closer to perfection and make improvements. You can’t rest on your hard-won laurels when a machine is this important, or you can just watch your customer base go elsewhere. So, for 2019 the 350 XC-F has had some significant updates, while not being a completely new machine. It’s all part of that nibbling closer to perfection engineering ethos. WHAT’S NEW Things changed for 2019 include the gripper seat, fuel tank and radiators which are new along with the bodywork and shrouds. The purpose being to achieve better overall ergonomics – the bike is slimmer and has a lighter riding feel through 15mm lower radiators giving improved weight distribution. The airbox is new too along with the throttle body. New wiring, bar pad and battery complete the plastic bits updated. The frame is stiffer to enhance straight line stability and the subframe is around 4cm longer 34 KIWI RIDER