HEAVILY UPDATED Even at a very casual glance the 2024 350 is widely updated . The swingarm is clearly a new shape at the front near where the shock mounts . The plastics around the top of the tank and radiator shrouds have been rounded and narrowed to improve ergonomics ( and therefore rider movement ). A new stronger and slightly over engineered looking side-stand adds to the mix . KTM has put a lot of effort into the new chassis with the focus on longitudinal rigidity . Also , the engine has been tilted back two-degrees for a better centre of gravity . A new forged alloy steering stem improves connection from triple clamps to frame and the footpegs are higher and mounted closer together ( for a slimmer feel between rider ’ s boots ). KTM says the new chassis offers better high-speed stability and impact absorption for exceptional rider feel . In essence that should be more forgiving on the rider , reducing fatigue allowing the rider to push harder for longer ... OK , let ’ s put it to the test .

RIDING Straight from the first throttle movement the 350 feels very plush – exceptionally so . Noticing small bumps and tree roots are a thing of the past . Even medium speed larger humps and holes are absorbed in a plush fashion . For my ageing , somewhat oversize body it could be a little on the soft side when pushed hard , but frankly I ’ m not fit enough or motivated enough to try that hard for that long ... so would leave the suspension standard and let it nurse my 110kg riding weight along . To me this feels like real enduro suspension action the way I like it . This year the WP suspension is fully adjustable by hand , even with gloves on . Large plastic grippy knob things replace the screwdriver slots and small plastic grips of old . Of course , it is a very handy feature