2013 KTM 350 XC‑F: HANDLING OF A 250
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FRAME
The modern frame design of lightweight, high-strength, chromoly steel section tubes guarantees an ideal mix of longitudinal and torsional stiffness, resulting not only in easy handling and precise steering behavior, but also in excellent ride stability. The four-stroke frames impress in MY 2013 with a stiffening of the frame triangle and thinner-walled down tubes. This leads to an improvement in tracking stability (increased torsional stiffness) accompanied by a reduction in weight. The engine braces to the cylinder head have also been optimized, along with their attachment to the frame. The frame bears a new color on the 2013 KTM 350 XC‑F and it is still the benchmark in terms of weight and stability.
TELESCOPIC FORK
The further improved 48 mm (1.89 in) upside-down fork featuring closed-cartridge technology has been optimized with completely revamped XC settings made specifically for the United States market for perfect harmony with the new frame and engine. The new oil is significantly more wear-resistant and guarantees more consistent damping throughout both the course of a race and the bike's life cycle. A new lower triple clamp is 80 g (2.82 oz) lighter and, just like the upper triple clamp, CNC-machined from high-quality aluminum, whereby the steering characteristics, and hence, the responsiveness of the fork have been noticeably improved.
SWINGARM
The cast aluminum swingarm has been developed with state-of-the-art calculation and simulation software and constructed, in terms of design and wall thickness, for minimum weight with optimum stiffness and sufficient flex. For the 2013 KTM 350 XC‑F, engineers have redesigned the rear section of the swingarm to allow installation of a larger rear wheel axle (25 mm (0.98 in) instead of 20 mm (0.79 in)) for the benefit of better tracking stability. Moreover, they have succeeded in reducing weight by more than 100 g (3.53 oz) by revising the bolts, cups and nuts on the linkage.
