01. Engine & Exhaust

Engine
Featuring a compact and lightweight (60 lbs) construction, this DOHC (double overhead camshaft) design boasts lightweight titanium valves and Diamond-like Coating (DLC) cam followers allow for lively power across the rev range. Fitted with an FMF muffler, the KTM 350 XC-F KAILUB RUSSELL pumps out big power, but remains as nimble as a smaller machine, making it the perfect middleweight monster.


Cylinder head
The cylinder head features two overhead camshafts with friction-optimized cam followers boasting a DLC coating and high-flow ports. Four lightweight titanium valves maximize the flow rate for an optimal power band and outstanding performance across the seemingly endless rev range of 13,400rpm. Lateral brackets made of aluminum allow an efficient fixation of the engine to the frame and contribute to the bike's featherweight feel.


Crankshaft
The KTM 350 XC-F KAILUB RUSSELL's crankshaft utilizes a short connecting rod, which makes for an overall compact and lightweight engine with a snappy power delivery. A plain big (bottom) end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells runs directly on the crank pin. The necessary oil feed for this bearing is ensured by the engine's pressurized lubrication. This design is a decisive benefit in terms of the crankshaft service interval, which can be lengthened due to the plain bearing. So just pin it, all day long.


Crankcases and engine covers
The design of the die-cast crankcases allows for minimal weight and a very centralized shaft configuration. This makes the engine short and compact, while contributing to an efficient centralization of masses. The engine covers also feature a solid surface structure, which reduces the wear caused by the rider's boots. This way, your XC-F will keep looking better longer.


Transmission
The engine is fitted with a smooth 6-speed semi-close transmission, which features a special surface treatment on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears for best reliability. An advanced 'no dirt' gear shift lever design prevents mud and sand from blocking the joint of the lever and guarantees trouble-free shifting. The engine is fitted with a gear position sensor, giving the option of different engine characteristics for each gear.


Engine management system
The state-of-the-art Keihin engine management system with electronic fuel injection features a 44 mm throttle body. Thanks to its unique injector position, the engine's response is instantaneous. And to make life even easier, separate systems for cold starts and idle adjustment await you. The lightweight control unit features a unique traction and launch control system for lightning-quick response when the gate drops and maximum grip thanks to different maps that sync with to the gear you're in. It's also possible to unleash an even more powerful mapping via the handlebar map select switch.


Cylinder and piston
Inside the short cylinder, with a bore of 88 mm, thumps a box-type piston made by CP. Its crown geometry is adapted perfectly to the high-compression combustion chamber (14.2:1), where its rigid structure and low weight shine. Thanks to the low oscillating masses, the engine is both snappy and strong.


Balancer shaft
To balance the mass-forces, the KTM 350 XC-F KAILUB RUSSELL engine uses a multifunctional balancer shaft, which at the same time drives the water pump and timing chain.


Clutch
The DS (diaphragm steel) clutch, literally puts the control back in the hands of the rider. It features a durable, one-piece clutch basket and primary gear, made of high-strength billet steel, guaranteeing unbeatable reliability. It is fitted with extremely heat-resistant steel carrier friction discs, which are pre-tensioned by means of a diaphragm spring, ensuring the most effective disengagement of the clutch. This design substantially reduces the operating force required to pull the clutch and is made even easier with the Brembo hydraulic system.


E-Starter
The KTM 350 XC-F KAILUB RUSSELL is fitted with a unique E-starter as standard, which is a clear advantage when it comes to crunch time in the heat of battle. A strong starter motor made by Mitsuba will fire time and time again at the push of a button. Even under extreme conditions, thanks to its more heat resistant O-ring.


Cooling
KTM's proven cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to aluminum radiators made by WP. Thanks to flow optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated ventilation, the system is superbly efficient. In addition, new radiator protections improve heat dissipation. Especially in the mud. They are also integrated into the front part of the shrouds to protect the radiators in a crash.


Exhaust
When it comes to power delivery and performance, the exhaust plays a key role. The premium FMF slip-on muffler works perfectly together with the header pipe and its advanced FDH (Flow Design Header) resonator. The exhaust system packs a punch that is hard to beat without compromise to regulatory noise limits.
