KTM 350 SX-F: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
The motocross world is changing, and the KTM 350 SX-F is right at the forefront
Why is the KTM 350 SX-F a bikesales BOTY finalist?
The dirt bike world is notoriously slow-moving when it comes to innovation. Ironic for a competition-based industry, I know, but changes to dirt bikes are often incremental from year to year.
So when KTM revealed its 2023 motocross range, it was something of a shock to see a number of industry-first features and components that could turn the motocross universe on its head.
An all-new throttle body EFI system for the two-strokes and the introduction of the KTM 300 SX were the big headlines, but the addition of a quickshifter to the four-stroke models was significant.
The four-stroke SX-F models feature launch control, traction control, and two switchable riding maps, but the new quickshift function is a first for the dirt bike industry. Now almost a given on road bikes, a quickshifter on a dirt bike is an eye opener. And guess what? It works.
Of the four-stroke models, the KTM 350 SX-F is our pick of the bunch thanks to its versatility and rideability. The updated engine and chassis are superb and the growing list of electronic tech features help to give the bike a premium feel.
We’re about to see a wave of change in the dirt bike industry, with the game-changing Stark Varg on its way, and the entry of Triumph as an all-new player, but KTM continues to lead the pack in terms of innovation and progression. And that is why the KTM 350 SX-F is one of our Bike of the Year finalists for 2022.
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Who will the KTM 350 SX-F appeal too?
The concept of a 350cc motocross bike is a little bit odd when you consider that most modern competitions are split into 250cc and 450cc classes.
But KTM pioneered the modern 350cc motocross machine in 2010, and Italian legend Antonio Cairoli won six MXGP world championships aboard a KTM 350 SX-F.
Cairoli eventually switched to a 450 SX-F, but the 350 has remained a popular choice for professionals and amateurs around the globe thanks to its 250-like agility and 450-like power.
The new KTM 350 SX-F is perfect for clubman racers and weekend warriors who don’t want to wrestle the might of a 450, but still want a little more grunt than a 250. In this case, the 350 SX-F is supremely rideable and user-friendly, while still having enough edge to mix it with the best of them.
What does the KTM 350 SX-F cost?
The 2023 KTM 350 SX-F checks in with a recommended retail price of $14,159. Once upon a time, a price tag that high would have been inconceivable for a motocross bike, but times are changing.
When you consider the technology and specification of these 2023 machines, a price like that is a little bit easier to swallow. Sure, it might be a bit much for a casual rider who only makes it to the track once a month, but anyone who is serious about racing and riding should be able to justify it.
What have we already said about the KTM 350 SX-F?
We sent Jase Macalpine, host of the barnstorming Gypsy Tales podcast, to Green Park in Conondale for the Australian media launch of the new 2023 KTM SX motocross range.
Jase was quick to establish the 350 SX-F as his favourite thanks to the fact it “feels slightly better everywhere” and that he is “excited that KTM continually invests in its development”.
“If you listen to the podcast, you’ll know I love the 350, and 2023 is no exception,” said Jase in his video review of the KTM SX range. “I think the motor in the 350 is more versatile than the motor in the 450.”
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