KTM is upping its game in the cross-country segment with the new 350 XC-F Factory Edition for 2023.
While KTM trades under the Ready to Race slogan, it’s been expanding its Factory Edition offerings for the past few years, offering customers bikes with extra race-oriented upgrades. All at a higher price, of course.
In the case of the 350 XC-F Factory Edition, that means a new frame with thicker walls. It’s supposed to have more longitudinal rigidity, and also position the bike’s rotating mass closer to the center of gravity. There’s a new shock mount as well, and the shock and XACT fork are also new. That fork sits in a set of anodized orange factory triple clamps (the rear sprocket also gets a new orange coating, for a pro look).
The bike has improved gripping surfaces for added control, including a high-grip seat cover, and KTM re-worked the rider triangle to give the pilot better knee contact, particularly when they’re standing on the pegs. The seat also has a flatter profile, which should make it easier to move back and forward. There’s a new grip pocket under the seat as well, right above the airbox, so if you need to gaff onto the bike to lift it, it’s easier. The seat comes with the logo of Selle Dalla Valle, longtime third-party supplier of parts for Euro moto companies.
Although KTM doesn’t mention any engine upgrades, it did give the XC-F Factory Edition a titanium FMF slip-on muffler. Will that add any power? Probably not, but it’ll sound more hairy-chested, and it’ll lose a few pounds of weight.
Other factory bike touches include D.I.D. Dirtstar rims, CNC-machined orange hubs, a carbon-fibre skidplate and front disc guard, a Hinson clutch cover and a factory holeshot device for the fork guards. And of course, there’s a Factory Edition graphics kit.
Want one? KTM says it’s already available at authorized dealers, and if you’re curious to see it in action, it’s racing the Ironman GNCC round in Crawfordsville, Indiana this weekend (Oct. 22). As for pricing, KTM says, “Ask your dealer.”
