KTM 350 SXF Problems and Fixing Costs – Our Research

KTM 350 SXF is the perfect bike you can have if you love riding in the woods and on rough terrains. It is light, almost like the 250 SXF, but almost as powerful as a 450 SXF. If you are shopping for the perfect dirt bike that handles exceptionally well and is easily adjustable to fit your size, then the KTM 350 SXF is your bike.

The 350 SXF boasts a 5-speed gearbox and offers a maximum engine speed of 13,400 rpm. Because it responds really well to revving, it delivers maximum horsepower but a rather conservative torque.

The 48mm air fork, WP Xact shock, and the single-side pneumatic spring make this bike ever more versatile and reliable on dirt roads. 

Though the 350 SXF allows its riders a great deal of joy, some problems make it less than perfect. Of course, every other bike has its fair share of issues.

In our research, we have compiled a list of problems that affect the KTM 350 SXF bike and the cost of fixing them. In this article, you will learn about these problems and how best to correct them, making your bike riding experience a thrill. 

The KTM 350 SXF

Ideally, the KTM 350 SXF was meant to be an upgrade of the KTM 250 SXF but lighter than the 450 SXF while remaining easily maneuverable. It fell in between the 250 SXF and the 450 SXF perfectly.

It is amazingly powerful as the 450 SXF and has that easy-to-ride feel of the 250 SXF. The DOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 350cc guarantees you enough power to maneuver through any dirt road or trail.

The 350 SXF comes with a ready-to-race setting. It is a bike for all riders, and the manufacturer has invested heavily in the model. You can adjust the suspension of the 350 SXF to suit your riding style and size. The bike's narrow chassis offers exceptionally good ergonomics. With a ground clearance of 14.6 inches and a 1.8-gallon fuel tank, you are guaranteed to enjoy a ride into the woods. 

To get the best out of your 350 SXF, we have done research whereby we have noted the common problems that dog the bike. We have also explored the solution to these problems. 

The KTM 350 problems

1) Fuel leakage due to bad nuts

In 2016, KTM released 350 SXF and other off-roaders that had a faulty fuel pump. The aluminum fuel pump, which a third party manufactured, came with nuts that didn't provide enough sealing. This faulty nut, according to KTM, could cause fuel to leak uncontrollably. This fault was discovered during an in-house test procedure by KTM.

Following the discovery of this fault in the fuel pump, KTM recalled all the affected bikes, including KTM 250, 350, 450 SXF/CX-F, EXC-F, and EXC Six Days models in 2016. This fault was corrected at no charge to the customers. 

2) Fuel hose leaks

The 2012 and 2013, some KTM 350 SXFs, among other off-roaders, were released into the market with faulty fuel hoses. Later, it turned out that the fuel hoses installed on these bikes were faulty. The molding process of these pipes led to fuel leaking at the point where the hoses bend or at the ends. 

According to KTM, this recall affected over 7,000 bikes. The company remedied this fault by replacing the molded fuel hose. Customers were advised to visit KTM service stores or the company's website for more information. 

3) Faulty forks; jammed suspension

KTM introduced the WP suspension 4CS forks in a range of their motorbikes. However, introducing the 4CS force brought about numerous complaints. Some customers said the new forks were worse than earlier ones. It seems the 4CS forks were not finely done, and that's why they got warped. 

In 2014, KTM recalled all the models with faulty 4CS forks. The 2015 models were specifically recalled because there was a concern that the front fork suspension got locked up hence jamming in place. The piston rod may detach from the screw cap, which can lead to a collision making it dangerous for the rider. After the recall, KTM upgraded the front suspension.

4) Front brake problems

The KTM 350 SXF released between June and September 2016 had an issue with the front brakes. There were reported incidents of front brake failure. It seems there was defective machining on the hand brake cylinders. Because of continued braking by the rider, the sealing cup in the hand brake cylinder wears out fast, leading to the bike's compromised performance. 

In 2017, KTM issued a recall notice to anyone who had bought a 350 SXF between the stated dates. Whether you are a second owner or have never experienced an issue with the brakes, pass by a KTM dealership to check whether you qualify for a free upgrade of the brakes. 

5) Exhaust mount breaking

The exhaust mount of the 250, 350, and 450 SXF tend to break just above the footpeg. Though this may be a normal wear and tear issue, a good number of riders of these bikes report this issue way too often. You will need the assistance of a mechanic to know what exactly you need to replace.

6) Spokes break while riding

The variations during spoke manufacturing cause spokes to exhibit quality deviations. When these spokes are fitted on the front wheel and depending on the tension of the spoke and the care employed, these spokes can break while you are riding. This means the rest of the spokes on the wheel become overloaded and consequently break down. Handling the vehicle becomes hard, and this can lead to a crash.

The spokes problem was pinpointed as a defect in the spokes themselves. Because of the seriousness of this defect, some governments like Australia demanded that KTM make recalls. Taking a ride to an authorized dealer will help you know whether you are qualified for a free replacement. 

7) Engine dying while riding

Several owners of the KTM 350 SXF have claimed that their bikes just died while riding. The engine behaves as though the bike is running out of gas, backfires, and ultimately shuts down. Here are some of the reasons why the 350 SXF shuts down;

• Starter wire loosening - At times, the starter wire hangs loose on the fastener and tightens as you ride until it reaches a point when the handlebar restrains the starter wire and unhooks it. This is the most common cause of the 350 SXF stalling.
• Condenser failure - The 2016 model had a condenser upgrade, which proved more problematic than the replaced one. In 2017, KTM upgraded the condenser, which was more stable and prevented the 350 SXF from stalling.
• Master relay switch failure - If this switch burns out, the engine will stop. The good news is that a spare 10-amp fuse is attached next to the relay.

Understanding the KTM 350 SXF problems and the cost

KTM is a leader in innovation and delivering next-generation motorbikes in the world. Unlike some brands, such as Kawasaki and Suzuki, KTM tends to explore the world of the unknown. While this comes with its advantages, it can be costly both for the consumers and the company. As it stands, KTM has recalled many of its past bikes. This is mainly because of defective components or an error in design. 

Because many of the KTM 350 SXF problems arise from the company's faults which it acknowledges, the cost of repairing or replacing faulty parts is greatly reduced. Many of the issues the owners of 350 SXF complain about are sorted by KTM free of charge. You will need to note that KTM components don't come cheap for normal wear and tear.

The KTM 350 SXF carries the KTM brand name majestically. However, the bike loses 30% of its value in the first two years. While this is normal for premium vehicles and motorcycles, it should be a factor when buying it. KTMs are known for being aggressively ridden; hence their engines tend to wear out fast.  

Conclusion

After reading this article, you will conclude that the said KTM 350 SXF problems are not really problems but rather faults that KTM corrects for free and within a very short time. The main problem with this bike is that it has had more recalls than its equivalent from another motorbike manufacturer. Still, it is a bike you can rest easy knowing it will hold its own. 

The KTM 350 SFX is full of surprises. While it will feel more like a turbocharged 250 SFX, it is much lighter and handles superbly than the 450 SFX. Other issues you will have to bear include an uncomfortable seat, especially if you are 175 pounds or more. Power delivery in the higher spectrum is low though the throttle response is the snappy and effective rear wheel power delivery. Despite the problems the 350 SXF has, it is an awesome bike that doesn't obey the conformist dirt road riding rules.