KTM 350 EXC-F WESS Enduro (2021): The Ultimate Balance of Precision and Power

Introduction

The 2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS Enduro isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. Designed to mirror the factory machines that dominate the WESS Enduro World Championship, this special edition model blurs the line between production bike and race prototype. With its orange-anodized hubs, WP XACT suspension, and aggressive "Ready to Race" DNA, this machine feels like it’s been plucked straight from a Red Bull KTM factory truck. But does it deliver for everyday riders and weekend warriors? Let’s dive into what makes this bike a standout in the enduro world.

---

Engine Performance: A 350cc Sweet Spot

At the heart of the KTM 350 EXC-F WESS lies a 349.7 cc liquid-cooled DOHC engine that redefines versatility. The 88 mm bore and 57.5 mm stroke (3.46 x 2.26 inches) create a powerband that’s neither overwhelmingly aggressive nor disappointingly tame. With 12.3:1 compression and Keihin fuel injection, the engine delivers crisp throttle response whether you’re crawling over boulders or charging through open trails.

The magic of this 350cc setup is its ability to mimic the low-end grunt of a 450 while retaining the flickable nature of a 250. During a test ride through mixed terrain, the bike pulled cleanly from as low as 2,000 RPM, avoiding the dreaded flameouts that plague lesser enduro machines. By 7,500 RPM, the engine sings with a linear surge that’s manageable yet exhilarating.

Fuel efficiency sits at 3.83 L/100 km (61.42 mpg), allowing for roughly 235 km (146 miles) from its 9L (2.38 gal) tank—enough for most enduro adventures. The electric start (backed by a maintenance-free 12V 3Ah battery) never faltered, even after repeated stalls in technical sections.

---

Chassis & Handling: Precision Meets Durability

KTM’s signature chrome-molybdenum steel frame remains the gold standard in enduro chassis design. Paired with a 63.5° steering head angle and 1,482 mm (58.3") wheelbase, the bike strikes a perfect balance between stability at speed and agility in tight quarters.

Weighing just 104 kg (229 lbs) dry, the 350 EXC-F WESS disappears beneath you on singletrack. The 960 mm (37.8") seat height might intimidate shorter riders, but the narrow profile lets most riders dab a boot when needed. Ground clearance of 355 mm (14") proved ample during rock garden traverses, though the plastic skid plate occasionally bottomed out on square-edged hits.

---

Suspension: WP XACT Air Fork Revolution

The star upgrade in this WESS edition is the WP XACT 48 mm air fork—a first for KTM’s enduro lineup. Replacing traditional spring forks, this system uses adjustable air pressure (left leg) and click-adjustable damping (right leg) to tailor the ride.

During testing:
- Low-speed compression: 12 clicks out provided plushness over roots
- High-speed compression: 3 clicks out prevented bottoming on G-outs
- Air pressure: 10.5 bar (152 psi) for a 75 kg (165 lbs) rider

The 300 mm (11.8") of front travel paired with a WP Xplor PDS shock (310 mm/12.2" rear) created a planted feel in whoops while remaining supple on deceleration bumps. Unlike some air forks that spike under heavy loads, the XACT system maintained consistency even during 30-minute motos.

---

Brakes & Wheels: Factory Touches

Brembo’s signature bite is ever-present here:
- Front: 260 mm disc with twin-piston caliper
- Rear: 220 mm disc with single-piston caliper

The floating front rotor and solid rear disc (with safety wiring) resisted warping during brutal downhill braking. Wrapped in Metzeler MC 360 tires (90/90-21 front, 140/80-18 rear), the factory wheels with orange-anodized hubs provided confident hookup in everything from loam to slick clay.

---

Ergonomics & Design: Form Follows Function

KTM’s "no compromise" ethos shines in the details:
- Grey ODI grips: Vibration-damping without arm pump
- Factory seat: Firm for precise rider movement, yet bearable for 3-hour rides
- CNC triple clamps: Stiffness for accurate steering feedback
- Map select switch: Toggle between standard and aggressive ignition curves

The WESS graphics package—a blend of orange, black, and white—stays vibrant even after mud baths. Radiator guards and a fan (a godsend in slow technical sections) round out the practical upgrades.

---

Competition: How It Stacks Up

1. Husqvarna FE 350

• Pros: Similar engine, linked rear suspension, smoother seat
• Cons: $1,200+ pricier, less adjustable air forks
• KTM Edge: Brembo vs. Magura brakes, XACT fork adjustability

2. Beta 350 RR

• Pros: Softer power delivery for beginners, lower seat
• Cons: Heavier at 110 kg (242 lbs), carbureted model still available
• KTM Edge: Fuel injection reliability, race-bred chassis

3. Yamaha WR250F

• Pros: Legendary durability, 5-speed transmission simplicity
• Cons: 249cc lacks top-end pull, 116 kg (256 lbs) wet weight
• KTM Edge: 100cc advantage, 6-speed versatility

---

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

As a MOTOPARTS.store journalist, here’s your ownership cheat sheet:

1. Oil Changes

• Interval: 15 engine hours
• Recommend: Motorex Cross Power 10W-50 + stainless oil filter kit

2. Air Filter

• Tip: Clean after every dusty ride
• Upgrade: Twin Air filter with pre-oiled skins

3. Chain & Sprockets

• Adjustment: Every 5 hours
• Wear: Replace at 75% tooth sharpness
• Recommend: Supersprox stealth rear sprocket (stock upgrade!)

4. Cooling System

• Check: Coolant level monthly
• Upgrade: High-pressure radiator cap for extreme conditions

5. Brake Maintenance

• Fluid: Replace DOT 4 annually
• Pads: Brembo sintered pads for aggressive riders

6. Suspension Service

• Forks: Rebuild every 80 hours
• Shock: Nitrogen recharge every 50 hours

---

Final Verdict

The 2021 KTM 350 EXC-F WESS Enduro isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a passport to confidence. Whether you’re slicing through enduro tests or exploring backcountry trails, this machine makes you feel like a factory rider. The WP XACT fork alone justifies the premium over the standard EXC-F, while the curated factory upgrades eliminate the need for aftermarket shopping... almost.

For MOTOPARTS.store shoppers, consider these bolt-ons to elevate an already stellar package:
- Gearing: Swap to a 13-tooth front sprocket for tighter trails
- Protection: Aluminum skid plate for rocky terrain
- Comfort: Soft seat foam for marathon rides

In the realm of do-it-all enduro machines, the 350 EXC-F WESS remains unmatched—a Swiss Army knife with a race-winning edge.

---

Specifications sheet

---