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2017 KTM 250, 350 AND 500 EXC-F FIRST RIDE P114 however you choose. It provides smooth torque off idle, starts to really come to life through the middle, and then revs incredibly high. This engine is a great mix between the ultra torque of the 500 and high-revving 250. The nice trait about the 350 EXC-F engine is the smoothness off idle; it's not as abrupt as the 500 EXC-F and doesn't require as much precision to control wheel spin in technical or slippery conditions. The 350 and 250 share the same basic architecture when it comes to the engines, so visu- ally they look identical. Internally, though, the six-speed transmis- sions have different ratios, and the final gearing to the rear wheel is different, adding up to a big difference in feel between the two. The suspension on the 350 EXC-F (and 250 EXC-F) can only be defined as squishy! This is a very plush and comfort- able set up for true off-road trail riding. The Xplor suspension is very similar for all three bikes; in fact, the 350 and 250 share the same spring rates and valving. The 500 uses one-rate stiffer springs, front and back, with very slight valving differences to compensate for its slightly heavier weight and the heavier riders that KTM figured will most likely buy the 500 over the 350 and 250. We ended up increas- ing the compression damping on the 350's and 250's forks 3-5 clicks, depending on the trail, with good results. A little more damping helped reduce fork dive down hills and braking into corners. In the nastiest of trails, testers preferred the plush 350 and 250 suspension, but as soon as the speeds increased, the 500's suspension was liked most. Again, it depends on your weight and riding style. If you are light and not that aggressive, the 350/250 suspension will be great. If you are bigger and like to ride harder, a spring-rate change will probably be in your future. You'll just have to trust us that this is the 350 engine and not the 250 engine; they are nearly identical except for the 350's larger bore and longer stroke. THERE ISN'T ANOTHER 250CC DUAL- SPORT THAT COULD EVEN KEEP THE 250 EXC-F IN SIGHT FOR MORE THAN 10-SECONDS. While the ergos are exactly the same among the three bikes, the 350 feels smaller. It's just a head-trip thing because there is no difference besides the engines. It just goes to show that rotating mass inside the engine plays a huge role in perception of the size of the bike. We really only have one fairly trivial complaint with the 350 EXC-F: The final gearing tops out way too quickly on the road. KTM chose gearing that would best help with noise on the drive-by noise testing. Going down a few teeth on the rear sprocket is an easy fix, but don't worry, the 350 EXC-F has enough power to pull the taller gearing off-road. If you don't plan on extended periods of 65 mph on the road, the stock gearing is great off-road.