I love my 350 EXC-F. However, I would personally not consider it for any significant travel. Comfort aside, the biggest issue is service intervals. With a 15 hour service interval, you’re looking at every other day, or every third day. That means sourcing the parts and oil and doing the work. You could be spending a significant portion of your travel time on routine maintenance.
IMHO, the smaller KTMs are designed for and do amazingly well as street legal dirt bikes. The larger ones (690 and up) are more adventure oriented, but would still not be as durable as, and as easy to find parts for, some other bikes.
Last year, while already planning to purchase the 350 EXC-F, I picked up a DRZ 400S to ride the Trans America Trail on. Though not as light or nimble, it was a super, maintenance free (one routine oil change and tire swap required) across the country. IMO, that bike is much better suited for adventure travel than a KTM. (I traded the DRZ in on the KTM when I returned.)
__________________
Mike
Stamford, CT
www.happycameladv.com
Current Rides
- 2018 Ural Gear Up (the Happy Camel)
- 2017 KTM 350 EXC-F (the Cougar)
- 2014 BMW F800GS (the Goat)
|