2020 KTM XCF-W Models Announced

KTM recently announced two new models to its already-vast lineup of off-road motorcycles—the 500 XCF-W and 350 XCF-W. Both are based on the street-legal 500 EXC-F and 350 EXC-F models, but shed the signals and mirrors, and are stripped down into off-road-only motorcycles. The two bikes feature more aggressive mapping and a less restrictive power pack than the EXC-Fs, which allow the XCF-Ws to put more power to the ground with full-knobby Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires and a lighter overall weight, with the 500 XCF-W coming in at a claimed 235 pounds (wet, but without fuel) and the 350 XCF-W being 232 pounds (wet, but without fuel).

Related: 2019 KTM 350 EXC-F vs. 2019 KTM 500 EXC-F Comparison Review

Being that the 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W and 350 XCF-W are based on the EXC-F models, they both receive many of the same updates as this year’s EXC-Fs including 300-gram lighter engine cases, a new Pankl six-speed transmission made of a forged raw material, and a stronger lithium-ion battery. Additional changes include a more compact and shorter exhaust system with a two-piece header design, a new airbox and velocity stack, updated selectable maps, and different cable routing of the Keihin 42mm throttle body.

The 500 XCF-W and 350 XCF-W are spec’d with WP Xplor forks that have been updated for 2020 with a new mid-valve piston for more consistent damping, new fork caps and adjusters, and revised settings to keep the front end higher for better rider feedback and increased bottoming resistance. The WP Xplor shock features a new second piston and reworked shape of the sealing cup for improved bottoming resistance, while new settings are designed to offer improved comfort.

The two XCF-W bikes also receive chassis updates, some of which are what the SX and SX-F motocross models received last year. A stiffer frame; new aluminum head stays; 40mm longer subframe; new bodywork; newly designed radiators that are mounted 12mm lower; reworked wiring harness and packaging; new fuel tank; optimized fuel pump assembly; newly shaped seat; and updated graphics round out the updates shared by both XCF-Ws.

The 500 XCF-W receives model-specific updates including a new König piston with a 10 percent lighter piston, an increased compression ratio (from 11.7 to 12.75:1), and a new SOHC cylinder that is claimed to be 500 grams lighter and 15mm shorter. The new 40mm titanium intake valves and 33mm steel valves are shorter and adapted to the new head design. New rocker arms that feature an optimized and stiffer design, a new camshaft, different port shape, and a new reinforced clutch cover are the final updates to the 510.9cc engine.

Model-specific changes to the 350 XCF-W engine include a reworked cylinder head that is claimed to be 200 grams lighter, while a new CP piston and shorter cylinder produce an increased compression ratio (from 12.3 to 13.5:1). New flow-optimized ports and a reworked crankshaft with a new small-end bearing are the final changes made to the 350 XCF-W for 2020.