Most expected some changes to the EXC-F line for 2020, or at similar updates to the chassis that the current SX and XC run – well kind of. The chassis and plastics are new but the EXC-F and new XCF-W Enduro (off-raod only) does run a PDS rear suspension over the SX and XC linkage style. For off-road and trail riding we have always really liked the PDS once its dialed in.
It appears the new 500 EXC-F and XCF-W receive very similar updates that the current 450 SX and XC race bikes received a few seasons back but some of the specs are not exactly the same since their performance goals are different. The new chassis is said to be stiffer, new updated plastics, the engine receives the 15mm lower head, new head stays, 40 mm longer subframe for less fender flex and so on. Check out the complete list below.
So in a nutshell the ultra-popular EXC-F Dual Sport is pretty much a new motorcycle for 2020 or more similar in some regards to the current SX with some exceptions. Like stated above, suspension in the rear is a PDS and a new updated Xplor fork up front and bettered catered to off-road and trial riding.
the XCF-W is a striped down EXC-F without signals, more aggressive mapping, slightly less restrictive engine because its (off-road only) full knobby tires and claimed 5 pounds lighter than the EXC-F. So if you don’t need a license plate, this ride might be your enduro weapon of choice.
2020 500 EXC-F Updates
• NEW graphics for a READY TO RACE appearance.
• NEW frame developed in collaboration with KTM factory racers feature improved stiffness for outstanding handling and straight-line stability.
• NEW aluminum head stays for improved engine fixation.
• NEW 40 mm longer subframe provides improved rear fender stability.
• NEW bodywork designed with superior ergonomics for increased freedom of movement and improved handling and comfort.
• NEWLY shaped seat offers better ergonomics and comfort for long rides in demanding terrain.
• NEW air box and velocity stack provide maximum protection of the air filter against soiling and better airflow for optimal performance.
• NEW fuel tank with improved ergonomics and optimized fuel pump assembly is constructed of transparent polyethylene, allowing quick checks of fuel levels at a glance.
• NEW exhaust system is more compact and shorter for better mass centralization and features a new 2-piece header design for improved performance and easier mounting.
• NEW stronger and super-light Lithium-Ion battery offers better starting and reduced weight for improved handling.
• REWORKED wiring harness and packaging for a compact electrical system.
• NEWLY designed radiators with an optimized cooling system for more efficient cooling and 12 mm lower mounting position for improved handling.
• NEW König piston with a 10% lighter piston pin delivers reduced vibration and increased performance. Compression ratio is increased from 11.7 to 12.75:1 for even more power across the rpm range.
• NEW SOHC cylinder is 500 g lighter and 15 mm shorter for exceptional mass centralization and handling.
• NEW 300 g lighter engine cases with a centralized shaft configuration to move the crankshaft closer to the bike’s center of gravity for light handling.
• NEW reinforced clutch cover for improved resistance against impacts in rocky terrain.
• NEW port shape for improved gas flow and new camshaft for better mass centralization.
• NEW rocker arms feature an optimized and stiffer design with reduced inertia guaranteeing more constant performance up to the rpm limit.
• NEW valves (intake: titanium valves 40 mm, exhaust: steel valves 33 mm) which are shorter and adapted to the new head design.
• 42 mm Keihin throttle body provides instant throttle response and crisp fueling and features new cable routing.
• 6-speed wide ratio transmission is perfectly suited for offroad duty.
• UPDATED WP XPLOR forks with a split-function design feature a new calibrated mid-valve piston for more consistent damping, new fork caps with new adjusters and new settings to keep the front end higher for better rider feedback and increased bottoming resistance.
• UPDATED WP XPLOR rear shock with PDS technology features a new second piston and reworked shape of the sealing cup for improved bottoming resistance while new settings offer improved comfort.
• The hydraulic Brembo clutch system offers light operation and highly controllable modulation of the clutch.
• High-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad bikes and are combined with lightweight Wave discs for maximum performance.
• KTM’s “No Dirt” foot peg design keeps the pegs pivot from becoming clogged, ensuring the foot peg is always in the correct position.
• Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Giant rims and Continental TKC 80 tires.
• “No Dirt” shift lever prevents dirt from fouling the lever joint to ensure proper shifting in any condition.
The 350 EXC-F and XCF-W also received many of the changes of its big brother but with a more condensed engine and more agile chassis overall. So if you are looking for a lighter feeling ride on the trail and don’t need all of the power of the 500, the 350 might be the ticket for riders who attack tighter trails or like a lighter and lighter feeling motorcycle. Check out all of the updates below. The XCF-W is again an (off-road only) striped down version of the EXC-F with a tad more performance and full knobby tires standard.
At this time KTM did not mention changes or a new 250cc EXC-F or XCF-W so there is no information on that bike as of right now.
2020 350 EXC-F Updates
• NEW graphics for a READY TO RACE appearance.
• NEW frame developed in collaboration with KTM factory racers feature improved stiffness for outstanding handling and straight-line stability.
• NEW aluminum head stays for improved engine fixation.
• NEW 40 mm longer subframe provides improved rear fender stability.
• NEW bodywork designed with superior ergonomics for increased freedom of movement and improved handling and comfort.
• NEWLY shaped seat offers better ergonomics and comfort for long rides in demanding terrain.
• NEW air box and velocity stack provide maximum protection of the air filter against soiling and better airflow for optimal performance.
• NEW fuel tank with improved ergonomics and optimized fuel pump assembly is constructed of transparent polyethylene, allowing quick checks of fuel levels at a glance.
• NEW exhaust system is more compact and shorter for better mass centralization and features a new 2-piece header design for improved performance and easier mounting.
• NEW stronger and super-light Lithium-Ion battery offers better starting and reduced weight for improved handling.
• REWORKED wiring harness and packaging for a compact electrical system.
• NEWLY designed radiators with an optimized cooling system for more efficient cooling and 12 mm lower mounting position for improved handling.
• REWORKED cylinder head is 200 g lighter for improved handling and features new flow-optimized ports for outstanding engine performance.
• NEW CP piston and shorter cylinder produce an increased compression ratio (from 12.3 to 13.5:1) for improved power across the rpm range.
• REWORKED crankshaft with new small-end bearing for improved reliability.
• NEW lighter engine cases with a centralized shaft configuration to move the crankshaft closer to the bike’s center of gravity for light handling.
• 42 mm Keihin throttle body provides instant throttle response and crisp fueling and features new cable routing.
• NEW 6-speed transmission made by PANKL is made of a new stronger, forged raw material which ensures the highest level of durability and reliability.
• UPDATED WP XPLOR forks with a split-function design feature a new calibrated mid-valve piston for more consistent damping, new fork caps with new adjusters and new settings to keep the front end higher for better rider feedback and increased bottoming resistance.
• UPDATED WP XPLOR rear shock with PDS technology features a new second piston and reworked shape of the sealing cup for improved bottoming resistance while new settings offer improved comfort.
• The hydraulic Brembo clutch system offers light operation and highly controllable modulation of the clutch.
• High-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad bikes and are combined with lightweight Wave discs for maximum performance.
• KTM’s “No Dirt” foot peg design keeps the pegs pivot from becoming clogged, ensuring the foot peg is always in the correct position.
• Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Giant rims and Continental TKC 80 tires.
• “No Dirt” shift lever prevents dirt from fouling the lever joint to ensure proper shifting in any condition.
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For more information, you can go directly to KTM’s web site or your local dealerLINK HERE
KTM Media Release:
Developed on the toughest climbs, gnarliest terrain and in deepest mud with our FMF KTM Factory Racing stars, the benchmark-setting KTM offroad models have just raised the bar yet again. The 2020 lineup includes the new KTM 150 XC-W TPI, KTM 250 XC-W TPI and KTM 300 XC-W TPI 2-strokes, as well as the new offroad-only KTM 350 XCF-W and KTM 500 XCF-W 4-strokes. Rounding out the new models are the KTM 350 EXC-F and KTM 500 EXC-F dual sports.
Building on the constantly evolving and advancing technology found in KTM’s enduro machines, this wide range of KTM models boasts the very latest in innovation. These 2020 machines feature updated high-performance engines, a new chassis with improved WP XPLOR suspension, improved handling, new bodywork, new air filter box, new cooling system, and new exhaust systems. These improvements and refinements, combined with the high-quality NEKEN handlebar, Brembo brakes, No-Dirt footpegs, and CNC-milled hubs with Giant rims fitted as standard equipment, ensure that the new KTM EXC and XC-W machines are the best performing and most extreme offroad and dual-sport bikes on the market.
To get the very best out of the new KTM EXC and XC-W model lineup, KTM has continued to develop its high-quality selection of KTM PowerParts, which enables riders to customize their machines to take it to new heights. KTM enduro fans can also find a wide range of riding gear, protection and casual wear in the KTM PowerWear collection, ensuring they can be READY TO RACE both on and off the bike.
Bikes will be arriving in North American dealers this summer. For more information visit www.ktm.com.
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