RUST magazine: RUST #45

LONG TERMER
2020 KTM
350 EXC-F
words & images: WM & KTM
LONG TERMER
PART ONE
Warren has a 2020 KTM three-fifty for the new season. It’s not turned a wheel yet, because
as regular readers know by now – stock is a four-letter word in Malschinger’s world
RUST has a new pet in the
garage for 2020. It’s been a few
years since we owned a new
KTM but the glistening new
KTM 350 EXC-F is a trick looking bike,
stock. Stock is how it was delivered, not
how it’s going to be ridden and already
the workshop is full of parts all waiting
to be united with this beauty. And
there’s no buyer’s remorse here. I’m not
saying the bike is perfect – they never
are – but I’m looking forward to sharing
my journey with it, discovering its traits
and foibles along the way.
It’s a task arranging builds; it takes time
to design a bike that is able to deliver
on what you want. And my plan this
time is to build a true all-rounder. I want
versatility; with a minor amount of
fettle this bike should be as at home in
extreme conditions as it is in the desert.
Now we love testing new equipment
but it’s always a struggle to deviate
from using tried and tested favourites
when it comes to our own bikes. So
fighting my own instincts there are
a few newcomers on this build that I
think will fit the package well. So, in the
new-new stuff pile is a Hinson Slipper
Clutch, a custom-programmed GET
ECU and K-Tech ORVS suspension
(the latter we will be testing next to our
Stillwell Performance A-Kit forks which
we know and love).
There are a few new protection parts,
too, and we have seen some exciting
new developments from our usual
aftermarket suppliers. For example, we
w
60 www.rustsports.com