ALL NEW. These are the first two words that spring to mind when you mention the 2012 Range of EXC-F four-strokes from KTM. The Austrian Giant shifted its 2012 production focus to the complete line of EXC models. Seven different bikes complete the off-road range, with three two-strokes and four four-strokes. Every bike in the range has undergone significant upgrades for 2012.

Each bike in the EXC range has undergone extensive upgrades and comes into 2012 with a completely new image.

The most obvious change to the EXC fleet is the new bodywork and ergonomics that complete the external package. KTM went with the Stefan Everts SX-F styled design which gives the orange machines that modern new look that most other off-road inspired bikes seem to be missing out on. An all new chassis was developed for the EXC fleet and the entire range share basically the same frame; the chassis also utilises the well known link-less PDS suspension system which seems to work extremely well. The rest of the changes get more specific for each bike, so read on to find out more about the EXC you’re interested in.
Wyaralong Moto Park was the location of the launch. It's situated in southeast Queensland, not far from Beaudesert and a solid 1.5hr drive from the beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast. Wyaralong Moto Park is scheduled to open later in 2011 and boasts nearly 2000 acres of land in a joint venture between Motorcycling Australia, Motorcycling Queensland and the Queensland Government.

250 EXC-F
A new chassis and suspension combination is the headlining upgrade on the 250 EXC-F, and the new chassis which is featured on every EXC model maintains the linkage-less PDS rear suspension system along with the chromoly steel frame. Just like the SX-F, the EXC-F receives the new rear suspension cradle mount on the backside of the frame. This new cradle system works towards isolating the rear suspension forces away from the rest of the frame with a separate mounting system and bracket that hold the top of the rear shock. Once you see the bike stripped down it is easy to see how this system works and how the bike can benefit from this type of technology. The front suspension is similar to years past, the externals are the same, however the internal settings have been overhauled to complement the new chassis and rear shock set-up.
The engine gets a significant upgrade with a Keihin engine management system (EMS) added to the bike. The cylinder head is modified to match the EFI system along with a new exhaust system which is also designed to mesh with the rest of the engine upgrades.
The small bore 250 was the first bike we threw a leg over and took onto the Wyaralong trails. After a few laps getting used to the trails and the track conditions we began to warm to the 250 EXC-F and before long were right at home on the little orange weapon. The 250 EXC-F begs you to ride it harder than the other four-strokes in the range, giving best results when you’re high in the rev range and pushing the bike pretty hard. The small bore package provides a lot of fun and is enjoyable for any level of rider. With the light weight and nimble feel of the small bore thumper it is great on those tighter sections of the track or for those who aren’t so fit to hang onto a rocketship 500 for any extended period of time. The new chassis modifications are a welcome addition on the track, the rear end of the KTM feels much more independent than in the past and improves the feeling of the back of the bike in those nasty bumps.

350 EXC-F
A totally new concept has been introduced to the off-road scene, the KTM 350 EXC-F. The 350 is based on the SX-F version we saw hit shores last season and is now set to take off in the enduro/off-road scene in Australia.
The 350 is the perfect bike for all those weekend warriors out there who claim their 450s are too quick but find that a 250F is too slow and requires too much work to keep them going at a decent pace. It feels light and nimble like a 250, yet much faster once you start to twist the throttle. The 350 gains speed quickly and enjoys the rider putting in some effort, giving the bike some revs and being a bit more active on the gears than a 450. It was arguably the best bike on the day throughout the special test style layout and had the perfect match of power and agility.
The suspension package complements the rest of the bike very well. Around the off-road sprint style layout we had marked out, the 350 hit every mark and glided over all the bumps with ease, being totally predictable and firm, yet plush and easy on the rider.

450 EXC-F
The KTM 450 EXC-F gets the works; new engine, new suspension and the all new chassis. The 450cc engine has been redeveloped to be much more lightweight and includes a state of the art electronic fuel injection system. The water-cooled, single overhead cam engine has been purposely developed for off-road use and concentrates on durability and an easy to ride package for the trail rider within us all.
After you take to the trail on the new 450 it is easy to see how rider friendly KTM has made this engine; the motor can be chugged along and short shifted without any hassles and it produces very good power at low RPMs, making the bike very easy to ride on most trails, with fewer gear changes. Keep twisting the throttle and you’ll notice the big KTM still revs quite high for an off-road bike and doesn’t mind the rider feeding a few more revs into the donk either.
The shared chassis works well and gives the 450 a quite nimble feeling for an open class weapon. The WP suspension is great for standard equipment and we never felt uncomfortable on the trail, whether it was at high speed or simply cruising through the tight sections.

500 EXC-F
Sharing all the same features and upgrades as the 450, the only single difference with the 500 lies within the engine capacity. A longer connecting rod 'strokes' the 450 out to a 500.
500cc is a lot of bike when you’re out on the track and hammering amongst the trees. The 500 certainly favours the more open and flowing sections of the Aussie bush and would be an absolute blast on winding fire trails and open flowing scrub. That said, the 500 still handles the tight stuff well and is easily chugged around the trees and is quite handy when the odd hillclimb or steep section emerges on the trail.

The Verdict
In a perfect world we would have the 250, 350 and 450 all parked in the garage and the 500 would be sitting there waiting for the Finke or Hattah Desert race. Quality components are littered everywhere and after you fire the bike up with the electric start, it is quite easy to make the change from one bike to the next. All four bikes have a similar ergonomics package with Renthal fat ’bars, Brembo brakes and hydraulic clutch.
KTM has priced the four bikes quite close to each other.
The 250 retails for $11,995, 350 $12,495, 450 $12,795, 500 $12,995.
I wonder if KTM do package deals?