WHAT IS IT? 2017 KTM 350 EXC-F 6 Days

WHO? Gaston Facci

WHERE DID YOU BUY IT? Good old Gumtree

HOW MUCH? $10,800 (in 2021 with 400km)

 

WHY DID YOU BUY IT? 

I wanted an all-rounder, good on weight and forgiving to ride. It’s the perfect bike to do six-plus hours in the high country and still be able to walk off without looking like a cowboy.

I also wanted reliability, knowing maintenance would be higher than normal was okay with me as I’m happy to spin spanners during the weeknights. Parts are easy to come by and, let’s be honest, they look the part in the bush.

It gets me out in the bush meeting great people and spending time outdoors with the family.  Really is a release for me from how busy life can get.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO IT? 

As far as mods go I’ve kept them to making the ride comfy, as I’m in the 40+ club now the body isn’t what it used to be. Steg Pegz for those big, long hillclimbs (saved me a few times up Billy Goat Bluff) and alloy footpegs for extra grip. Best mod by far would have to be tubeless system; no more flats gives me peace of mind. I do check and adjust pressures before every ride and sometimes during, but it’s small price to pay for all that grip.

HOW DOES IT GO?

With now over 1600km she still occasionally puts me back in my place when I get to cocky and think I’m Toby Price at the Finke. That’s what I like about the 350; it’s happy to idle around and when needed gets the power on. I also like the general feel of the bike – it’s not too big and heavy to hang on to all day long. So far she has never let me down and always gets me back to the car at the end of the day.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND BUYING ONE?

Absolutely, KTM really makes a great machine straight out of the box. Resale value should be okay also. Parts can get a bit pricey but I find looking around a bit or waiting for sales works well. I change oil and filter every second ride, depending on how far the ride was and what the conditions were.

  5 UNIQUE THINGS ABOUT GASTON AND HIS BIKE

1) I’m passionate about showing my son Xavier the great lifestyle and places we can get to on a bike

2) I’m your everyday hard working family man

3) My dad first introduced me to bikes and I plan to do the same

4) Gives me freedom

5) It’s a KTM, nuff said