Minor Paladin Assembly issues

[LowBrewTow]

I was under the impression that it was a KTM350 EXC-F clone (2020-2023)

[Mumen Rider]

Originally Posted by Thumper

Oh. It certainly looks better. Does the mid section of the right side panel deform when you cinch down the tank? I was able to force the thing into place but not without severe force and those two forward mounting holes in the plastic might not hold up. How did the two mounts on the top of the tank line up. Did you pin those before doing the loose tank maneuver?

No panel deformation that I can tell. The first thing I got into place was the side panel stay that has to slot in, then the top two tank mounting bolts were screwed in but not tight, finally I manipulated(with my hand, not much force) the radiator and panels until they lined up. The final bolts to be tightened where the two on top of the tank once I got the radiator panels secured.

Originally Posted by LowBrewTow

I was under the impression that it was a KTM350 EXC-F clone (2020-2023)

I think you might be correct. The OEM panels for that model year resemble ours more so.

Kews K23 panels would also fit.

[Thumper]

It started right up. The exhaust is sealed and quiet at the header. That's a relief. 10 minute ride, gentle to modest throttle, kept it under 6000rpm. I never got it over 35mph. Just heating it up for oil change and first impressions.

0 km on the odometer when I turned it on. I will switch to mph/miles.

It is a very smooth engine and transmission. I dropped the oil as soon as I parked it. Looks like conventional yellow/green oil.

Magnetic oil drain plug.

First impressions are
-This is a larger bike than Templar. Longer wheelbase, feels bigger
-the engine is free revving and torque comes in early, even at 1/4 throttle

Notes: The copper exhaust gasket is 48mm O.D. and the headpipe diameter is ~41-42mm O.D. (Templar headpipe is 32mm O.D.). Cross sectional area difference on the exhaust system is 1385 square mm (Paladin), and 804 square mm (Templar). Also, When I had the header off, I could see the dual exhaust valve paths-lots of room for exhaust flow. The muffler has a removeable baffle too (perfect straight through path for a spark arrestor install).

-first gear is definitely low enough for off road fun
-the frame is taught, definitely tighter than the Templar, esp the rear end
-the swingarm has no perceptible play, also very taught
-the rear spring is dialed up pretty tight, probably too much for me
Rear shock is a KKE model 6 (there must be a longer model number on it somewhere). It is bigger than the KKE shock on the Templar X



I did not check what the suspension dampening is set to before the ride, but the thing feels way tighter/stiffer than the Templar X. This stiffness will translate into better control off road.

It did stall when I dropped the throttle once at a stop sign. When I got home, it settled into a perfect steady 1900rpm idle.

[bigdano711]

1900 rpm is a little high, no? I'm guessing you mentioned it before, but are you a beeffalo like some of us or a smaller, lighter guy? That's how I change my oil, too. I get the tools ready and when I hop off, dump that hot oil.