16 KTM 350 SXF, getting more juice

gwilson
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gwilson 2/11/2016 6:01am
2/11/2016 6:01am
josh8811 wrote:
185lb, Over 30 expert desert guy here.. My 2015 350XC rips and the engine is stock. I've had 450's and there's no comparison when talking low...
185lb, Over 30 expert desert guy here.. My 2015 350XC rips and the engine is stock. I've had 450's and there's no comparison when talking low end torque, but I feel like you have to be a lot more smooth and precise on a 450 of you will end up in the bushes. IMO, the 350 is near perfect.. I can ride as aggressive as I want and it doesn't try and eat me. I carry more speed thru the corners, and get back on the gas sooner. It doesn't try to stand up in the corners when you give it gas, doesn't try and wheelie, just goes..

I can't see needing more power unless you're really awesome good, and big.. Like 220

I'm a 40 B moto guy (meaning, the top young C riders can whoop me), 160 pounds. I guess the big HP doesn't get on my nerves much, The 14 YZ450 power was fine, it was just the cornering that got me.

I had a new YZ490 back in 86, no big deal (HP wasn't too much). My buddy's 86 CR500 was just the best motor ever, wow that thing was sweet.

In any case, I'm not saying the 350 is slow! I am moving on it, but when I wallow in a sand corner I wish it would pull on my upper body muscles some more.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 2/11/2016 6:20am
2/11/2016 6:20am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
i just dropped my 250sxf off at Twisted Development for a hi comp piston, head work, vortex ecru with remap and race fuel. Also fmf mega...
i just dropped my 250sxf off at Twisted Development for a hi comp piston, head work, vortex ecru with remap and race fuel. Also fmf mega bomb with a longer header to give it more bottom end.
http://td-racing.com/index.html
gwilson wrote:
Joe, what's your thoughts on that bike in stock form? I rode that one at the KTM ride day in June. I felt like my 11...
Joe, what's your thoughts on that bike in stock form? I rode that one at the KTM ride day in June.

I felt like my 11 KX250F had more guts, way more. My KX is all stock too.

The 250sxf is a great bike. I've been lucky to get a great deal on cone valve forks. It handles amazing, when you set it up right, literally feels like it's 2 wheel drive traction, just sticks anywhere you want it to go. Has tons of power(when you rev) but I recently rode a yz250f and the power off the bottom is awesome so I'm just trying to replicate that power delivery from the yamy.

You don't have to do these mods by any means the bike is awesome in stock form, I'm just in the situation where I'm able to tune this bike to the max and make my dream bike.
gwilson
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gwilson 2/11/2016 6:25am
2/11/2016 6:25am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
The 250sxf is a great bike. I've been lucky to get a great deal on cone valve forks. It handles amazing, when you set it up...
The 250sxf is a great bike. I've been lucky to get a great deal on cone valve forks. It handles amazing, when you set it up right, literally feels like it's 2 wheel drive traction, just sticks anywhere you want it to go. Has tons of power(when you rev) but I recently rode a yz250f and the power off the bottom is awesome so I'm just trying to replicate that power delivery from the yamy.

You don't have to do these mods by any means the bike is awesome in stock form, I'm just in the situation where I'm able to tune this bike to the max and make my dream bike.
Yes maybe I'm not twisting far enough, my little KX does has some good pull in the middle.

Like you, I'd like to have more juice lower in the range.
Tim507
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Tim507 2/11/2016 6:49am
2/11/2016 6:49am
On my 2016 350 – Daniel Crower Racing Cams, Vortex ECU setup by DCR for the cams and MR12 race fuel, 51 rear (I will have to try the 52). I had a friend modify my stock pipe into two pieces so it’s like the aftermarket pipes in the removal process. Dan rides a 350 and so he has some dyno time on this bike - check him out at http://danielcrowerracing.com/

Bike is awesome in the low to mid – yes it will rev to the moon, however at 160 #’s I can short shift it when needed or not shift when needed and mosey along at a good clip and still have a sweet hit when I need a snortWoohoo

Loved my 250 FE, yet I had to ride it like my hair was on fire and at 63 NOT DOING That.Dizzy

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gwilson
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gwilson 2/11/2016 7:12am
2/11/2016 7:12am
Tim507 wrote:
On my 2016 350 – Daniel Crower Racing Cams, Vortex ECU setup by DCR for the cams and MR12 race fuel, 51 rear (I will have...
On my 2016 350 – Daniel Crower Racing Cams, Vortex ECU setup by DCR for the cams and MR12 race fuel, 51 rear (I will have to try the 52). I had a friend modify my stock pipe into two pieces so it’s like the aftermarket pipes in the removal process. Dan rides a 350 and so he has some dyno time on this bike - check him out at http://danielcrowerracing.com/

Bike is awesome in the low to mid – yes it will rev to the moon, however at 160 #’s I can short shift it when needed or not shift when needed and mosey along at a good clip and still have a sweet hit when I need a snortWoohoo

Loved my 250 FE, yet I had to ride it like my hair was on fire and at 63 NOT DOING That.Dizzy
Tim, way to go, you're putting some luvvin' on the bike.

I'm a beginner at the motor mods too (I've been a plain stock kind of guy all my life, now i can afford some tricks). When you get the Vortex ECU, is that simple plug it in? No dyno needed?


Thanks
Tim507
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Tim507 2/11/2016 7:33am
2/11/2016 7:33am
Tim507 wrote:
On my 2016 350 – Daniel Crower Racing Cams, Vortex ECU setup by DCR for the cams and MR12 race fuel, 51 rear (I will have...
On my 2016 350 – Daniel Crower Racing Cams, Vortex ECU setup by DCR for the cams and MR12 race fuel, 51 rear (I will have to try the 52). I had a friend modify my stock pipe into two pieces so it’s like the aftermarket pipes in the removal process. Dan rides a 350 and so he has some dyno time on this bike - check him out at http://danielcrowerracing.com/

Bike is awesome in the low to mid – yes it will rev to the moon, however at 160 #’s I can short shift it when needed or not shift when needed and mosey along at a good clip and still have a sweet hit when I need a snortWoohoo

Loved my 250 FE, yet I had to ride it like my hair was on fire and at 63 NOT DOING That.Dizzy
gwilson wrote:
Tim, way to go, you're putting some luvvin' on the bike. I'm a beginner at the motor mods too (I've been a plain stock kind of...
Tim, way to go, you're putting some luvvin' on the bike.

I'm a beginner at the motor mods too (I've been a plain stock kind of guy all my life, now i can afford some tricks). When you get the Vortex ECU, is that simple plug it in? No dyno needed?


Thanks
If you get the Vortex from DCR he will have it programmed to his dyno data (make sure you discuss this)

He may or may not recommend the cams - I would go for it - if it is in your budget. This is not cheap nor is the MR12 cheap - then neither is a call girl and with the bike you get less BS
Moto810
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Moto810 6/19/2016 9:34pm
6/19/2016 9:34pm
gwilson,

FYI: Travis at Thumper Racing is building a big bore kit for the 2016 and 2017 KTM 350. Call him and he can tell you when he can get you the kit.
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wwoberg 6/20/2016 3:47am
6/20/2016 3:47am
A friend of mine has a 16 350 and said the same thing. After about 10 hrs on the bike it stopped running. Turn out there is a recal on the fuel line/pump. I guess the routing on the line is "linked" and starves the pump. KTM world at Highland Park did the recal and now it flys. Check into it.
CG118
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CG118 6/20/2016 6:05am
6/20/2016 6:05am
How about running the 52 rear sprocket, and a quick-turn throttle tube....relatively cheap and easy to start with.
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Moto810 6/20/2016 7:29am
6/20/2016 7:29am
I run the 51 rear and quick turn throttle. All that does is moves you up into the RPM's quicker. I think he is looking for more low end grunt and pull like I am. I have the Vortex ECU, FMF megabomb TI long header, quick turn throttle, 51 rear, new air filter cage, and I run VPR fuel.

All of that still does not give you that low end pull most would like.

I did just learn about DCR cams and that Procircuit has a new piston for the bike. Both of those things along with some head work would give more HP for sure.

The Big Bore kit from Thumper Racing is mostly likely the cure for most of us.
gwilson
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gwilson 6/20/2016 11:04am
6/20/2016 11:04am
yes the bike is good but not great. It does rev like a raped ape but pulling out of inside corners is a challenge.

Thanks for the tip on the recall- aren't we supposed to get letters on this or does the dealer think we just 'hear about it and ask'?

Thanks, Gary
Gilby122
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Gilby122 6/20/2016 2:35pm
6/20/2016 2:35pm
gwilson wrote:
yes the bike is good but not great. It does rev like a raped ape but pulling out of inside corners is a challenge. Thanks for...
yes the bike is good but not great. It does rev like a raped ape but pulling out of inside corners is a challenge.

Thanks for the tip on the recall- aren't we supposed to get letters on this or does the dealer think we just 'hear about it and ask'?

Thanks, Gary
Have you had a chance to race it yet, Gary? I have a '15 KX450. I suck, but am trying to get better. Been looking at a 2016 350 this last week, actually, but trying to decide at my size (6', 203ish) if it's the right move. I had a '12 350sx and enjoyed it, but can't say there's a huge difference that I can tell at my talent level between the 350 and 450. I don't ride well enough to use all of the 450, but also not sure I ride aggressive enough to rev the bike like it needs. Just curious in a race setting how you held up with the new 350.
gwilson
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gwilson 6/21/2016 4:59am
6/21/2016 4:59am
Gilby, yes indeed Ive been racing the 40b all year with my local old dudes, I really like the bike a lot. I ride it like a 250; I think everyone does. I've gotten 2nd place hole shots routinely- just can't seem to nail the top spot. I am generally top 3 in the class, won a few.

In my opinion, if you're not feeling wonderful about your riding abilities I suggest getting off of the big boy- all that power is hard to harness and i think it makes you slower (my opinion). I had a 14 yz450 and didn't like the way it turned. i got on my 11 kx250 and I went much faster. I'm 5-11 and 170, so the 250 can haul me around pretty well.

I got the 350 because i was stuck between getting the big boy or staying small. I truly enjoy a 250 more if the track conditions are good and dry. if it's a bit wet then I kinda want more power becasue i'm not very good at railing the outside.

You don't 'have' to pin the bike to boogie. I only pin in on a straight when i don't want to shift (no need to, unless of course it's a long one)

good luck! gary
Crush
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Crush 6/21/2016 5:05am
6/21/2016 5:05am
You guys going to a 51 or 52 either try a 48 or a 13 front?

I found it made 2nd the ticket more rather than trying to grab 3rd and clutch...
gwilson
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gwilson 6/21/2016 7:07am
6/21/2016 7:07am
Crush wrote:
You guys going to a 51 or 52 either try a 48 or a 13 front? I found it made 2nd the ticket more rather than...
You guys going to a 51 or 52 either try a 48 or a 13 front?

I found it made 2nd the ticket more rather than trying to grab 3rd and clutch...
i ran stock at first and felt it was too tall for me. Then I went 13 front, it felt good. Then my sprockets drifted away at 32 hours and went with stock front and plus two rear, seems good.
darren7878 6/21/2016 11:31am
6/21/2016 11:31am Edited Date/Time 6/21/2016 11:33am
I think vets like the idea of the 350, but then miss the bottom end pull of a 450. I know that's how I felt.

I'm now running full FMF, vortex and recently made the jump to a 52 rear(from a 51). The 52 livens up the bottom end incredibly. Much more torquey in 3rd. Always felt between gears up until then.

I also have a mototassinari Air4orce to try on the bike.

When I took my fuel pump out it also had a kinked pipe that a poster mentioned earlier. I swear the bike has revved better since I sorted that.

Having ridden 450s for 16 years I also think the hour meter with the Rev counter in it is a good move forward. I'm only just learning to really rev the bike as hard as it requires, but have no proof of that without the meter..................

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darren7878 6/21/2016 1:42pm
6/21/2016 1:42pm Edited Date/Time 6/21/2016 1:45pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Here's a photo a kinked fuel pump(top) vs normal(bottom): [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/06/21/140430/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
Here's a photo a kinked fuel pump(top) vs normal(bottom):


Mine was exactly the same as that. They get kinked when the shove the pump into the tanks.

Only found mine when I fitted a new tank.

gwilson
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gwilson 6/21/2016 1:49pm
6/21/2016 1:49pm
I fear I'm not extremely handy with the bike; I'm an hvac/boiler guy, so I have tools in hands daily---where do i find this, just pull the seat? Pull the tank?
darren7878 6/21/2016 1:58pm
6/21/2016 1:58pm
Pull and drain your tank.

One part of pump is secured by the 'nut' on left hand side of tank by the fuel line. then you remove the 4 bolts at the rear of the tank and the pump can be removed. Well that's the 15 model. Cant see the 16 being very different. Not great that they both seem to suffer with same issue.

I pulled a 250 FC apart as well and that was kinked too but was still performing fine. But they are highly pressurised.....
gwilson
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gwilson 6/21/2016 2:04pm
6/21/2016 2:04pm
Ok thanks, now is this what people are talking about with the fuel line recall or is that a different issue?
dedi684
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dedi684 11/27/2016 4:15pm
11/27/2016 4:15pm Edited Date/Time 11/27/2016 4:16pm
Gary Wilson kicked my ass in the nesc fall series. The bike was working well he won the championship! Congrats man but I did get lucky and beat you in 1 moto Wink

I want a 350 xcf myself the yz 250 just didn't do it for me this season.
gwilson
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gwilson 11/27/2016 5:29pm
11/27/2016 5:29pm Edited Date/Time 11/27/2016 5:34pm
dedi684 wrote:
Gary Wilson kicked my ass in the nesc fall series. The bike was working well he won the championship! Congrats man but I did get lucky...
Gary Wilson kicked my ass in the nesc fall series. The bike was working well he won the championship! Congrats man but I did get lucky and beat you in 1 moto Wink

I want a 350 xcf myself the yz 250 just didn't do it for me this season.
I bought a 450 in August

How strange I had a whole message typed out

The 350 was cool but the 450 just has more juice. No more getting passed
lugging out of inside lines. And it was fun getting hole shots fairly consistently with the 450
dedi684
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dedi684 11/27/2016 5:42pm
11/27/2016 5:42pm
dedi684 wrote:
Gary Wilson kicked my ass in the nesc fall series. The bike was working well he won the championship! Congrats man but I did get lucky...
Gary Wilson kicked my ass in the nesc fall series. The bike was working well he won the championship! Congrats man but I did get lucky and beat you in 1 moto Wink

I want a 350 xcf myself the yz 250 just didn't do it for me this season.
gwilson wrote:
I bought a 450 in August How strange I had a whole message typed out The 350 was cool but the 450 just has more juice...
I bought a 450 in August

How strange I had a whole message typed out

The 350 was cool but the 450 just has more juice. No more getting passed
lugging out of inside lines. And it was fun getting hole shots fairly consistently with the 450
Excellent. I am down to around 150 pounds just don't feel strong enough for a 450. I've never tried a 350 or the latest ktm 2 stroke I had a 15 250 sx. I'm torn but need a light bike and after 5 yz 250s I want something different again. I will not be racing so leaning toward an xc.
gwilson
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gwilson 11/27/2016 5:51pm
11/27/2016 5:51pm
I was paranoid too, after my yz450 experience. That bike was great until I had to turn it. I got afraid of big bikes. Then I went to a kx250f. Then to the 350. When I bought the 450 it was a simple and smooth transition. There are no tricks, no surprises. Very predictable and super linear power. If you've been on a 2-stroke all these years you should be just fine on a 350.
Superdave19
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Superdave19 11/27/2016 5:57pm
11/27/2016 5:57pm
Man am I the only one? I've ridden both (17's) for ever allowing Motos- I'm a fairly fast Vet A guy, and in good shape. Don't get me wrong the 450 is fantastic.. it really is, but the way the 350 corners is night and day better for me. The best way I can describe it is I'm able to push the limits of the 350 more, and it responds better to my input. Feels like I can ride it forever. It very well could be that it sounds/feels like I'm hauling the mail, but my lap times may prove otherwise. That being said, it really is irrelevant, because that thing is just freakin so fun to ride.

Looking to get a White one soon
Tonynz
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Tonynz 11/27/2016 6:31pm
11/27/2016 6:31pm
I got 101 mph out of my 2016 350 SXF, on Friday night at NZ beach racing Champs, 1 mile track, 1/2 mile up 1/2 mile back. 40T rear sprocket.

Moto810
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Moto810 11/27/2016 9:29pm
11/27/2016 9:29pm
I have a 16 350 SXF with a Thumper Racing 380 big bore kit in it and DCR cams. That combo gives the bikes the right amount of power. It moves the power down into the RPMs so that you don't have to rev it so high to get the HP out of it. I am able to run a gear higher and lug the bike without having to clutch it out of corners. The handling of the bike did not change and still feels light.

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