350 vs 450 Question

I can't comment on the RMZ's but as far as Husky/KTM, I would say try to buy 2016 or newer. The 2016+ is the new style frame and engine that is hands down better than the pre 15 bike.

I understand budget is a concern. Are you interested in a used bike in that price range?

I've only ridden the 350. It's a fun bike but if you're a fan of the way the 450 lugs, you probably won't be happy with the 350. Maybe after a few rides you'll acclimate but if I was in the market for a 350 or 450, I would stay with the 450 all day.

I have a 15 350 sxf . You have to ride the 350 a little different it likes to be reved . The 2012 RMZ is a good year but I would take my 350 anyday over the RMZ . I grew up on 125s so the 350 Rwanda to suit my ridding . I am not a great 450 rider

I have a 2015 350SXF. I personally love it. I haven't been on the new '16, so I don't really know what I'm missing there (don't want to know). Compared to my '11 CRF450, which I had setup really good for me, this thing feel a lot lighter, flickable, throws into turns and is more confidence inspiring to be aggressive on. My 450 was a bit more of a tractor compared to this, especially in corners. I've compared it to the feel of a 250 2-stroke before - a very torquey 2-stroke. For me, it's way more fun to ride than the 450s I've owned over the years. I also had a 2011 350SXF when they first came out and the motor on the 2015 kills that one.

You for sure have to ride the 350's harder and more aggressive than a 450 to really get into its true power, but I guess that's what makes it more fun for me. Plus, like I pointed out above, I think it's way easier to ride aggressive anyway. If you do push it, it has no problem against 450's. I love the 350 for starts, too. I'm pretty consistently around holeshot position on the thing (I race 25+B and 30+B, with usually 15-25 riders per class in my area). Even with bad jumps off the line, I can just twist it until the throttle stops and shift super late (and sometimes not at all depending on start length). The bike pulls forever.

In my opinion, it is possible to lug it a little, too. You just have to carry solid momentum through your turns to get it to work that way. It's definitely not a 450, where you can basically stop and go. The 2011 350 on the other hand did not lug well at all.

When I get a bike again it will likely be another 350.

Rcc is spot on . The 350 is a holeshot machine

I had an '06 RMZ and rode a friends '10 RMZ and couldn't believe how much better it was. Handling, feel, throttle response. You name it. So, that's the safe route.

I'm like you, I'd look seriously at a 350, but I'd have to ride one first.