How many of you riding 350's?

Whip
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Whip
So I've always liked the idea of the 350 since it was first available. It wasn't quite fast enough to hang with the 450s when it first came out.

I tried a 17 model today, and it really surprised me how well it pulled. My question is, have any of you regretted going the 350 route? I'm concerned that, whilst it's a fun practice bike, I might regret trying to race it against 450s.
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49weasel
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49weasel 7/14/2016 3:46pm
7/14/2016 3:46pm Edited Date/Time 7/14/2016 3:51pm
The 350 engine is damn near perfect. I had a 15 ktm and loved the engine and hated the suspension enough to get rid of it.
I weigh 240lb and go pretty good. I had no issues getting over anything even on the inside. I raced a few times and really didn't notice any lack of power.
I think I read the current 350 has 13 more hp then the 2011.
I wish the other brands would build a 350 with good forks.
fast willy
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fast willy 7/14/2016 3:49pm
7/14/2016 3:49pm
Switched to a 350 for off-road and have zero complaints. It's a 16 xcf
Jterry
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Jterry 7/14/2016 3:51pm
7/14/2016 3:51pm
I had a 13 model really liked the bike hated the forks, couldn't get them them right even after spending money on them. Bought a 16 yz450 and I'm extremely happy with it.
Moto810
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Moto810 7/14/2016 3:54pm
7/14/2016 3:54pm Edited Date/Time 7/14/2016 3:55pm
Whip wrote:
So I've always liked the idea of the 350 since it was first available. It wasn't quite fast enough to hang with the 450s when it...
So I've always liked the idea of the 350 since it was first available. It wasn't quite fast enough to hang with the 450s when it first came out.

I tried a 17 model today, and it really surprised me how well it pulled. My question is, have any of you regretted going the 350 route? I'm concerned that, whilst it's a fun practice bike, I might regret trying to race it against 450s.
It depends on your situation. If your coming off a 450 then the 350 will lack that bottom hit you might want. However, if your a younger rider it is perfect! I tend to think younger riders love to rev a bike and the 350 does that very well. If your an older vet rider like myself and coming off a 450 the 350 will lack the bottom hit that we are used to. This can be a problem but their are some solutions to it. DCR cams made a big difference and Thumper Racing is getting ready to release a 20 to 25cc big bore for it! (2016/2017 350)

The bike feels light and does not work you over like the 450 so it is a safer way to ride in most cases.

The Shop

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AZRider
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AZRider 7/14/2016 4:27pm
7/14/2016 4:27pm
Well the entire 1 hour that I had my husky 350 before it was stolen, I noticed it HAD to be revved...I heard that from everyone, and was still surprised at how much it was true. Once you did that, it kept pulling FOREVER!!
imoto31
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imoto31 7/14/2016 4:35pm
7/14/2016 4:35pm
perfect bike for a old guy coming off a two-stroke!!! doesn't pull like a 450 but it will rev to the moon... picking up my '17 tomorrow!!!

CDswinehart
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CDswinehart 7/14/2016 4:58pm
7/14/2016 4:58pm
Riding a 360, does that count?
crusher773
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crusher773 7/14/2016 5:05pm
7/14/2016 5:05pm
I bought an 11 right when they came out. Best bike ever no regrets. I think I would actually be slower on a 450 and I don't think it has hurt my starts at all.
Tpog496
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Tpog496 7/14/2016 5:09pm
7/14/2016 5:09pm
imoto31 wrote:
perfect bike for a old guy coming off a two-stroke!!! doesn't pull like a 450 but it will rev to the moon... picking up my '17...
perfect bike for a old guy coming off a two-stroke!!! doesn't pull like a 450 but it will rev to the moon... picking up my '17 tomorrow!!!

Nice set up my friendCool
yak651
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yak651 7/14/2016 5:12pm
7/14/2016 5:12pm
Had one ('13) and really liked it, starts were awesome on it, 2nd to 3rd then just keep reving it, longer start straight the better. Rode my buddies yz250f and sold the 350 and got one of those instead....still go the same speed but more comfortable
Superdave19
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Superdave19 7/14/2016 6:05pm
7/14/2016 6:05pm
Ridden plenty of them...Currently have a 15' RMZ450.. As soon as I sell it, I'll be on a 350-
pete24
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pete24 7/14/2016 6:10pm
7/14/2016 6:10pm
ive had a lot of 450s my buddy has a 350 ive ridden it quite a bit, out of all my 450s i kept the 08 crf450, best 450 imo, i think the (its a 14) 350 has power equal to the 08 honda, and the forks are about equal to my 77 honda
Kevin_Reed
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Kevin_Reed 7/14/2016 6:19pm
7/14/2016 6:19pm


I switched last year from a 250 2t and a month later earned a 1st at Millville. The 250 is quicker right at the crack of the throttle but over the course of a race I could turn faster lap times. I guess I am getting old.
stackman17
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stackman17 7/14/2016 9:04pm
7/14/2016 9:04pm
I went from a 05 rmz 450 to a 16 350 and I love it. I have way more confidence due to handling and suspension.
Bennett59
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Bennett59 7/14/2016 9:29pm
7/14/2016 9:29pm
I'm currently on a 16 Husqvarna fc350 love it, came of a rmz450 prior to that was kx450f. Depends on right style if you like it. There's time when I first got and was like I need a 450 but I had to remind myself to rev it. Just don't short shift and let it sing if feels like it just pulls forever on top. I'm with everyone else suspension is a love hate relationship, and I did install exhaust system and did drill five holes in side plate to let it breathe more. It turns well and I have no issues in my class vs 450 that I've noticed
dirtnapper
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dirtnapper 7/14/2016 9:47pm
7/14/2016 9:47pm
I have a 1984 XR 350. And I love it! Tongue

Does that count??
BobPA
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BobPA 7/14/2016 9:48pm
7/14/2016 9:48pm
Absolutely no regrets here. I will be running one for the forseable future....my old man is 67 and would surprise a few of you on a moto track...he loves his
Madc32
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Madc32 7/14/2016 9:52pm
7/14/2016 9:52pm
dirtnapper wrote:
I have a 1984 XR 350. And I love it! Tongue

Does that count??
Dual carbs Bro.

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Craig_Lambrecht 7/14/2016 10:41pm
7/14/2016 10:41pm
I came off a 14 TC250.
I absolutely love it. I have the 16 but have the 17 ER forks.
I was instantly faster and could ride longer.

I am/was a die hard two stroke guy but I do not regret my decision . You can ride it like a 250f and rev the piss out of it. In fact, it loves to be revved.

It's much easier to ride than a 450 when tired too...or a two stroke for that matter.
Whip
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Whip 7/15/2016 1:03am
7/15/2016 1:03am
Thanks for all the comments. Appreciate the advice.

I was surprised how good the AER forks were. I think to ride the 450 properly you need to be on it during the week. 350 might be the perfect weekend warrior bike.
stone881
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stone881 7/15/2016 1:04am
7/15/2016 1:04am
I have only ridden a 350 once for about 20 laps. It was a 16 and it did need to be revved hard to get to the power. Usually I ride an SX 250 smoker and the power just seems more accessible to me. I think that for a more wide open track the 350 would be amazing, but the tighter tracks that I ride on around here, it seems like the 2 stroke has an advantage since it gets into the power so much earlier.

That being said, would love to see what the 350 could do screaming at 14,000 rpm around a wide open track.
Vet57
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Vet57 7/15/2016 4:30am
7/15/2016 4:30am
I've ridden most all the bikes and love the 350 in all conditions.

EastFlorida
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EastFlorida 7/15/2016 4:52am
7/15/2016 4:52am
fast willy wrote:
Switched to a 350 for off-road and have zero complaints. It's a 16 xcf
Yep, I switched from a '12 300 XC to a '16 350 XC-F and counldn't be happier (so far)! I practice MX but race hare scrambles. I haven't seen that the 450's (amature level) have much if any true advantage. I'm sure if you are a top A rider, you may find a difference...
Motofinne
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Motofinne 7/15/2016 4:58am
7/15/2016 4:58am
Pretty much everyone that is on a 350 loves the bike, especially the latest gen(2016/2017).

I will try the SXF350 2017 in about 1 month, there is a possibility that i will change the 2016 450 to a 350 in 2017 if it suits me better.
EmDub425
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EmDub425 7/15/2016 8:10am
7/15/2016 8:10am Edited Date/Time 7/15/2016 8:12am
I currently ride/race a yz250. While it is a ton of fun, it's also a lot of work to go fast for a whole moto. I'm 32 years old 5'11" 205 lbs. I really want a new bike but i keep going back and forth between a 250f or 450.
Ive hopped on a few of the new generation yz450f, and every time it feels like a big heavy tank. Everytime I get on a CRF 450 I immediately feel comfortable but it still feels heavy to me. I'm afraid due to my weight im going to have to rev the absolute crap out of a 250f. But I always seem to be able to ride a 250F at race speed for much longer.

Are any of you guys on a 250f or 350 my size and age how do they work for you?

Tim507
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Tim507 7/15/2016 9:54am
7/15/2016 9:54am Edited Date/Time 7/15/2016 9:54am
MY 2016 350 SXF is an awesome bike.....loads of fun. Mine is set up with a rekluce and other goodies. I just ordered off Flea Bay a set of new 4cs forks (Cheap) so I can set them up for off-road racing and trail riding. I figure I can get many years of service out of this bike. Perhaps a motor rebuild sometime - other than that I see my costs being minimal.

My brother is 250#'s and rides a 350 XCF and really likes it - pulls him around very nicely





MX558
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MX558 7/15/2016 6:20pm
7/15/2016 6:20pm
Just picked up a 17 350 yesterday, going to ride tomorrow. I heard the new AER forks are pretty good . I'm coming off a 14 yz450 suspension was awesome but that bike will wear you out . Haha
brimx153
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brimx153 7/15/2016 7:17pm
7/15/2016 7:17pm
i hate reving a bike so a 450 suits me alot better ,would like to try a new one tho been a long time since i rode one .
Finnish_Flash_62 7/16/2016 1:17am
7/16/2016 1:17am
I went from a 250SX to 350SXF back in 2011 and never owned anything else since. I've tested 450's since every year at test days but always find the 350 more fun. Of course if you're a more serious racer you might want the extra power of the 450, but the 350 is the most fun bike to ride.
ob
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ob 7/16/2016 8:55am
7/16/2016 8:55am
450 last year and a 350 this year, at first I was bummed but after riding a 450 again a couple weeks ago I'm happy again. Anything local A and down and it works great. National pros need not apply. Imo

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