Will the big 4 ever make a 350?

Pirate421 wrote:

All the threads lately about injuries and, justin starling making the main on a 250 last week and the 250 sx often running just as quick...

All the threads lately about injuries and, justin starling making the main on a 250 last week and the 250 sx often running just as quick or sometimes quicker lap times has me thinking the 450s may start to be working against themselves. We’ve heard from guys like barcia saying that the jgr 450 was a bit too much indoors and out, cairoli proved that the 350 could win in the gps. We basically can all come to the conclusion that everyone rides a 450 because it’s a “marketing tool for the premier class”. Yes they may initially be at a disadvantage early in a race but most amateurs and vets I know benefit from a smaller bike and haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like the 350. Unfortunately a lot of people feel just because they don’t have the biggest and fastest bike made, they are at a disadvantage.

SwingHard wrote:

I may be " the guy" who didn't gel with the 350. I wanted to see what all the hype was about,so I bought a 17'...

I may be " the guy" who didn't gel with the 350. I wanted to see what all the hype was about,so I bought a 17' Husky FC-350. First couple of rides, thought it was great! After that,the honeymoon was over quick! Sold it with 6 hours on it,picked up a 17' CRF-450,I couldn't be happier.
I still wonder why I didn't fall in love with it?When everything I read says its the best vet bike you can buy.

NeedMoto wrote:

I'm "the other guy" that hasn't gelled with the 350. Bought an 18 KTM 350 a month ago. 58 years old, strictly moto. I get around...

I'm "the other guy" that hasn't gelled with the 350. Bought an 18 KTM 350 a month ago. 58 years old, strictly moto.
I get around the track much better on a 450, as I ride in the low end torque curve.

I wanted to test my curiosity, did and moving on.

It's not about one bike being better than the other, it's about whatever your most comfortable on.

Mine has 4 hours on it. It's going up for sale soon.

fullfloater wrote:

What are the plans for the 2019 ktm/husq 350? I heard something about a torquier motor. I like the YZ250F power delivery and would jump at...

What are the plans for the 2019 ktm/husq 350? I heard something about a torquier motor. I like the YZ250F power delivery and would jump at a similar powerband 350. Not too interested in a 15k RPM 350.

yz133rider wrote:

I hope they dont ruin a good thing how it builds power now is great. And mxa and others overstate how the low end is weak.

Johnny Depp wrote:

Maybe an individual test

Tuna wrote:

Do it.

ML512 wrote:

I’ll reach out tomorrow but I just noticed...they don’t actually have a current 450? 430 and 480 but no 450...I don’t have a 350 KTM or...

I’ll reach out tomorrow but I just noticed...they don’t actually have a current 450? 430 and 480 but no 450...I don’t have a 350 KTM or Husky to compare against their 350...guess we’ll give them the cc advantage and go 480!

Pirate421 wrote:

Well this thread sure went to hell in a beta hand basket real quick

Johnny Depp wrote:

Maybe KTM and Husky should have used some of that mojo to get more than 1 3rd place year end result in the last 3 years...

Maybe KTM and Husky should have used some of that mojo to get more than 1 3rd place year end result in the last 3 years in EnduroGP before quitting? If you don't think that their big bankroll team wasn't using the latest MX based technology you need to do a little research.

I don't pretend that a Beta is the top MX bike, but can it hold it's own against the field, IMO yes. Most Vet racers (most of this forum) are far better off on a torquey engine than a rev one, whether it is cool or not.

Pirate421 wrote:

Has anyone heard of any updates for the 350 in 19 besides the chassis? I’d really like to see what Yamaha and Honda could do for...

Has anyone heard of any updates for the 350 in 19 besides the chassis?

I’d really like to see what Yamaha and Honda could do for a 350.

Tuna wrote:

Do it.

ML512 wrote:

I’ll reach out tomorrow but I just noticed...they don’t actually have a current 450? 430 and 480 but no 450...I don’t have a 350 KTM or...

I’ll reach out tomorrow but I just noticed...they don’t actually have a current 450? 430 and 480 but no 450...I don’t have a 350 KTM or Husky to compare against their 350...guess we’ll give them the cc advantage and go 480!

Johnny Depp wrote:

The 480 is the Vet special. I hope they let you have one, you are a very detailed tester, and love it or hate it there...

The 480 is the Vet special. I hope they let you have one, you are a very detailed tester, and love it or hate it there will be something learned and some interesting info for Vitard's. They probably have some race team bikes if you wanted to go that route.

They have a BYOB program on their site, you can build it any way you want. You get enough discount with the program that changing the springs for your weight is basically no charge. I'd make sure it had about 10 hours on it (they are tight) and run stock gearing with stiffer springs and sag under 100 and the forks up in the clamps a couple lines. And don't forget your LitPro. But that is your job..

Thanks for the consideration!

Johnny Depp wrote:

Maybe KTM and Husky should have used some of that mojo to get more than 1 3rd place year end result in the last 3 years...

Maybe KTM and Husky should have used some of that mojo to get more than 1 3rd place year end result in the last 3 years in EnduroGP before quitting? If you don't think that their big bankroll team wasn't using the latest MX based technology you need to do a little research.

I don't pretend that a Beta is the top MX bike, but can it hold it's own against the field, IMO yes. Most Vet racers (most of this forum) are far better off on a torquey engine than a rev one, whether it is cool or not.

Ghost of Jabroni wrote:

I think the point you’re missing is that the Beta is a pure Enduro bike. It’s frame is built for that purpose the same way the...

I think the point you’re missing is that the Beta is a pure Enduro bike. It’s frame is built for that purpose the same way the Japanese frames are built for SX.

IMO the ktm/husky’s are the only bikes built primarily for MX.

Does that mean a Beta cant do decent on the MX track? Of course not. But be it GasGas, Sherco, or Beta, they’re primary goal is Enduro.

I would guess anyone jumping from a stiff aluminum Japanese bike to a forgiving steel enduro/Euro bike is gonna feel somewhat uncomfortable.

ML512 wrote:

I’ll reach out tomorrow but I just noticed...they don’t actually have a current 450? 430 and 480 but no 450...I don’t have a 350 KTM or...

I’ll reach out tomorrow but I just noticed...they don’t actually have a current 450? 430 and 480 but no 450...I don’t have a 350 KTM or Husky to compare against their 350...guess we’ll give them the cc advantage and go 480!

Johnny Depp wrote:

The 480 is the Vet special. I hope they let you have one, you are a very detailed tester, and love it or hate it there...

The 480 is the Vet special. I hope they let you have one, you are a very detailed tester, and love it or hate it there will be something learned and some interesting info for Vitard's. They probably have some race team bikes if you wanted to go that route.

They have a BYOB program on their site, you can build it any way you want. You get enough discount with the program that changing the springs for your weight is basically no charge. I'd make sure it had about 10 hours on it (they are tight) and run stock gearing with stiffer springs and sag under 100 and the forks up in the clamps a couple lines. And don't forget your LitPro. But that is your job..

Thanks for the consideration!

ML512 wrote:

Oh hell no...that sounds like a stink bug already...

NeedMoto wrote:

I'm "the other guy" that hasn't gelled with the 350. Bought an 18 KTM 350 a month ago. 58 years old, strictly moto. I get around...

I'm "the other guy" that hasn't gelled with the 350. Bought an 18 KTM 350 a month ago. 58 years old, strictly moto.
I get around the track much better on a 450, as I ride in the low end torque curve.

I wanted to test my curiosity, did and moving on.

It's not about one bike being better than the other, it's about whatever your most comfortable on.

Mine has 4 hours on it. It's going up for sale soon.

fullfloater wrote:

What are the plans for the 2019 ktm/husq 350? I heard something about a torquier motor. I like the YZ250F power delivery and would jump at...

What are the plans for the 2019 ktm/husq 350? I heard something about a torquier motor. I like the YZ250F power delivery and would jump at a similar powerband 350. Not too interested in a 15k RPM 350.

yz133rider wrote:

I hope they dont ruin a good thing how it builds power now is great. And mxa and others overstate how the low end is weak.

Ghost of Jabroni wrote:

I agree with this entirely. The power delivery is EXACTLY why us vet riders love the 350 and I dont want it to change. It’s soft...

I agree with this entirely.

The power delivery is EXACTLY why us vet riders love the 350 and I dont want it to change.

It’s soft off the bottom and is linear all the way through. Which feels safe and allows the pilot to ride the bike instead of the other way around.

The 350 has been awesome since it’s inception. I hope they NEVER change it’s core attributes.

As for the OP’s original question I would think that eventually a Japanese 350 might exist. I think they will fuck up what makes the Husky/KTM so great. And I doubt it will have all the minor details (steel frame, easy access air filter, hour meter) that the Austrian bike has. So count me out. I’ll be sticking with Husky indefinitely.

yz133rider wrote:

I hope they dont ruin a good thing how it builds power now is great. And mxa and others overstate how the low end is weak.

Ghost of Jabroni wrote:

I agree with this entirely. The power delivery is EXACTLY why us vet riders love the 350 and I dont want it to change. It’s soft...

I agree with this entirely.

The power delivery is EXACTLY why us vet riders love the 350 and I dont want it to change.

It’s soft off the bottom and is linear all the way through. Which feels safe and allows the pilot to ride the bike instead of the other way around.

The 350 has been awesome since it’s inception. I hope they NEVER change it’s core attributes.

As for the OP’s original question I would think that eventually a Japanese 350 might exist. I think they will fuck up what makes the Husky/KTM so great. And I doubt it will have all the minor details (steel frame, easy access air filter, hour meter) that the Austrian bike has. So count me out. I’ll be sticking with Husky indefinitely.

yz133rider wrote:

I was thinking the exact same thing as far as the japs ruining the 350 even if they built one. It would sign off by 10k...

I was thinking the exact same thing as far as the japs ruining the 350 even if they built one. It would sign off by 10k and be worthless compared to the husky. The motor is perfect. If they change it up too much ill find another 17 or 18 to buy.

Ghost of Jabroni wrote:

I agree with this entirely. The power delivery is EXACTLY why us vet riders love the 350 and I dont want it to change. It’s soft...

I agree with this entirely.

The power delivery is EXACTLY why us vet riders love the 350 and I dont want it to change.

It’s soft off the bottom and is linear all the way through. Which feels safe and allows the pilot to ride the bike instead of the other way around.

The 350 has been awesome since it’s inception. I hope they NEVER change it’s core attributes.

As for the OP’s original question I would think that eventually a Japanese 350 might exist. I think they will fuck up what makes the Husky/KTM so great. And I doubt it will have all the minor details (steel frame, easy access air filter, hour meter) that the Austrian bike has. So count me out. I’ll be sticking with Husky indefinitely.

yz133rider wrote:

I was thinking the exact same thing as far as the japs ruining the 350 even if they built one. It would sign off by 10k...

I was thinking the exact same thing as far as the japs ruining the 350 even if they built one. It would sign off by 10k and be worthless compared to the husky. The motor is perfect. If they change it up too much ill find another 17 or 18 to buy.

Johnny Depp wrote:

Wait, weren't you just advocating softer power delivery in the other XC/MX thread? More bottom power is a good thing, 14k rpm's is not in my...

Wait, weren't you just advocating softer power delivery in the other XC/MX thread? More bottom power is a good thing, 14k rpm's is not in my book.

MotoMatt_928 wrote:

It's odd that the Japanese manufacturers do not build a 350. As others have mentioned, it is KTM's #1 selling bike, so it is pulling business...

It's odd that the Japanese manufacturers do not build a 350. As others have mentioned, it is KTM's #1 selling bike, so it is pulling business away from someone who would buy a 250 or 450 from a Japanese manufacturer. They obviously feel it is not that bad of a market share loss, so that is why they are not investing in it.

I came from a fully race-built motored KX250F with A-Kit suspension to a stock 2016 FC350 that I have been slowly modding over time, and never looked back. I'm a 30+ vet rider, and also ride single track and OHV trails, and this bike is the best for all types of riding that I do.


Here's a graph showing power levels for the newer generation KTM's, (250, 350, and 450) and a Suzuki 250 for reference. I can't remember who posted it, but it was on this forum. Good stuff.

Pirate421 wrote:

Has anyone heard of any updates for the 350 in 19 besides the chassis? I’d really like to see what Yamaha and Honda could do for...

Has anyone heard of any updates for the 350 in 19 besides the chassis?

I’d really like to see what Yamaha and Honda could do for a 350.

Johnny Depp wrote:

Maybe an individual test

Tuna wrote:

Do it.

ML512 wrote:

I’ll reach out tomorrow but I just noticed...they don’t actually have a current 450? 430 and 480 but no 450...I don’t have a 350 KTM or...

I’ll reach out tomorrow but I just noticed...they don’t actually have a current 450? 430 and 480 but no 450...I don’t have a 350 KTM or Husky to compare against their 350...guess we’ll give them the cc advantage and go 480!

kkawboy14 wrote:

Can’t you turn a 250 2 stroke into a 365?

kkawboy14 wrote:

Can’t you turn a 250 2 stroke into a 365?

Bearuno wrote:

RPM have made the pre 17 KTM 250 2t into a 434cc engine. A fellow on KTM Talk by the name of Big Dog had it...

RPM have made the pre 17 KTM 250 2t into a 434cc engine.

A fellow on KTM Talk by the name of Big Dog had it done, but I think he felt the best of the bore and stroke jobs was around the 411cc mark.

http://rpmmfg.com/BigBoreStroker.aspx

Johnny89superbike wrote:

I'm 58 and carrying many injuries, currently riding a modded 2011 RMZ450, I was thinking the big bike was too much for me; I rode a...

I'm 58 and carrying many injuries, currently riding a modded 2011 RMZ450, I was thinking the big bike was too much for me; I rode a mates 2013 KTM350 the other day, maybe it needed a pipe or something, I was a little disappointed in the performance; no peak like a 250, just broad gutless power, no peaks or troughs. Got back on my 450 and loved it more.

If the Japs build one, I wonder if a peaky 250 type power is the go or make tractor type power? Personally I'm thinking that a 'de-stroke' of a 450 might work? The longer the stroke, the larger the flywheels, hence more gyroscopic mass to change directions. This is so noticeable when comparing a 600 to a 1000 on the roadrace track, bikes weigh basically the same but a 600 can change direction so much easier at speed; it's all physics.

aees wrote:

The 350 has exactly the same power curve as a 250, but you need to hold it long up in the RPM. This is difficult, because...

The 350 has exactly the same power curve as a 250, but you need to hold it long up in the RPM. This is difficult, because a 250 or 125 does not do much to throw you back in the saddle, while the 350 makes you wonder why you ever bought it. Very difficult on anything else than sand to ride a 350 like a 250 with overrev.

Basically You did not hold it wide open long enough. If you did you would have noticed the massive horse kick in your face when it runs away.

Im a pretty fast rider, i race in lower RPMs. I thought the same, until i discovered that if i hold it wide open for 2-3sec i could barely hold on to it when it hit.

gsxr6 wrote:

I'd agree except I was bumping the limiter in all three top gears. I know they Rev 14000, it did pull to there but talk about...

I'd agree except I was bumping the limiter in all three top gears. I know they Rev 14000, it did pull to there but talk about a wait if u don't clutch the life out of it. I have some good money into my 02 cr250, and it walks that 350 bad. It isn't even fair really. My 17 crf450 is pretty flat across the top end tbh. Amazing mid though. I actually scored a rocket science kx500 this weekend, so I am kind of an oddball.. I'll admit the 350 didn't really tire me at all lol.

gsxr6 wrote:

I'd agree except I was bumping the limiter in all three top gears. I know they Rev 14000, it did pull to there but talk about...

I'd agree except I was bumping the limiter in all three top gears. I know they Rev 14000, it did pull to there but talk about a wait if u don't clutch the life out of it. I have some good money into my 02 cr250, and it walks that 350 bad. It isn't even fair really. My 17 crf450 is pretty flat across the top end tbh. Amazing mid though. I actually scored a rocket science kx500 this weekend, so I am kind of an oddball.. I'll admit the 350 didn't really tire me at all lol.

BobPA wrote:

I’d like to see some video proof of you 250 smoker walking a 350 “bad”. I own a 250 Kawi smoker that runs very well, and...

I’d like to see some video proof of you 250 smoker walking a 350 “bad”. I own a 250 Kawi smoker that runs very well, and it had nothing for my 350 in a drag race.

I bet your CR feels faster on the butt dyno though...

gsxr6 wrote:

I'd agree except I was bumping the limiter in all three top gears. I know they Rev 14000, it did pull to there but talk about...

I'd agree except I was bumping the limiter in all three top gears. I know they Rev 14000, it did pull to there but talk about a wait if u don't clutch the life out of it. I have some good money into my 02 cr250, and it walks that 350 bad. It isn't even fair really. My 17 crf450 is pretty flat across the top end tbh. Amazing mid though. I actually scored a rocket science kx500 this weekend, so I am kind of an oddball.. I'll admit the 350 didn't really tire me at all lol.

BobPA wrote:

I’d like to see some video proof of you 250 smoker walking a 350 “bad”. I own a 250 Kawi smoker that runs very well, and...

I’d like to see some video proof of you 250 smoker walking a 350 “bad”. I own a 250 Kawi smoker that runs very well, and it had nothing for my 350 in a drag race.

I bet your CR feels faster on the butt dyno though...

doghouse wrote:

I wouldn't be overly surprised. My 03' CR250 dynos at 53 Hp and makes it much faster than the 350. I don't think there's a ton...

I wouldn't be overly surprised. My 03' CR250 dynos at 53 Hp and makes it much faster than the 350. I don't think there's a ton in between them though.

kkawboy14 wrote:

Can’t you turn a 250 2 stroke into a 365?

Bearuno wrote:

RPM have made the pre 17 KTM 250 2t into a 434cc engine. A fellow on KTM Talk by the name of Big Dog had it...

RPM have made the pre 17 KTM 250 2t into a 434cc engine.

A fellow on KTM Talk by the name of Big Dog had it done, but I think he felt the best of the bore and stroke jobs was around the 411cc mark.

http://rpmmfg.com/BigBoreStroker.aspx

kkawboy14 wrote:

I would own that bike! My 450 explodes off the bottom or I can upshift and make it easy off the bottom or I can roll...

I would own that bike!

My 450 explodes off the bottom or I can upshift and make it easy off the bottom or I can roll the clutch out slower. I would much prefer a bike that has what I want when I want it. You can never get in trouble if you learn to ride with the clutch.

gsxr6 wrote:

Some guys don't want to ride a top fuel dragster. That's understandable. Also the 450s are a bit powerful for non pros on motocross tracks. Also...

Some guys don't want to ride a top fuel dragster. That's understandable. Also the 450s are a bit powerful for non pros on motocross tracks. Also understandable. All I know is the big four need to continue to innovate or it won't be long before Ktm and Alta are all that's left.( Points to recent 450 podium)