350 vs. 450

Agent717
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Agent717 9/2/2018 9:59pm
9/2/2018 9:59pm
T-Fish wrote:
You guys are killing me! Some say the 350, some say the 450. Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have...
You guys are killing me! Some say the 350, some say the 450.

Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have a 450 and feel like I want a 350 instead.
I have a 350 right now. Don’t necessarily want a 450 but I do want a Yamaha. Almost enough to consider a new YZ450F. I just love the way they feel compared to all other brands. I wish the Japanese would make a 350 already!
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mmcmx
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mmcmx 9/3/2018 1:38am
9/3/2018 1:38am
If I lived in california with those loamy well prepped fast tracks I would be on a 450 no doubt. But where I live tracks can be pretty tight and slippery so the 350 is better. How are the tracks in your area?
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mx4all 9/3/2018 2:04am
9/3/2018 2:04am
I did ride 450 for a couple of years then bought a new 350 ktm 2016. Didnt like it in the long run.. its like a race prepped 250, you have to rev it to the moon to ride it fast and it makes it a very demanding bike to race. I could ride the 450 twice as long in the same pace. Went back to 450 and never regret it.
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Fiftyfiveracing 9/3/2018 2:44am
9/3/2018 2:44am
T-Fish wrote:
You guys are killing me! Some say the 350, some say the 450. Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have...
You guys are killing me! Some say the 350, some say the 450.

Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have a 450 and feel like I want a 350 instead.
I had 350 and wanted to get a 450. Then i bought 450 and wanted to go back to 350. After that last 350 i got 250 2stroke and it's the best decision i have made. Actually i feel that 250 2t is quite competitive even i am racing with 450s, atleast here in finland where tracks are pretty much sand or sandish and not so high speed.
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downard254
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downard254 9/3/2018 4:52am
9/3/2018 4:52am
I’ve often wondered how the 350f would compare to a KTM 300 XC with a few mod options and maybe just a tad more flywheel weight. Does anyone know if the new 300 two strokes also have the counterbalancer in them as well. I just figure the 300 would feel very light and the 300 cc motor with extra weight would make it very torquey and easy to ride.
stone881
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stone881 9/3/2018 8:01am
9/3/2018 8:01am
Just to add to the story here.....if you have a newer 350 or thinking about it, try going to a 13 tooth front. Makes it like a different bike, as you can get to the heart of the power a lot easier.

Some people who have them on here commented that they don't like gearing down, but Derek Harris had told me to try it as most of his A level riders were doing that and he was right. Night and day difference because the 350 has to sing to be effective.
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Panic_Rev 9/3/2018 8:17am
9/3/2018 8:17am
stone881 wrote:
Just to add to the story here.....if you have a newer 350 or thinking about it, try going to a 13 tooth front. Makes it like...
Just to add to the story here.....if you have a newer 350 or thinking about it, try going to a 13 tooth front. Makes it like a different bike, as you can get to the heart of the power a lot easier.

Some people who have them on here commented that they don't like gearing down, but Derek Harris had told me to try it as most of his A level riders were doing that and he was right. Night and day difference because the 350 has to sing to be effective.
Allow you to ride a taller gear?
crockett
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crockett 9/3/2018 9:02am
9/3/2018 9:02am
I wonder if they made a 550 how many people would jump on the bike too. Unless you are an elite rider, 350 is the bike most of us should be riding.
Some guys just can't handle their small man syndrome and have to buy the most powerful bike.
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fourfourone
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fourfourone 9/4/2018 6:20am
9/4/2018 6:20am
crockett wrote:
I wonder if they made a 550 how many people would jump on the bike too. Unless you are an elite rider, 350 is the bike...
I wonder if they made a 550 how many people would jump on the bike too. Unless you are an elite rider, 350 is the bike most of us should be riding.
Some guys just can't handle their small man syndrome and have to buy the most powerful bike.
I don't think this is correct at all. I ride a 450 because I feel like its easier for me to ride as I get older. I enjoy the low end power and the fact I don't have to rev the hell out of it to make power. Modern 450s are super easy to ride.
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kkawboy14
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kkawboy14 9/4/2018 6:32am
9/4/2018 6:32am
I hated the 350 suspension I rode!
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crockett
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crockett 9/4/2018 8:33am
9/4/2018 8:33am
crockett wrote:
I wonder if they made a 550 how many people would jump on the bike too. Unless you are an elite rider, 350 is the bike...
I wonder if they made a 550 how many people would jump on the bike too. Unless you are an elite rider, 350 is the bike most of us should be riding.
Some guys just can't handle their small man syndrome and have to buy the most powerful bike.
fourfourone wrote:
I don't think this is correct at all. I ride a 450 because I feel like its easier for me to ride as I get older...
I don't think this is correct at all. I ride a 450 because I feel like its easier for me to ride as I get older. I enjoy the low end power and the fact I don't have to rev the hell out of it to make power. Modern 450s are super easy to ride.
The power on a 450 is great, it's what comes with the power, loss of handling characteristics. I find this is magnified more in trails than on a track, but still relevant on a track.
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dirtywardog 9/4/2018 9:21am
9/4/2018 9:21am
I rode the 2019 ktm's over the weekend at a demo day, main bike is a 2017 sx250 and a play bike 2014 sx125

the new 450 was the factory edition and had a full fmf mega bomb pipe on it, this bike was weird it was fast ( of course ) but so smooth it made it feel heavy and less play full / jumps were easy to clear but the bike wore me out

they had 2 350's one stock the other had a full AER cone valve / traxx shock. This bike was the bomb it had nice immediate snap and just kept pulling in a very fun aggressive snappy power band, it literally would wheelie out of corners where the 450 wouldn't. It was way more agile and an easier bike to pick you line on. The upgraded suspension was nice but really not worth the extra $$$

keep in mind these are the 2019's the 2018 450 felt way different

the new 125 / 150's are also super nice and are easy to keep on pipe but ill keep my beater 2014 125 theirs just not enough difference to upgrade
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greg570
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greg570 9/4/2018 9:57am
9/4/2018 9:57am
dirtywardog wrote:
I rode the 2019 ktm's over the weekend at a demo day, main bike is a 2017 sx250 and a play bike 2014 sx125 the new...
I rode the 2019 ktm's over the weekend at a demo day, main bike is a 2017 sx250 and a play bike 2014 sx125

the new 450 was the factory edition and had a full fmf mega bomb pipe on it, this bike was weird it was fast ( of course ) but so smooth it made it feel heavy and less play full / jumps were easy to clear but the bike wore me out

they had 2 350's one stock the other had a full AER cone valve / traxx shock. This bike was the bomb it had nice immediate snap and just kept pulling in a very fun aggressive snappy power band, it literally would wheelie out of corners where the 450 wouldn't. It was way more agile and an easier bike to pick you line on. The upgraded suspension was nice but really not worth the extra $$$

keep in mind these are the 2019's the 2018 450 felt way different

the new 125 / 150's are also super nice and are easy to keep on pipe but ill keep my beater 2014 125 theirs just not enough difference to upgrade
How does 2018 450 compare to 2019 450?
crowe176
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crowe176 9/4/2018 10:29am
9/4/2018 10:29am
T-Fish wrote:
You guys are killing me! Some say the 350, some say the 450. Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have...
You guys are killing me! Some say the 350, some say the 450.

Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have a 450 and feel like I want a 350 instead.
Agent717 wrote:
I have a 350 right now. Don’t necessarily want a 450 but I do want a Yamaha. Almost enough to consider a new YZ450F. I just...
I have a 350 right now. Don’t necessarily want a 450 but I do want a Yamaha. Almost enough to consider a new YZ450F. I just love the way they feel compared to all other brands. I wish the Japanese would make a 350 already!
Like I said above, I have a 350 and want a 450. I'm not agro enough anymore to ride a 350 like you need to ride it. I miss the lugging of the 450. I'm guess i'm getting too old and lazy..
GeorgiePorgie 9/4/2018 3:30pm
9/4/2018 3:30pm Edited Date/Time 9/4/2018 3:32pm
I hate 450s. Bought one in 2013, rode it 10 hours. Just hated it. Loved the ya suspension but damn I can’t ride 450s

Bought a husky 250f and loved it.

Of course my favorite bike is my yz144. I like bikes tha scream on the top but don’t kill you. And I think that bike is a 350.

love my fc250. But yearn for Atleast a 350 if I’m in sand....and I been going back and forth this week. Almost picked up a 350 today. Think I’m just gonna do it....
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Sipes #412
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Sipes #412 9/4/2018 5:59pm
9/4/2018 5:59pm
GeorgiePorgie wrote:
I hate 450s. Bought one in 2013, rode it 10 hours. Just hated it. Loved the ya suspension but damn I can’t ride 450s Bought a...
I hate 450s. Bought one in 2013, rode it 10 hours. Just hated it. Loved the ya suspension but damn I can’t ride 450s

Bought a husky 250f and loved it.

Of course my favorite bike is my yz144. I like bikes tha scream on the top but don’t kill you. And I think that bike is a 350.

love my fc250. But yearn for Atleast a 350 if I’m in sand....and I been going back and forth this week. Almost picked up a 350 today. Think I’m just gonna do it....
I would say go for it. I ride a 17 fc450 and got the chance to ride an 18 fc350 and it was probably the most fun I've had on a bike in a while. It has a light free revving feeling which I like. I dont like lugging i like to ride mid and top so this is maybe why i enjoy riding it. After a half day on my bike i felt worn out but as soon as i hopped on the 350 i felt like i could ride it all day. Debating between a 250 sx/tc or 350 sxf/fc right now.
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Kelz87
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Kelz87 9/4/2018 9:43pm
9/4/2018 9:43pm
T-Fish wrote:
You guys are killing me! Some say the 350, some say the 450. Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have...
You guys are killing me! Some say the 350, some say the 450.

Any of you have a 350 and want a 450 instead? I have a 450 and feel like I want a 350 instead.
Agent717 wrote:
I have a 350 right now. Don’t necessarily want a 450 but I do want a Yamaha. Almost enough to consider a new YZ450F. I just...
I have a 350 right now. Don’t necessarily want a 450 but I do want a Yamaha. Almost enough to consider a new YZ450F. I just love the way they feel compared to all other brands. I wish the Japanese would make a 350 already!
I know what you mean- I’d like to have a Kawasaki, but I don’t want a 450 and I don’t feel like I could go back to a 250. I’ll probably stay on a KTM or Husky just because they make a 350
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Pirate421
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Pirate421 9/5/2018 2:58am
9/5/2018 2:58am
I remember reading dirtbike magazine test of the 2018 350sxf and they wrote that Ktm and husky were the only manufacturers that made a 350 but that will change. I know it’s a long shot but I’d really like to see the Japanese brands get in on this segment because I think it could be super competitive. Imagine a CRF350 and a YZF350 I’d be pumped.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/dirtbikemagazine.com/amp/2018-ktm-350sx-r-…
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Lynch
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Lynch 9/5/2018 5:33am
9/5/2018 5:33am
Pirate421 wrote:
I remember reading dirtbike magazine test of the 2018 350sxf and they wrote that Ktm and husky were the only manufacturers that made a 350 but...
I remember reading dirtbike magazine test of the 2018 350sxf and they wrote that Ktm and husky were the only manufacturers that made a 350 but that will change. I know it’s a long shot but I’d really like to see the Japanese brands get in on this segment because I think it could be super competitive. Imagine a CRF350 and a YZF350 I’d be pumped.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/dirtbikemagazine.com/amp/2018-ktm-350sx-r-…
I would jump all over a YZF350 Woohoo
mmain62
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mmain62 9/5/2018 6:51am
9/5/2018 6:51am
I've raced a 2012 350SXF all summer in the +25 class. I have been bouncing from 1st, 2nd and 3rd all season against 450s. I will say this.If you are in a battle with a 450 and come up to a long straight they will probably pull you. The 350 is a hole shot machine also. A new 350 would have to be more competitive than my 12 was for sure. That being said I just sold the 350sxf and purchased a near new 17' KX450F. I haven't raced it yet but it doesn't feel way too powerful and its lighter than my 350 was. Bottom line from racing both over the years. If you are doing it for fun get the 350. If you don't care about just being edged out because you got pulled by a 450 out of the last turn and he out powered you to the finish, you will be fine.
PRM31
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PRM31 9/5/2018 8:01am
9/5/2018 8:01am
Pirate421 wrote:
I remember reading dirtbike magazine test of the 2018 350sxf and they wrote that Ktm and husky were the only manufacturers that made a 350 but...
I remember reading dirtbike magazine test of the 2018 350sxf and they wrote that Ktm and husky were the only manufacturers that made a 350 but that will change. I know it’s a long shot but I’d really like to see the Japanese brands get in on this segment because I think it could be super competitive. Imagine a CRF350 and a YZF350 I’d be pumped.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/dirtbikemagazine.com/amp/2018-ktm-350sx-r-…
Lynch wrote:
I would jump all over a YZF350 Woohoo
I would be in!
Prejump
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Prejump 9/5/2018 8:17am
9/5/2018 8:17am
Both 350 or 450 will be fine.

A 450 IMO is the better choice for me as I like the riding style you can use.,

A 450 allows you to short shift more, ride super smooth.

You can do that on both but a 450 is better for smooth riding styles, smooth usually means fast & less risky.

After youve ridden it a few times your muscles adapt & it doesnt feel monster like.

dirtywardog 9/5/2018 8:38am
9/5/2018 8:38am
greg570 wrote:
How does 2018 450 compare to 2019 450?
Im sure the 19 would be a better bike it just would need some tweaking to get there with mapping or gearing etc / the 2018 just felt racier - keep in mind i haven't spent a ton of time on these bikes i ride 2 smokes lol
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DTR830 9/5/2018 2:30pm
9/5/2018 2:30pm
PRM31 wrote:
I’m looking to try something different. Grew up on 2Ts, had one ‘09 CRF250R, and more recently an ‘04 CR250 and ‘05 RM125(144). Now I’d like...
I’m looking to try something different. Grew up on 2Ts, had one ‘09 CRF250R, and more recently an ‘04 CR250 and ‘05 RM125(144). Now I’d like a fuel injected (read - no jetting), electric start, latest generation bike. Possibly race vet class, mostly track for fun though. One thing I hated about the CRF was the heavy feel and engine inertia. Electric smooth motor, but it felt 100lbs heavier than a CR. I don’t mind revving a bike and shifting as necessary. In fact I really enjoy 125s, but want something with a more mello oomph for this bike (relative to a 125). I’ve sat on the ‘19 KX450, YZ450F and 350SXF. The KX felt really good but the other two weren’t bad. I’m 175lbs so can adjust any of them to work I’m sure. The real question, which can only be answered by riding them, is how much lighter feeling is the 350 vs a 450? If I do race am I going to suffer significantly more wrestling a 450 around vs a 350? My dilemma is I’m leaning towards the KX, or YZ (just because they are new and look cool...), but IF the 450s are really much less nimble and forgiving, then I’d probably end up liking a 350 better. Any vet riders out there who have ridden both have any insight?
walent215 wrote:
easy choice with what you've just mentioned. 350 all day. 450s are alot of bike. The 350 is alot of bike too but will be much...
easy choice with what you've just mentioned. 350 all day. 450s are alot of bike. The 350 is alot of bike too but will be much easier transition for you
I love my 17 350. Won’t own a different motor.
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KX500
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KX500 9/5/2018 3:33pm
9/5/2018 3:33pm
My last couple bikes were CRF450s. I thought they were the only way to go - that power is addictive. I really didn't even understand that I was dealing with the whole 'engine inertia'-top heavy feel-doesn't corner like something smaller-until I got back on a CR250. I loved owning 450s, but I can't say I loved riding them, except in a straight line.
booma1218
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booma1218 9/5/2018 4:33pm
9/5/2018 4:33pm
I just bought s leftover 18 350 sxf after I sold my 17 450 sxf...Personally I love the 350 and couldn't be happier with my decision..You can't really go wrong with either bike, but my vote is for the 350...
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ThePizzaCobra
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ThePizzaCobra 5/2/2020 7:18pm
5/2/2020 7:18pm
Digging up this old thread because I’m pondering the same question. I’ve had my 350 for about a year and a half now and I’m steadily stacking hours. Thinking about my next bike and it’s between a 350 sx-f and 450 sx-f. I love the 350 but you really have to ring the piss out of it to ride it right. I’m comfortable with the amount of power, but I prefer short shifting and riding in a lower rpm - I’m wondering if a 450 is the way to go. Seems that opinions are split on what wears the rider out more... riding a 350 aggressively or hanging on to a 450. I’m a casual vet rider that likes to spin as many laps as I can on a Sunday... what do you guys think?
Jon Bingham
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Jon Bingham 5/2/2020 8:06pm
5/2/2020 8:06pm
I think the 450 would be better for you. If you were racing I'd say 350- easier to hang onto late in the moto's.
Hammer 663s
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Hammer 663s 5/2/2020 8:13pm
5/2/2020 8:13pm
ThePizzaCobra wrote:
Digging up this old thread because I’m pondering the same question. I’ve had my 350 for about a year and a half now and I’m steadily...
Digging up this old thread because I’m pondering the same question. I’ve had my 350 for about a year and a half now and I’m steadily stacking hours. Thinking about my next bike and it’s between a 350 sx-f and 450 sx-f. I love the 350 but you really have to ring the piss out of it to ride it right. I’m comfortable with the amount of power, but I prefer short shifting and riding in a lower rpm - I’m wondering if a 450 is the way to go. Seems that opinions are split on what wears the rider out more... riding a 350 aggressively or hanging on to a 450. I’m a casual vet rider that likes to spin as many laps as I can on a Sunday... what do you guys think?
I love my '18 FC350. Also a vet (57 next month) and I love the light weight and manageable torque. Rode 450s for the prior 12 years but last year realized I was at risk of injury from all that power wearing me out. Now, I'm 5'11" and 185, in shape, and put over 30 hours a year on the meter, not some fat ass that only rides a few times a year. But I know my reaction time and vision ain't what they used to be. I haven't ridden any modern 450s, but unless it's under 220 lbs w/electric start I'm not interested. You don't have to ride a 350 aggressively, but I agree if you really want to haul ass you should. Keefer said the 2020 FC450 FE is a blast - fast but not tiring. Maybe that's the ticket for you?

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TbonesPop 5/2/2020 8:20pm
5/2/2020 8:20pm
ThePizzaCobra wrote:
Digging up this old thread because I’m pondering the same question. I’ve had my 350 for about a year and a half now and I’m steadily...
Digging up this old thread because I’m pondering the same question. I’ve had my 350 for about a year and a half now and I’m steadily stacking hours. Thinking about my next bike and it’s between a 350 sx-f and 450 sx-f. I love the 350 but you really have to ring the piss out of it to ride it right. I’m comfortable with the amount of power, but I prefer short shifting and riding in a lower rpm - I’m wondering if a 450 is the way to go. Seems that opinions are split on what wears the rider out more... riding a 350 aggressively or hanging on to a 450. I’m a casual vet rider that likes to spin as many laps as I can on a Sunday... what do you guys think?
Go with the 450, they are so easy to ride for vet riders (such as myself). I like the 350s too, but as you said you have to be willing to wring them out. Some of the newer 2020 450s are just fantastic bikes. If you get the chance, hop on a KX450 or a YZ450. Honestly, I ride a 250F a lot faster and better, but I enjoy the 450 more. It makes you lazy. But they are just super easy, and they keep feeling more lighter and lighter all the time. I'm a bigger guy at 205 lbs and 6' (muscle, not fat) and I can hang on to them just fine. I like the YZ450 because if its seems like its too much to handle, you can easily mellow it out with the yamaha tuning app. You can still have the low range torque of a 450 without the pull your arms off power that wears you out.

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